Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Simple Everyday Meals

These turkey cranberry pinwheels combine tender cooked turkey, tangy cream cheese, and sweet dried cranberries with fresh baby spinach, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. The creamy filling is seasoned lightly with mayonnaise and fresh chives, then rolled and chilled before slicing into bite-sized pinwheels. Ideal for quick preparation and served chilled, they make a festive, easy appetizer perfect for entertaining or casual snacking. Variations include swapping spinach for arugula, or adding mustard and feta for extra flavor.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:19:00 GMT
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing a delicious appetizer with vibrant red cranberries and rolled tortillas. Save
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing a delicious appetizer with vibrant red cranberries and rolled tortillas. | hazeldish.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 in my family for its simple assembly and crowd-pleasing flavors.

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.
Close-up of freshly made Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve and filled with colorful ingredients. Save
Close-up of freshly made Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve and filled with colorful ingredients. | hazeldish.com

Preparing these pinwheels brings my family together, turning snack time into cherished moments of sharing and joy.

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.

Nutritional Information

Per pinwheel: 70 calories, 3.5 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

These flavorful Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels are a perfect party appetizer with visible turkey and spinach. Save
These flavorful Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels are a perfect party appetizer with visible turkey and spinach. | hazeldish.com

These pinwheels are perfect for holiday parties and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Recipe Help & Answers

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, pinwheels can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap tightly and keep refrigerated to maintain freshness.

What are good substitutions for baby spinach?

Arugula works well as a peppery alternative, adding a different flavor profile while keeping the texture.

Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead?

Absolutely, using whole wheat tortillas adds fiber and a slightly nutty taste without altering the overall texture much.

How can the flavor be enhanced?

Adding a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or sprinkling crumbled feta cheese inside the roll boosts flavor complexity.

What is the best way to slice the pinwheels neatly?

Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing helps maintain shape and produce clean, uniform pinwheels.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey and cranberries rolled in soft tortillas create a festive and easy to serve appetizer.

Prep Time
15 min
0
Overall Time
15 min
Created by Isabel Grant


Skill Level Easy

Inspired By American

Makes 5 Number of servings

Dietary Details None specified

What You Need

Filling

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
04 1/4 teaspoon 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Filling: Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Spread Filling: Place one tortilla on a clean surface and evenly spread one quarter of the cream cheese mixture over it to the edges.

Step 03

Layer Turkey: Distribute sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese spread.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Repeat and Chill: Repeat the spreading and rolling with remaining tortillas and fillings. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 07

Slice Pinwheels: Remove plastic wrap and slice each roll into 3/4-inch thick pinwheels, discarding or snacking on the ends for a neat presentation.

Step 08

Serve: Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter and serve chilled.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Always reach out to a healthcare professional for help if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and possibly egg (mayonnaise depending on brand). Check labels for allergens.

Per-Serving Nutrition

Nutritional data is for general reference only. It shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calorie Count: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g