Looking for an easy, festive appetizer that feels fancy but comes together in minutes? These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to—especially during the holidays. They’re vibrant, creamy, sweet, tangy, and have just the right hint of savory. Even better? No cooking required.

What makes this recipe a standout isn’t just how pretty these pinwheels look on a holiday platter—it’s how balanced the flavors are. The creamy richness of the cheese, the pop of tart cranberries, the fresh bite of green onions, and that soft tortilla wrap everything up like a little edible present.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a baby shower, or a casual brunch, this is the kind of no-stress recipe that makes you look like you went the extra mile—even if it only took 15 minutes to throw together.

Let’s break down why these little bites are about to become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• No oven needed – Perfect for when you’ve got too much already baking during the holidays.

• Quick to prepare – Just mix, roll, chill, and slice. Done.

• Make-ahead friendly – These pinwheels are even better after a few hours in the fridge.

• Festive and colorful – That pop of cranberry red and green onion? It’s basically holiday magic.

• Great for all ages – Kids love them, adults love them. No forks required.

Suitable For

• Holiday gatherings – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving—you name it.

• Appetizer boards and potlucks – They travel well and look great on a platter.

• Beginner cooks – If you can stir and roll, you can make this.

• Vegetarian diets – No meat here, just bold, satisfying flavor.

• Busy hosts – Prep them ahead, forget about them, and serve them chilled.

Ingredients for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that combine into something that feels just a little fancy.

Core Ingredients

• Dried cranberries (1 cup, chopped) – Their sweet tartness is the star of the show.

• Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup) – Adds a salty, tangy bite to balance the sweetness.

• Green onions (½ cup, finely sliced) – Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.

• Large flour tortillas (4, 10-inch size) – These soft wraps hold everything together.

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – The creamy base that ties it all together.

• Garlic powder (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a touch of savory depth, totally optional but recommended.

Substitutions and Tips

• Feta cheese – Want something creamier and slightly milder? Swap it with goat cheese.

• Cream cheese – You can use low-fat cream cheese, but full-fat gives the best texture.

• Tortillas – Spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas add color and a subtle flavor boost.

• Add crunch – Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast.

• Herbs – A handful of fresh parsley or dill can brighten the mix.

• No garlic powder? – Try a clove of finely minced fresh garlic or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.

Pro tip: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened—it makes mixing so much easier and smoother.

Best Cheese for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Let’s talk cheese. This recipe calls for feta, and for good reason. Its salty tang is the perfect contrast to sweet cranberries. But if you’re after a richer, smoother texture, goat cheese is a wonderful alternative.

Prefer something ultra-creamy? Try a mix of cream cheese and goat cheese to mellow the tang while keeping that luxurious texture.

Hosting a crowd with dietary restrictions? There are also great dairy-free cream cheese options out there that blend well and still hold the pinwheels together beautifully. Just make sure whatever cheese you use is soft enough to spread easily—this makes rolling much smoother and avoids tearing the tortillas.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to pull off this recipe—but having the right tools will make prep even quicker.

Must-Have Tools

• Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl is perfect for stirring everything together.

• Spatula or spoon – To combine your ingredients and spread the mixture.

• Knife – A sharp knife (serrated if possible) helps you slice clean pinwheels.

• Plastic wrap – Essential for chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Offset spatula – Makes spreading the cream cheese mixture smoother and faster.

• Herb scissors – For quick, even cutting of green onions or fresh herbs.

• Decorative platter – Because presentation matters, especially for holiday tables.

Don’t have these extras? No problem at all—your regular kitchen basics will work just fine.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

These pinwheels are as easy as mixing, spreading, rolling, chilling, and slicing. That’s it. But let’s walk through each step together so you can make them confidently and get perfect results every time.

Whether you’re making them ahead for a holiday party or pulling them together for a last-minute appetizer tray, this method delivers creamy, colorful, flavor-packed bites with hardly any fuss.

Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese Base

Start by softening your cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you’re short on time. You want it nice and spreadable, but not melted.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir the cream cheese until smooth. If you’re using garlic powder, mix it in now so the flavor blends evenly throughout.

This base is the glue that holds everything together, so take a minute here to make sure it’s well blended.

Step 2: Stir in the Fillings

Add your chopped dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and finely sliced green onions right into the bowl with the cream cheese.

Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until everything is evenly combined. You want those cranberries and feta bits scattered throughout the mixture, not clumped in one spot.

It might look a little rustic—that’s okay. The magic happens when you slice into the pinwheels later and see all that texture in every bite.

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board or clean surface. Spread about a quarter of the mixture across the entire surface, right out to the edges. A thin, even layer works best.

Now, roll it up tightly from one end to the other. Keep it snug, but don’t press so hard that the filling squishes out.

Once rolled, wrap the tortilla log in plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

These rolls are headed to the fridge next. Chilling helps firm everything up so slicing is a breeze later on.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Let the wrapped rolls rest in the fridge for at least an hour. You can also make them a day ahead—just keep them sealed to prevent drying out.

When you’re ready to serve, unwrap and place the roll on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into ½-inch rounds.

You’ll get about 8–10 pinwheels per tortilla, depending on how thick you slice them. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.

They’re ready to impress—and yes, they taste just as good as they look.

Tips for Success

Here are a few helpful tricks to make sure your pinwheels turn out just right:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese – It spreads like a dream and blends more easily.

• Don’t skip the chill – Cold rolls are easier to slice, and the filling stays neat.

• Roll tightly but gently – Too loose and they fall apart, too tight and the filling escapes.

• Use a serrated knife – This helps cut through the tortilla cleanly without smushing.

• Double the batch – These disappear fast, especially at parties.

Little things make a big difference—and these tips will take your pinwheels from good to great.

How to Store Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, storing these pinwheels properly keeps them fresh and tasty.

At Room Temperature

Once sliced, they can safely sit out for 1–2 hours at a party. After that, pop them back in the fridge.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The tortillas may soften slightly, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Freezing Tips

Want to get really ahead of schedule? Freeze the rolled (but unsliced) tortillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice before serving.

This is a great trick for making big batches ahead of busy holidays or events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make pinwheels the day before?

Absolutely, and they actually taste better after chilling overnight. Just slice before serving to keep the edges fresh.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and have too much moisture, which can make the filling watery. Stick with dried for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use gluten-free tortillas?

Yes! Just choose a gluten-free tortilla that rolls well and doesn’t crack when chilled.

How do I keep pinwheels from falling apart?

Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing and use a sharp knife. If you’re traveling with them, keep them tightly packed in a container so they don’t unravel.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheel Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try switching it up with these fun ideas:

• Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

• Herby Fresh – Stir in chopped parsley, chives, or dill for brightness.

• Festive Flair – Use spinach or tomato tortillas for color contrast.

• Sweet & Savory – Try goat cheese instead of feta for a softer, milder bite.

• Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to the cream cheese base.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this is the kind of recipe that invites creativity.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese, you might enjoy these festive and flavorful bites:

• Brie Bites with Cranberry Crunch – Sweet, creamy, and bite-sized, these are perfect party snacks.

• Avocado Toast with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, Cranberries and Walnuts – A fresh twist with similar flavor notes.

• Zesty Mediterranean Pickled Veggies with Feta and Oregano – A crunchy, tangy side dish to balance creamy pinwheels.

• Spinach and Cheese Casserole Recipe – Great for pairing with appetizers at brunch or dinner.

Conclusion

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are one of those magical recipes that check every box—easy to make, beautiful to serve, and completely addictive to eat. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just looking for a fun new snack, this is one dish that won’t let you down.

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