Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Everyday Bites

These pinwheels combine tender turkey breast, tangy cream cheese, and sweet cranberries wrapped in soft flour tortillas for a delightful appetizer. The creamy filling blends mayonnaise and chives with a hint of black pepper, while fresh baby spinach adds a touch of green freshness. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and chilled before slicing, they make a perfect party finger food. Variations like wholegrain mustard or feta cheese can enhance flavor, while arugula offers a peppery twist.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:04:00 GMT
A platter of vibrant Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve with refreshing flavors. Save
A platter of vibrant Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, ready to serve with refreshing flavors. | fryflick.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 favorite at our holiday gatherings because it’s simple to prepare and always impresses guests.

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 recipe is always a hit with my family. We often make it together during the holidays and love sharing the colorful pinwheels as appetizers.

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.

Close-up of a rolled Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel showing layers of turkey and cranberry. Save
Close-up of a rolled Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheel showing layers of turkey and cranberry. | fryflick.com

Enjoy these tasty pinwheels chilled or at room temperature for a perfect festive snack.

Recipe Guide

What type of turkey works best for pinwheels?

Sliced cooked turkey breast is ideal as it’s tender and easy to roll within the tortillas.

Can I substitute spinach in the filling?

Yes, arugula can be used for a peppery bite that complements the creamy and sweet elements well.

How long should pinwheels be chilled before slicing?

Chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes helps firm them up for clean slicing and easier handling.

Are there recommended additions for extra flavor?

A thin layer of wholegrain mustard or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds a nice flavor boost.

Can these pinwheels be prepared in advance?

Yes, they can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored refrigerated until serving.

What tools are needed to assemble pinwheels?

A mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, knife, cutting board, and plastic wrap are sufficient for preparation.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey and tangy cream cheese with sweet cranberries rolled in soft tortillas for a festive treat.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 5 Portions

Dietary guidelines 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)
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: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper until smooth.

Phase 02

Spread filling: Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture over it, covering to the edges.

Phase 03

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

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 the tortilla tightly from one edge to form a log.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and possibly egg (mayonnaise). Check labels for allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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