Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Ah, my dear friend, it’s that magical time of year again! The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the scent of pine dances about as we prepare for gatherings filled with warmth and laughter. I can’t help but share one of my absolute favorite festive treats with you: Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels. These are more than just a snack; they’re like little bites of holiday cheer, bursting with flavor and memories.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Have you ever tasted something that just wraps you in a warm hug? That’s how I feel about these pinwheels. They’re sweet, creamy, and have this delightful crunch that comes from the nuts. But it’s the dried cranberries that really bring out that holiday vibe—a tartness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, making every bite a balanced dance on your palate.

Not to mention, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! In about 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus a quick chill in the fridge, you’ve got a stunning appetizer that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Imagine serving these at a party, and watching your friends marvel as they take a bite. They’re a surefire way to spread joy and satisfy that sweet tooth without being overly indulgent. Also, they’re easily customizable, so you can put your own spin on them if you’d like—how cool is that?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s roll up our sleeves and gather what we need for this festive delight!

• 1 package of cream cheese, softened: This is going to be the luscious base of your pinwheels. Think of it as the canvas on which all those beautiful flavors will shine.

• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way, and this will help balance the tang of the cranberries. You could use maple syrup for a more earthy flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!

• 1 cup of dried cranberries, chopped: These tiny beauties offer a pop of color and tartness that’s just so festive. You can swap them with dried cherries or blueberries depending on your preference!

• 1 cup of walnuts or pecans, chopped: These provide a wonderful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for an added depth of flavor—seriously, it’s magic!

• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla is like wrapping your dish in a warm blanket. It melds everything together beautifully.

• 1 large flour tortilla: This will act as the wrapping for all that creamy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a whole wheat or spinach tortilla for an even more colorful twist.

• Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional): This is like the fairy dust that finishes off your masterpiece, lending a touch of elegance.

Preparing Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—creating these delightful treats!

1. Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, chopped cranberries, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Trust me; the consistency should be divine!

2. Spread the mixture: Take your large tortilla and spread the mixture evenly over one side. Be generous! You want every bite filled with that deliciousness.

3. Roll it up: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Don’t rush this part—you want it snug, but not so tight that it bursts. Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chill time allows the flavors to mingle and makes slicing much easier.

4. Slice it up: When you’re ready, unwrap the log and slice it into pinwheels about 1 inch thick. A sharp knife will help keep the edges clean—no raggedy pinwheels around here!

5. Arrange and dust: Lay the pinwheels out on a serving platter with a flourish, and if you fancy, dust them with additional powdered sugar for that sweet, snowy effect.

6. Serve and enjoy: Gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and dig in!

Best way to enjoy it

These pinwheels are perfect on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Pair them with a sparkling drink—think of something like sparkling cider or a light white wine. You can even serve them alongside a cheese board featuring creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, allowing guests to mix and match flavors.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These pinwheels keep well in the fridge. Just wrap them tightly in plastic or store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them before slicing them. Wrap the log securely, and when you’re ready to thaw, just place it in the fridge overnight.

Extra tips and advice

Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered over the years:

• Make it a family affair! This is a great recipe to get help from kids; they love rolling and slicing!
• If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using less powdered sugar or substituting with a sugar alternative.
• Want a little zest? A hint of orange zest mixed into the cream cheese can uplift the whole flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Feeling daring? Here are some variations you might consider:

• Add spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you love that warm, cozy flavor.
• Add zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy kick.
• Swap the nuts: Experiment with different nuts, like almonds or pecans for a unique twist on texture.

Ingredients

1 package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup of walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 large flour tortilla
Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions to follow

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cranberries, walnuts, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread the mixture evenly over one side of the tortilla.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Unwrap and slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
5. Arrange on a platter and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Common questions

1. How long does it take to prepare? About 15 minutes, plus refrigeration time.
2. Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and are just as delicious!
3. What can I substitute for cranberries? Dried cherries or even chopped dates work beautifully.
4. Are there any dietary adjustments? These can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and sugar substitutes for a healthier twist.
5. What’s the best way to serve leftovers? Just keep them refrigerated, and they make a great snack!

Every time I make these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels, they take me back to the joy of holiday celebrations with loved ones. They embody the spirit of the season, bringing sweet togetherness with every bite. So get in that kitchen and give this recipe a whirl—it’s your time to shine! I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out. Happy cooking!

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Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Rest Time Total Time 75 hrs

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 120

Best Season: Winter

Description

These Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels are a sweet and creamy appetizer bursting with festive flavors from dried cranberries and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 package cream cheese, softened (This is going to be the luscious base of your pinwheels.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup powdered sugar (A little sweetness goes a long way.)
• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped (These tiny beauties offer a pop of color and tartness.)
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (Provides a wonderful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon vanilla extract (A splash of vanilla melds everything together beautifully.)
• 1 large flour tortilla (This will act as the wrapping for all that creamy goodness.)
• to taste additional powdered sugar for dusting (Optional for a touch of elegance.)

Instructions

Making the Pinwheels

1. Mix the Ingredients

   Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, chopped cranberries, walnuts, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   The consistency should be divine!
   Mark as complete

2. Spread the Mixture

   Take your tortilla and spread the mixture evenly over one side.
   Be generous for maximum flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Roll it Up

   Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
   This allows flavors to mingle.
   Mark as complete

4. Slice it Up

   Unwrap the log and slice it into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
   A sharp knife helps keep edges clean.
   Mark as complete

5. Arrange and Dust

   Lay the pinwheels out on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
   This adds a sweet, snowy effect.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve and Enjoy!

   Gather your loved ones and dig in!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 120kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 100mg5%

Potassium 50mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 12g4%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 8g

Protein 2g4%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 0.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 0.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.3 mg

Phosphorus 50 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 0.5 mg

Selenium 0.5 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 20 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Christmas, Cranberry, Pinwheels, Appetizer, Holiday Treat