Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Flavor Bomb Snacks

These turkey cranberry pinwheels offer a delightful blend of tender sliced turkey, tangy cream cheese, and sweet dried cranberries all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Enhanced by fresh baby spinach and hints of black pepper and chives, they come together quickly without cooking time. Perfect chilled and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, this easy-to-prepare dish makes a festive appetizer ideal for any occasion. Optional additions like wholegrain mustard or feta add layers of flavor, while swaps like arugula or whole wheat tortillas provide fresh twists.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:23:00 GMT
Appetizing photo of fresh Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve with colorful cranberry and spinach filling. Save
Appetizing photo of fresh Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve with colorful cranberry and spinach filling. | whambite.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 family favorite during holiday gatherings and is always a hit for its fresh flavors and colorful presentation.

Ingredients

  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese: softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise:
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives: finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper:
  • 4 large flour tortillas (25 cm / 10-inch):
  • 200 g (7 oz) sliced cooked turkey breast:
  • 80 g (1/2 cup) dried cranberries: roughly chopped
  • 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach leaves: 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.
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels showing layers of turkey, cream cheese, and cranberries for a quick appetizer. Save
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels showing layers of turkey, cream cheese, and cranberries for a quick appetizer. | whambite.com

Making these pinwheels always brings smiles from family and friends during party time, reminding us of joyful moments shared together.

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.

Close-up on a platter of delicious Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels with a vibrant blend of ingredients inside. Save
Close-up on a platter of delicious Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels with a vibrant blend of ingredients inside. | whambite.com

These pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a quick festive appetizer.

Kitchen Guide

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored refrigerated to let flavors meld and keep them firm for slicing.

What can I use instead of baby spinach?

Arugula is a great alternative for a peppery bite and works well layered in these pinwheels.

Are there suggestions to add more flavor?

Try spreading a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or sprinkling crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor boost.

How should I slice the pinwheels for serving?

Unwrap the rolled tortillas and slice into 2 cm (about 3/4 inch) thick pieces for neat, bite-sized servings.

Is there a recommended serving temperature?

They are best served chilled, making them refreshing and perfect for gatherings.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey, cream cheese, cranberries, and spinach rolled in soft tortillas for a tasty appetizer.

Prep Duration
15 min
0
Complete Duration
15 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 5 Portions

Diet Requirements None specified

What You'll Need

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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare filling mixture: Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth.

Phase 02

Spread filling on tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly to the edges.

Phase 03

Layer turkey: Distribute sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer on the tortilla.

Phase 04

Add cranberries and spinach: Sprinkle one-quarter of the chopped cranberries over the turkey, then add a layer of baby spinach leaves.

Phase 05

Roll tortillas: Roll each tortilla tightly from one edge to form a log.

Phase 06

Repeat with remaining tortillas: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling steps with the remaining tortillas and filling components.

Phase 07

Chill wraps: Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, if desired.

Phase 08

Slice pinwheels: Unwrap and cut each roll into 3/4-inch pinwheels, discarding or enjoying the ends for neat presentation.

Phase 09

Serve: Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat, milk, and egg (may vary by mayonnaise brand); verify all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g