Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Crunchy Snacks

These pinwheels combine delicate slices of turkey with creamy cheese and sweet cranberries, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. The addition of fresh spinach adds a light, leafy balance. Preparation is minimal, requiring no cooking time, making them perfect for quick, festive gatherings. Chilling helps the pinwheels firm up for neat slicing and elegant presentation. Variations include adding mustard or feta for extra depth or swapping spinach with arugula for a peppery note.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:14:00 GMT
Savory turkey cranberry pinwheels, beautifully sliced and ready: a perfect holiday appetizer. Save
Savory turkey cranberry pinwheels, beautifully sliced and ready: a perfect holiday appetizer. | kookycrunch.com

A festive and easy appetizer featuring tender turkey, tangy cream cheese, and sweet cranberries wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite for my family; the blend of flavors is just perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh chives: 1 tbsp, finely chopped (optional)
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Flour tortillas: 4 large (25 cm / 10-inch)
  • Sliced cooked turkey breast: 200 g (7 oz)
  • Dried cranberries: 80 g (1/2 cup), roughly chopped
  • Baby spinach leaves: 60 g (2 cups), washed and dried

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 2:
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla right to the edges.
Step 3:
Arrange sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4:
Sprinkle a quarter of the chopped cranberries over the turkey then add a layer of spinach leaves.
Step 5:
Roll the tortilla up tightly from one edge to form a log.
Step 6:
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Step 7:
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (optional but recommended).
Step 8:
Unwrap and slice each roll into 2 cm (3/4-inch) pinwheels. Discard or snack on the ends for neat presentation.
Step 9:
Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled.
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| kookycrunch.com

My family loves gathering around the table for these pinwheels during holiday parties; they are always a crowd-pleaser.

Notes

For extra flavor try adding a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, knife, cutting board, plastic wrap

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (tortillas), Milk (cream cheese mayonnaise), Egg (mayonnaise depending on brand). Check all labels for hidden allergens if serving to those with sensitivities.

Showcasing fresh turkey cranberry pinwheels, showcasing a delightful roll-up filled with vibrant colors. Save
Showcasing fresh turkey cranberry pinwheels, showcasing a delightful roll-up filled with vibrant colors. | kookycrunch.com

These pinwheels add a festive touch to any gathering and are as delightful as they are easy to make.

Recipe FAQ

What type of turkey works best for these pinwheels?

Sliced cooked turkey breast that is tender and not too dry is ideal for a moist and flavorful filling.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld and for easier slicing.

Are there suitable ingredient substitutions for spinach?

Arugula can be used instead to add a peppery bite, or other leafy greens depending on your preference.

Is it necessary to chill the pinwheels before slicing?

Chilling helps the pinwheels firm up, making clean slicing easier and improving presentation.

How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Try a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to enhance the flavor profile.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey and tart cranberries rolled in soft tortillas create a tasty and easy appetizer.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 5 Portions

Diet considerations None specified

Components

Filling

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
04 1/4 tsp black pepper

Main

01 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
02 7 oz sliced cooked turkey breast
03 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
04 2 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Phase 02

Spread Filling on Tortilla: Place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about one quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, reaching the edges.

Phase 03

Layer Turkey: Arrange sliced turkey breast evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Phase 04

Add Cranberries and Spinach: Sprinkle one quarter of the chopped cranberries over the turkey, then layer with baby spinach leaves.

Phase 05

Roll Tortilla: Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to form a snug log.

Phase 06

Repeat Assembly: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.

Phase 07

Chill Rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Phase 08

Slice Pinwheels: Unwrap and cut each roll into 3/4-inch thick pinwheels. Discard or consume the ends for presentation.

Phase 09

Serve: Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Plastic wrap

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and possibly egg (mayonnaise, depending on brand). Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g