Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to food. One of my favorite festive snacks is Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. These delightful bite-sized treats boast a creamy, sweet filling mixed with tangy dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, all elegantly wrapped in a tortilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to any spread. When you serve these at your next get-together, you can be sure they’ll become a fan favorite.
Why you’ll love this dish
The allure of Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels goes beyond their delightful looks. These treats are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and lend themselves beautifully to customization. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a cozy cocktail party, or simply looking for a fun snack for family movie night, these pinwheels are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time—just roll them up, chill, and slice when you’re ready to serve.
“I made these for our holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone raved about the unique flavor and texture. I’ll definitely be making them again!”
Preparing Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Making these pinwheels is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master. To start, you’ll combine the cream cheese mixture and add in your cranberries and pecans, creating a delicious filling. Once that’s ready, you spread it on the tortillas, roll them tightly, and let them chill in the refrigerator to meld those flavors beautifully. It’s that simple!
What you’ll need
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
You can easily swap out ingredients too. For instance, if pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or almonds can make a great substitute. Likewise, the cranberries can be replaced with raisins or dried cherries for a different twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and pecans until well distributed.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture across each tortilla, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly; the tighter the roll, the better the pinwheels will hold together.
- Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap to maintain their shape, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Once cold and firm, unwrap and slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels.
- Arrange the cut pinwheels on a platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
When serving your Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, consider placing them on a festive platter decorated with seasonal greens or even some holly for a holiday touch. These pinwheels pair beautifully with a bright, zippy cranberry sauce on the side or even some warming mulled wine. They’re perfect for a holiday-themed potluck or as a delightful appetizer before a holiday feast.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any pinwheels left after your gathering (though you might be surprised at how quickly they disappear!), you can store them safely. Keep leftover pinwheels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you freeze them, they’ll last for about a month. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Helpful cooking tips
For added flavor, consider enhancing the cream cheese mixture with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This can give your pinwheels a delightful holiday spice. Additionally, if you find the mixture too thick for spreading, a splash of milk can help achieve a smoother consistency.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to experiment with your pinwheels! You could add a layer of spinach or other greens for extra color and nutrition or even swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative if dietary restrictions are a concern. Mixing in a bit of orange zest could also bring a refreshing citrus note to the filling.
Common questions
- What’s the prep time for Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels? Prep time is around 15 minutes, but don’t forget to factor in chilling time, ideally 2 hours or more.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the pinwheels a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Are there options for dietary restrictions? Yes! You can use gluten-free tortillas, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free option, and adjust nuts for nut allergies.
As you embark on creating these delightful Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, remember that the holiday season is not just about food; it’s about bringing people together. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments they create!
Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped Can substitute with walnuts or almonds
For assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas Can use gluten-free tortillas if needed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and pecans until well distributed.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture across each tortilla, ensuring every corner is covered.
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly; the tighter the roll, the better the pinwheels will hold together.
- Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap to maintain their shape, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Once cold and firm, unwrap and slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels.
- Arrange the cut pinwheels on a platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation before serving.
