Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Simple Family Favorites

This dish combines tender turkey breast, tangy cream cheese, and sweet dried cranberries layered on soft flour tortillas. Fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness, while optional chives and black pepper provide a delicate spice. Rolled tightly and chilled, these pinwheels make a vibrant, easy-to-serve appetizer suitable for any occasion. Variations include adding mustard or feta and swapping spinach for arugula for a peppery twist.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:36:00 GMT
Vibrant photo of delicious turkey cranberry pinwheels, showcasing the flavorful appetizer ready to serve. Pin It
Vibrant photo of delicious turkey cranberry pinwheels, showcasing the flavorful appetizer ready to serve. | platefullyjoy.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 favorite at our holiday gatherings for its delightful flavors and simple preparation.

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.
Tightly rolled turkey cranberry pinwheels, revealing colorful layers of turkey, cranberries, and spinach. Pin It
Tightly rolled turkey cranberry pinwheels, revealing colorful layers of turkey, cranberries, and spinach. | platefullyjoy.com

Making these pinwheels has become a favorite family activity each holiday season, bringing everyone into the kitchen.

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 of freshly sliced turkey cranberry pinwheels, a perfect appetizer for any festive occasion. Pin It
Close-up of freshly sliced turkey cranberry pinwheels, a perfect appetizer for any festive occasion. | platefullyjoy.com

These turkey cranberry pinwheels are perfect for holiday entertaining and easy to customize.

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, the pinwheels can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making serving easier.

What substitutions work well for spinach?

Arugula can be used instead of spinach to add a peppery bite that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.

How do I ensure the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced?

After rolling, tightly wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.

Can I use whole wheat tortillas?

Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile without compromising texture.

Are there optional ingredients to customize the flavor?

Adding a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or sprinkling crumbled feta cheese inside can enhance the overall taste with extra tang and depth.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Festive turkey and cranberry rolls with cream cheese and spinach wrapped in soft tortillas.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 5 Number of Servings

Diet Info 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Layer turkey and cranberries: Arrange sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle one quarter of the chopped cranberries on top.

Step 04

Add spinach layer: Top the cranberry layer with baby spinach leaves.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Slice pinwheels: Unwrap each roll and slice into 3/4-inch pinwheels; discard or consume the ends for neat presentation.

Step 09

Serve chilled: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve cold.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and potentially egg (mayonnaise). Verify product labels for allergens.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g