Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Cranberry feta pinwheels are one of my favorite party appetizers. They’re creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and wrapped up in soft flour tortillas for the perfect little bite. The combination of dried cranberries, salty feta, and herbed cream cheese creates a flavor that’s both festive and addicting. I love making these for holidays, brunches, or any time I need a no-fuss, make-ahead snack that everyone will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy and always a hit. There’s no cooking or baking required—just mixing, spreading, rolling, and slicing. The sweet and savory combo is so well-balanced, and the soft tortillas make them easy to eat. Plus, I can make them ahead of time, which makes entertaining so much simpler.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Soft flour tortillas (10-inch)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Dried cranberries

• Green onions, finely chopped

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor and color

Directions

1. I start by mixing the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.

2. I add the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. I stir until everything is evenly combined.

3. I lay out a tortilla and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface.

4. I roll the tortilla up tightly, then wrap it in plastic wrap. I repeat with the remaining tortillas.

5. I chill the rolled tortillas in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight if I’m prepping ahead).

6. When ready to serve, I unwrap and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.

7. I arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with a little fresh parsley if I want to dress them up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 pinwheels (from 3 large tortillas).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. I’ve also tried adding a bit of honey to the filling when I want a slightly sweeter version. If I want a festive holiday twist, I use spinach tortillas or add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These are best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t reheat them. I make sure to keep them chilled until just before serving to maintain their texture.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels the day before?

Yes, I often make them the night before and slice them just before serving. Chilling them overnight actually helps them hold their shape better.

What type of feta works best?

I like using a crumbly feta packed in brine—it has the most flavor and blends well with the cream cheese.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, I’ve used low-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese and it still turns out creamy and delicious.

How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?

I roll the tortillas tightly and make sure they’re well chilled before slicing. Wrapping them in plastic wrap helps them hold their shape.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, I use gluten-free tortillas and make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Conclusion

Cranberry feta pinwheels are the kind of easy, elegant appetizer I keep in my back pocket for any gathering. They’re colorful, flavorful, and always disappear fast. Whether I’m serving them at a holiday party or packing them for a picnic, they’re the perfect make-ahead bite that never fails to impress.