Deliciously Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups to Share

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are my thing every December. You know those frantic party days, where you need something impressive but your brain’s already running around like a headless chicken? Yeah, same. These easy pinwheels save me every single time. If you love fuss-free, five-star restaurant style snacks (um, who doesn’t?), you’re in the right spot. I even make a few extra for those late-night fridge sneaks. And hey, this recipe pairs perfectly with classic Christmas treats or if you’re itching for more, check out my absolute favorites for quick holiday appetizers and easy Christmas desserts.

How to Make Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Pinwheel Appetizers

Okay, lets not get too precious with measurements or techniques. That’s not my vibe. For these cranberry and feta pinwheels, you’ll need flour tortillas, cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, green onions, and a handful of pecans (totally optional but I mean, they’re so good).

Here’s the lowdown. Stir the cream cheese until soft. Then, dump in your feta, cranberries, green onions, and chopped pecans. Give it a good mix. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy. That’s normal. Spread over the tortillas with a butter knife or spatula or whatever’s clean. Roll them up good and tight but not so tight you bust the sides.

Cover these in plastic wrap and stick in the fridge for about an hour so they firm up. When you’re ready, slice them into bite-sized rounds and… well, try not to eat the whole batch while arranging them. True story: I’ve failed at this step more than once.

“I brought these to the office potluck and they disappeared so fast. Everyone begged for the recipe. Such a winner!” — Jamie L.

Can You Prepare Pinwheel Appetizers the Night Before

Big yes, and honestly, I think they get even better when they’ve had a bit of time to chill. The flavors sort of… mellow out together. Plus, prepping the night before means you’re not running around, wrist deep in cream cheese, when you should be sipping cocoa. Just make sure you wrap them snugly so they don’t dry out. I usually do all the rolling, wrap the whole log, and only slice before serving. But hey, no judgment if you sneak one early.

If you need more ideas for party prep, you can peep my trusted Christmas snacks guide for more little make-ahead gems.

How To Serve Your Feta And Cranberry Christmas Pinwheels

Let’s get real, presentation only takes a minute. Here’s what works for me:

• Put them on a big wooden board (extra rustic = extra cute).
• Scatter some fresh rosemary or mint for that hit of green.
• Add a bowl of festive dip on the side, like a cranberry chutney.
• Stick a few cocktail picks in for easy grabbing (no fork drama please).

If you want to jazz up the look even more or you want appetizers that wow, check out my top recs for eye-popping Christmas charcuterie.

Tip	Details
Prepping in Advance	Make your pinwheels a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Serving Suggestion	Serve with a festive dip like cranberry chutney for an extra pop.
Storage Tip	Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and use a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Transporting	For travel, place in a tight container with wax paper to prevent sogginess.

How to Store Your Leftover Holiday Pinwheels

So, say by some Christmas miracle you have leftovers. These cranberry and feta pinwheels hang out in the fridge just fine for a few days, but after three days, they get kinda sad and soggy. Stick them in an airtight container. If you notice the edges getting dry, dab them with a damp paper towel before serving (little trick I learned over the years).

Oh, and please don’t freeze. Trust me, the texture goes wonky. If you need to transport them, fold a paper towel in the bottom for moisture control. Nobody likes a soggy pinwheel.

More Favorite Christmas Appetizers

If you’re on the hunt for other festive besties, I totally get it. My party rotation includes spicy sausage cheese balls, crispy baked brie, and those bacon-wrapped cracker bites that literally vanish in minutes. People go wild for finger foods this time of year. You can find the full line-up of holiday greatness in my Christmas party snacks roundup and even more goodness with these easy holiday potluck recipes. Guests always ask for the recipe cards, which, seriously, makes my whole month.

Common Questions

Q: Can I swap feta for something else?
A: Heck yes. Goat cheese works, or even a sharp cheddar for something milder.

Q: Are flour tortillas the only option?
A: Nah. You can use spinach or sundried tomato wraps for extra color.

Q: What’s the best way to transport them?
A: Tight container, stick a layer of wax paper in between, and if it’s a long trip, keep chilled.

Q: Can I add meat?
A: Sure thing. Sliced turkey or ham make them heartier and just as tasty.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Some little ones might pick out the “green bits” (why do they do that?) but most will gobble them up.

Give These a Try at Your Next Holiday Bash

Alright, that’s the scoop on these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. They’re tangy, cheerful, and honestly just plain awesome. You’ll spend more time getting compliments than actually making them. If you want fresh appetizer ideas or want to learn more about cheese boards, here’s a handy guide from Bon Appétit. Go on, get rolling. You might just make these your new December tradition.

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