Christmas Tree Pinwheels Cranberry and Feta

Christmas tree pinwheels cranberry and feta holiday appetizer on white marble
Festive cranberry and feta pinwheels arranged as a Christmas tree.

These Christmas Tree Pinwheels Cranberry and Feta are the ultimate holiday appetizer colorful, creamy, sweet, salty, and beautifully arranged into a festive Christmas tree shape. They’re quick, delicious, and absolutely show-stopping on any holiday table.

With bright red cranberries, fresh green herbs, creamy filling, and soft tortillas sliced into perfect spirals, this appetizer brings all the Christmas cheer in just minutes. No cooking required just mix, roll, slice, and arrange!

Perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday brunches, office parties, potlucks, or cozy winter nights, these pinwheels offer a festive twist that guests love before they even take their first bite.

Try our festive Christmas Tree Spinach Tortilla Roll-Ups

Christmas tree pinwheels cranberry and feta holiday appetizer on white marble
Festive cranberry and feta pinwheels arranged as a Christmas tree.

⭐ What Are Christmas Tree Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels / Why They’re Special

These holiday pinwheels combine cream cheese, feta, dried cranberries, and herbs spread over soft tortillas, rolled tightly and sliced into beautiful spirals. When arranged in a Christmas tree pattern, they become an edible centerpiece fun, festive, and totally irresistible.

Add a sweet-salty appetizer with Christmas Roasted Stuffed Dates

Why they’re special:

  • Gorgeous Christmas colors (green + red)
  • Sweet + salty + creamy flavor combination
  • No cooking, minimal ingredients
  • Perfect for making ahead
  • Easy to transport
  • Kid-friendly presentation
  • A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

And because we arrange them like a Christmas tree, they instantly elevate any holiday table.

Christmas tree pinwheels cranberry and feta holiday appetizer on white marble
Festive cranberry and feta pinwheels arranged as a Christmas tree.

Make guests smile with Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Tortillas

  • 4–5 large spinach tortillas (for the green tree color)
  • Optional: sun-dried tomato tortillas for ornaments

Creamy Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo (optional for smoothness)

Mix-Ins

  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ¼ cup diced green onions
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Decoration

  • Pretzel stick for the trunk
  • Star-cut cheese for the tree topper
  • Extra cranberries or peppers for ornaments

⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Creamy Filling

Mix cream cheese, feta, yogurt, cranberries, green onion, parsley, honey, salt, and pepper.

Step 2 – Spread the Mixture

Spread a thin, even layer over each tortilla.

👉 Too thick = messy spirals
👉 Too thin = lacks flavor
Aim for the perfect middle.

Step 3 – Roll Tightly

Roll each tortilla into a firm log, keeping pressure even from end to end.

Step 4 – Chill

Refrigerate 15–20 minutes. This step is essential for clean slicing.

Step 5 – Slice Into Pinwheels

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut ½-inch thick slices.
Wipe knife between cuts for cleaner edges.

Step 6 – Arrange into a Christmas Tree

Start with a wide base and taper upward to form a tree.
Add the pretzel stick trunk and cheese star.

⭐ Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It

⭐ Tips

  • Always chill before slicing → perfect spirals.
  • Spinach tortillas give the best tree color.
  • Choose brightly colored cranberries for vivid contrast.
  • Press lightly when stacking to keep the tree shape stable.

⭐ Variations

  • Honey-Walnut Holiday Version: add chopped walnuts + honey
  • Savory Version: swap cranberries for roasted red peppers
  • Snowy Version: sprinkle with crumbled feta on top
  • Protein Boost: add thin turkey slices

⭐ Why You’ll Love It

  • Festive + elegant + kid-approved
  • Budget-friendly but visually stunning
  • Ready in minutes
  • Easy to transport
  • Guaranteed crowd favorite

✨ Holiday Color Engineering (for a Perfect Christmas Tree)

Most recipes ignore color contrast but a beautiful Christmas tree platter needs strategic color placement:

🔹 Use spinach tortillas for a rich green base

🔹 Use bold red cranberries for natural “ornaments”

🔹 Add parsley or dill for light green dimension

🔹 Add tiny diced peppers for extra festive pops

🔹 Use white feta for “snow” highlights

This creates a layered, visually striking platter that photographs beautifully and stands out among other holiday appetizers.

✨ Make-Ahead & Transport System (Holiday-Proof)

To keep the spirals firm and prevent flattening during transport:

✔ Day Before

  • Roll tortillas
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
  • Refrigerate overnight
  • Do NOT slice

✔ Day Of

  • Slice just before assembling
  • Arrange tree shape on platter
  • Add cheese star + cranberry ornaments

✔ For Transport

  • Place parchment between layers
  • Use a flat, rigid tray
  • Cover with plastic wrap tent (to prevent pressure)

This system keeps spirals fluffy, firm, and picture-perfect up to 48 hours.

⭐ FAQs

Can I make these with flour tortillas?

Yes, but spinach tortillas give the Christmas tree look.

Can I make them vegan?

Use vegan cream cheese + vegan feta.

How long can they sit out?

Up to 2 hours at room temperature.

Can I freeze them?

No, cream cheese doesn’t freeze well.

⭐ Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Pinwheels Cranberry and Feta are festive, creamy, colorful, and unbelievably easy. With sweet cranberries, salty feta, and a beautiful Christmas tree shape, they’re guaranteed to be the most charming appetizer on your holiday table.

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