Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Recipes

These turkey and cranberry pinwheels combine tender sliced turkey breast with a creamy mix of cream cheese and mayonnaise, accented by fresh chives and black pepper. Dried cranberries and baby spinach add a sweet and fresh contrast, all wrapped snugly in soft flour tortillas. After chilling to firm up, they’re sliced into bite-sized pinwheels—easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings or quick appetizers. Variations include wholegrain mustard or feta for extra flavor, and spinach can be swapped with arugula for a peppery touch.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:04:00 GMT
Delicious, festive Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, layered with cranberry and turkey, ready to eat! Save
Delicious, festive Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, layered with cranberry and turkey, ready to eat! | poppyhearth.com

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

This recipe is one of my go-to choices for holiday gatherings because it’s simple to prepare yet always impresses guests with its fresh and vibrant 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 sliced Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels; easy, savory bite-sized appetizers. Save
Close-up of freshly sliced Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels; easy, savory bite-sized appetizers. | poppyhearth.com

My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these pinwheels, especially during festive occasions when it encourages everyone to share stories and laughter

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

Nutritional Information

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

Vibrant platter of colorful, cold Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, perfect for a party appetizer. Save
Vibrant platter of colorful, cold Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, perfect for a party appetizer. | poppyhearth.com

These turkey cranberry pinwheels offer a delightful combination of flavors perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a staple in your appetizer repertoire

Recipe Questions

Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Yes, they can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and firmness.

What can I substitute for spinach?

Arugula works well as a substitute, offering a peppery bite that complements the other flavors.

Is it necessary to chill the pinwheels before slicing?

Chilling helps the filling set, making slicing easier and tidier, but it’s optional if short on time.

Can other types of cheese be used instead of cream cheese?

While cream cheese provides the ideal creamy texture, soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone can be alternatives with a slightly different flavor.

What additions can enhance the flavor?

A thin layer of wholegrain mustard or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds exciting flavor dimensions.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey, cream cheese, cranberries, and spinach wrapped in soft tortillas for a festive bite.

Prep duration
15 minutes
0
Total duration
15 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 5 Portions

Dietary details None specified

Required 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 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Layer turkey: Evenly arrange sliced turkey over the cream cheese spread.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble remaining pinwheels: Repeat 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 a minimum of 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 08

Slice into pinwheels: Remove plastic wrap and slice each roll into 3/4-inch thick pinwheels. Discard or consume the end pieces for a neat presentation.

Step 09

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and possibly egg (mayonnaise)

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 3 g