Prep Time: ~15 minutes | Chill Time: ~1 hour | Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes | Yield: ~24–32 pinwheels
Introduction
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are festive, no-bake appetizers featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh herbs wrapped in soft tortillas then sliced into bite-sized pinwheels. They’re easy to prepare ahead, visually appealing, and perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you want a tasty, shareable treat.
Why These Roll-Ups Are So Loved
These roll-ups balance creamy and tangy flavors with a hint of herb freshness. Cream cheese acts as a rich base, while dried cranberries add sweet-tart bursts. Chopped fresh herbs lend brightness and color. Rolled into tortillas and chilled, they become easy-to-serve pinwheels that look beautiful on platters and taste great cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz (≈225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled soft cheese (such as feta or goat cheese)
- 1¼ cups sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (or herbs of choice)
- 4 large flour tortillas (wrap-size)
Optional Add-Ins: chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), orange zest, cracked black pepper, spinach leaves
The Art of Making These Roll-Ups
The secret to perfect cranberry roll-ups is creating a thick, creamy filling that spreads easily and holds together when sliced. Softened cream cheese blended with crumbled cheese and cranberries makes a sturdy but moist filling. Adding fresh herbs gives color and a herbaceous kick. Chilling the assembled tortillas helps them set so pinwheels slice cleanly and stay together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add crumbled cheese, chopped cranberries, and chopped herbs. Stir until fully combined into a thick filling.
Fill & Roll Tortillas
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Spread about one-fourth of the filling evenly over the tortilla, covering as much surface as possible.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Chill to Set
Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour — chilling firms up the filling and makes the rolls easier to slice.
Slice & Serve
After chilling, unwrap the logs.
Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick pinwheels.
Arrange on a serving platter.
Optional Garnish Ideas: a light drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, extra chopped herbs, or citrus zest for brightness.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened — this prevents lumps and helps the filling spread smoothly.
- Spread filling generously but evenly to avoid dry edges.
- Roll tortillas as tightly as possible so pinwheels hold their shape.
- Chill long enough — at least 1 hour — to ensure clean slices.
- Use colorful tortillas (spinach, tomato basil) for extra festive presentation.
Creative Variations
- Nut Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Citrus Touch: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the filling for fresh brightness.
- Herb Mix: Use a blend of herbs (parsley, dill, chives) for different flavor layers.
- Heat Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle warmth.
- Spinach Roll-Ups: Add fresh baby spinach leaves under the filling for color and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover uncut rolls wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Once sliced into pinwheels, store in an airtight container and consume within 1–2 days for best freshness.
Conclusion
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are a delightful appetizer that blends creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and herbs into festive pinwheels with minimal effort. They’re easy to make ahead, look beautiful on any holiday tray, and taste delicious cold or at room temperature — perfect for any celebration or casual gathering.
