These are a bright, festive appetizer that’s equal parts creamy, tangy, and sweet. With the rich flavor of cream cheese, the sharp saltiness of feta, sweet cranberries, and a hint of green onion, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Wrapped in soft tortillas and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, these roll ups are the perfect make-ahead appetizer for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family parties. The colors alone red, white, and green make them a seasonal favorite that always steals the show on the party platter.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Roll Ups
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the definition of festive simplicity colorful, flavorful, and practically effortless. The contrast of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and creamy cheese wrapped in soft tortillas creates the perfect bite-sized appetizer that feels decadent yet refreshing.
They’re a no-bake, make-ahead holiday treat that fits right into the season easy to assemble, stunning on a platter, and universally loved by both kids and adults. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, these roll ups deliver holiday spirit with minimal stress and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled (not reduced-fat)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 large flour tortillas (wheat or spinach flavored)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese should be fluffy, and the feta evenly distributed.
Add the finely chopped green onions and dried cranberries. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring the cranberries and onions are spread throughout for even flavor and color.
Step 2: Assemble the roll ups
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread half of the cranberry mixture evenly over the tortilla with a spatula, reaching all the way to the edges.
Start from one end and roll the tortilla tightly into a log. The tighter the roll, the prettier the pinwheels will look once sliced. Repeat with the second tortilla and the remaining filling.
Step 3: Chill
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour this helps the filling firm up and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Step 4: Slice and serve
Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and trim off the ends for neat presentation. Slice each roll into ½-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional chopped cranberries and green onions over the top or garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Success
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Soften the cream cheese: This makes mixing much easier and helps prevent lumps.
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Chop cranberries finely: Smaller pieces spread more evenly and make slicing smoother.
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Tight roll, clean slice: Roll the tortillas snugly and use a sharp, non-serrated knife for perfect edges.
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Chill before cutting: Don’t skip this step it helps keep the filling from squeezing out.
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Choose your tortilla: Regular flour tortillas are classic, but spinach wraps add a festive pop of green.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Herb twist: Mix in chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for extra fragrance.
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Nutty version: Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Honey drizzle: Lightly drizzle the roll ups with honey before serving for a sweet-savory balance.
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Goat cheese swap: Replace feta with creamy goat cheese for a milder tang.
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Vegan alternative: Use vegan cream cheese and tofu-based feta for a dairy-free version.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday appetizer: Serve as part of a festive charcuterie or snack board.
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Gift platter: Present neatly sliced roll ups on decorative trays wrapped in holiday cellophane.
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Buffet or potluck: These travel well and can be served without reheating.
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Pair with: Sparkling cranberry punch, champagne, or mulled cider for holiday perfection.
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Snack option: Enjoy as a mid-day festive bite that’s easy to prepare in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance, wrap tightly, and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve. They hold their shape and freshness beautifully.
Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended. The cream cheese and tortilla texture change after freezing, but they keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I substitute the cranberries?
Absolutely. Dried cherries, raisins, or diced apricots add a similar sweet note.
What size tortillas should I use?
Large burrito-sized tortillas work best for rolling and make slicing easier. You’ll get larger, more even pinwheels this way.
How can I make them even more festive?
Use spinach tortillas for green and whole wheat for a rustic touch. The combination of red cranberries and green onions makes them perfect for Christmas platters.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: About 20 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive, colorful appetizers featuring creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and fresh green onions wrapped in soft tortillas and sliced into pinwheels. Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 large flour tortillas (white or spinach)
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and crumbled feta in a bowl. Beat or stir until smooth and fluffy. Add cranberries and green onions, mixing evenly.
- Lay one tortilla flat. Spread half the mixture evenly to edges. Roll tightly into a log. Repeat with second tortilla and remaining filling.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap, trim ends, and slice each roll into ½-inch pinwheels with a sharp knife.
- Arrange pinwheels on a platter. Garnish with extra cranberries, green onions, or fresh herbs like parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Soften cream cheese before mixing for smooth filling.
Chop cranberries finely for even distribution and neat slicing.
Roll tortillas tightly to prevent gaps and ensure clean cuts.
Chill before slicing for best presentation.
Use spinach tortillas for a festive green color.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry roll ups, christmas appetizers, cream cheese tortilla pinwheels, holiday finger food, festive party snacks
