Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

These turkey cranberry pinwheels combine tender sliced turkey with tangy dried cranberries and creamy cheese spread, all wrapped inside soft flour tortillas. They offer a festive and easy-to-make appetizer or snack option that requires no cooking time. Simply layer the filling, roll tight, chill to firm up, then slice into bite-sized pinwheels. You can customize with spinach or arugula and add mustard or feta for extra flavor. A quick, delicious dish suitable for gatherings or light meals.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:31:00 GMT
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing a delicious appetizer, perfect for parties or a quick snack. Save
Sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing a delicious appetizer, perfect for parties or a quick snack. | epicurestates.com

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

This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, always bringing smiles and compliments whenever I serve it.

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.
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This dish always brings my family together, sharing stories while enjoying these tasty pinwheels during festive occasions.

Notes

Can be made up to 24 hours in advance; keep refrigerated until serving.

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.

Vivid close-up shows rolled-up Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, displaying the layers of ingredients beautifully before slicing. Save
Vivid close-up shows rolled-up Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, displaying the layers of ingredients beautifully before slicing. | epicurestates.com

These pinwheels are perfect for any holiday gathering or easy appetizer needs.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cheese is best for the filling?

Softened cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that binds the ingredients together well in the filling.

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving to enhance flavor and ease serving.

What are good substitutions for spinach in this dish?

Arugula offers a peppery alternative, or baby kale can add a hearty green element for variation.

How should I slice the pinwheels for best presentation?

Use a sharp knife to cut into approximately 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick slices for neat, uniform pinwheels.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Yes, a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or crumbled feta cheese can add extra depth and tang to the pinwheels.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey and tangy cranberries wrapped in soft tortillas with creamy filling for easy festive bites.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 5 Portions

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

Phase 02

Spread filling on tortilla: Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread about one quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, reaching the edges.

Phase 03

Add sliced turkey: Arrange sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer on the tortilla.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Complete remaining rolls: Repeat spreading, filling, and rolling with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Slice into pinwheels: Unwrap and cut each roll into 3/4-inch thick pinwheels; discard or snack on 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 for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and egg (mayonnaise depending on brand). Verify labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein: 3 g