Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

These turkey cranberry pinwheels offer a quick, festive appetizer option combining tender sliced turkey, tangy cream cheese, and sweet dried cranberries rolled in soft flour tortillas. Enhanced with baby spinach and herbs, they can be made ahead and chilled for a perfect chilled bite. A flavorful mix that’s easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings or light snacks.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:25:00 GMT
Beautifully arranged Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, a tasty and quick appetizer perfect for gatherings. Pin
Beautifully arranged Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, a tasty and quick appetizer perfect for gatherings. | cinnamonnest.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 our family, loved for its simplicity and bright flavors.

Ingredients

  • Filling: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional), 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Main: 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 sliced Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing tender turkey and vibrant cranberries. Pin
Close-up of freshly sliced Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, showcasing tender turkey and vibrant cranberries. | cinnamonnest.com

This dish always brings smiles during family gatherings and is quick to prepare even on busy days.

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.

Platter of colorful Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve, a delicious and easy holiday appetizer. Pin
Platter of colorful Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve, a delicious and easy holiday appetizer. | cinnamonnest.com

These turkey cranberry pinwheels are perfect for festive gatherings and easy to enjoy as a quick snack or appetizer.

Recipe FAQ

What type of tortillas work best for these pinwheels?

Large flour tortillas around 10 inches work best for easy rolling and holding all ingredients securely.

Can I substitute the baby spinach with other greens?

Yes, arugula or mixed salad greens can be used for a peppery or varied flavor.

How long should the pinwheels chill before slicing?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps firm the roll and makes slicing cleaner.

Are there suggestions to enhance the flavor?

Adding wholegrain mustard or crumbled feta cheese offers additional tangy and savory notes.

How far in advance can these pinwheels be prepared?

They can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated to save time on serving day.

Is it important to finely chop the cranberries?

Chopping cranberries helps distribute their sweetness evenly and improves the bite texture.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey, cream cheese, and cranberries combine in easy, festive pinwheel appetizers.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Total duration
15 min

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spread filling on tortilla: Place one tortilla on a clean surface and evenly spread one quarter of the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Slice into pinwheels: Remove plastic wrap and cut each roll into 3/4-inch slices, discarding or snacking on the ends for a clean presentation.

Step 09

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and possibly egg (mayonnaise). Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Carbs: 7 g
  • Protein: 3 g