Name: Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh minced rosemary; 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, roughly chopped; 2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts; 3 10-inch flour tortillas

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Introduction

Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels are a delightful and elegant appetizer that combines creamy cheeses with the sweet tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. These easy-to-make pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a simple snack that feels special.

The image shows a log of light cream dough with pieces of dried red cranberries mixed inside, being sliced into round pieces on a wooden cutting board. The log is cut into about six even sections, revealing the creamy, slightly speckled interior with red cranberry bits. To the left, there is a sprig of fresh green rosemary for decoration, and scattered around are whole walnuts and more dried cranberries, adding texture and color contrast. The background surface has been changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh minced rosemary
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
3 10-inch flour tortillas

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and honey until smooth. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, fresh minced rosemary, and finely chopped walnuts until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread about one-third of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving approximately a 1/2-inch border on one edge. Roll the tortilla up tightly, pressing gently toward the border with no mixture to seal the roll.
Step 3: Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the roll to firm up. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: After chilling, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor profile, swap rosemary for fresh thyme or basil.
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch and taste.
Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added color and nutrition.
If goat cheese isn’t available, cream cheese can be used alone or mixed with feta for tang.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, consume within 24 hours. Reheat is not recommended as the tortillas and cheese mixture are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate stacked with many small white creamy rolls. Each roll has three layers: the outside layer is a smooth white wrap, the middle layer is thick white cream, and inside are small bits of red dried cranberries and light brown walnut pieces scattered evenly. The rolls are cut into short cylinders and arranged in a pyramid shape on the plate. Around the plate on crumpled parchment paper, there are loose pieces of walnuts and dried cranberries scattered. The background surface is a white marbled texture. A sprig of green rosemary is placed next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the pinwheels up to 24 hours before serving. Keep them tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.

Can I freeze cranberry walnut pinwheels?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese mixture and tortillas can be negatively affected when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.