Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a bright, festive twist on classic party roll-ups. Soft flour tortillas are filled with tangy orange-kissed cream cheese, bursts of sweet dried cranberries, and buttery pecans for crunch. Chill, slice, and you’ve got an easy make-ahead appetizer or snack that looks impressive but comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh if possible)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)
• 1 tablespoon honey, to taste (optional, for added sweetness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and chopped pecans.
2. Using a spatula or hand mixer, blend the mixture until well combined and smooth. Taste and, if you prefer a sweeter filling, stir in honey to taste.
3. Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface or cutting board.
4. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
5. Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla up tightly into a log, applying gentle pressure as you go to keep the filling snug inside.
6. Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
7. Wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap to help maintain its shape.
8. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice cleanly. For best results, chill 2–3 hours or overnight.
9. When ready to serve, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them.
10. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the uneven ends if desired, then slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
11. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using.
12. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

Variations

1. Swap the nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios instead of pecans for a different flavor and texture, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
2. Make it savory-sweet: Add a small pinch of salt and 2–3 tablespoons of finely chopped green onion or chives for a more complex, lightly savory twist.
3. Use flavored wraps: Try spinach, sun-dried tomato, or whole wheat tortillas to add color, extra flavor, or a bit more fiber.

Cooking Notes

1. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture; reduced-fat can be used but may make the filling slightly softer.
2. Dry the cranberries if they seem sticky or overly moist so they don’t water down the filling.
3. If your orange is very juicy, start with slightly less juice and add more as needed so the filling stays thick and spreadable.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve on a platter with fresh orange slices and a few whole cranberries for a festive presentation at holiday parties or brunches.
2. Pair with a simple cheese board, nuts, and sparkling water or white wine for an easy appetizer spread.
3. Offer alongside savory pinwheels (like turkey or veggie roll-ups) to give guests both sweet and savory options.

Tips

• Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling step firm rolls slice more cleanly and hold their shape better on the platter.
• Roll tightly: As you roll, gently pull back on the tortilla to keep tension, which helps prevent gaps and uneven slices.
• Scale the recipe: Double or triple the ingredients for larger gatherings; just keep the filling ratio the same for consistent results.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Sodium: 260 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels ahead of time?
   – Yes. You can prepare and roll them up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the logs wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator and slice just before serving for the freshest look and texture.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   – It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries are very tart and release a lot of moisture, which can make the filling runny and too sharp in flavor.
3. How do I keep the pinwheels from getting soggy?
   – Spread the filling in a thin, even layer, avoid overloading with orange juice, and be sure the rolls are well-chilled. Serve within 24 hours for the best texture.
4. Are these pinwheels freezer-friendly?
   – Freezing is not recommended. The cream cheese and tortillas can change texture when thawed, becoming grainy or soggy. It’s better to store them in the refrigerator and enjoy within a day.

Conclusion

Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels deliver bright citrus, creamy richness, and pops of tart-sweet cranberry in every bite. Easy to assemble, no baking required, and perfectly portable, they’re a go-to option for holiday parties, potlucks, and quick snacks. Make them ahead, slice just before serving, and watch them disappear from the platter.