Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Pecans
Need a holiday appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious? These turkey cranberry pinwheels are the perfect make-ahead bite-sized snack—festive, flavorful, and gone in minutes!
These Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the perfect blend of savory turkey, creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans—all rolled up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a light lunch, or need a quick snack to impress, these pinwheels have got you covered.
This Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels festive but takes barely any effort. It’s like Thanksgiving flavors wrapped up in a bite-sized, snackable roll!
I love how the tangy cranberries and nutty pecans pair beautifully with smooth cream cheese and juicy turkey slices for a perfectly balanced and irresistible treat. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make—just layer, roll, chill, and slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy ingredients, big flavor!
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or lunchboxes.
- No cooking required—just assemble and chill.
Ingredients Needed
These festive pinwheels may look fancy, but they’re made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make them. Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact amounts and step-by-step instructions.
- Flour tortillas – Soft, pliable tortillas make it easy to roll everything up neatly. Large, burrito-sized tortillas work best for nice, even pinwheels.
- Cream cheese – This adds a creamy, tangy base that holds the pinwheels together. Make sure it’s softened so it spreads easily over the tortillas.
- Turkey slices – Thinly sliced deli turkey brings savory flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweet and crunchy mix-ins. Use about 3 slices per tortilla.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for even more depth, if desired.
- Dried cranberries – These bring a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese and turkey.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
No need to stress about assembly—these tasty pinwheels are easier than they look and come together in just a few simple steps. You’ll find the full printable instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep. Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface and soften the cream cheese if needed for easy spreading.
- Assemble. Spread 2 oz of cream cheese evenly over each tortilla. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and dried cranberries, then layer 3 turkey slices on top.
- Roll. Starting from one edge, tightly roll each tortilla into a log. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or until ready to serve).
- Slice and Serve. Remove the plastic wrap. Cut about 2 inches off each end (save those for snacking!) and slice the remaining roll into 6 one-inch pieces. Arrange pinwheels flat on a platter.
Tips for Success
- Spread evenly – Make sure the cream cheese covers the tortilla to the edges for best rolling and flavor in every bite.
- Use good-quality turkey – Fresh deli turkey slices hold their texture and flavor better than packaged lunch meat.
- Chill for clean cuts – Don’t skip the fridge time! Chilling helps everything set so your slices stay round and tidy.
- Try flavored cream cheese – A honey or herb cream cheese can add a twist if you want to switch it up.
Serving Suggestions
These Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are a perfect addition to any holiday spread, potluck, or casual get-together. Serve them as a festive appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving, or pack them in lunchboxes for a fun twist on a traditional sandwich.
They also make a great finger food option for baby showers, brunches, or office parties. Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs or slices of fruit for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress.
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the slices flat to avoid squishing.
- Make ahead: You can make and chill the tortilla rolls (unsliced) up to a day in advance, then slice right before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Roll and wrap the tortillas a day in advance and slice them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely—sliced chicken or ham work well too, or make a vegetarian version with thinly sliced cucumber or bell pepper.
Can I use flavored tortillas? Yes! Spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas are a fun way to add color and a subtle flavor boost.
And that’s it! These Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels are the no-stress appetizer that looks impressive but comes together so easily. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just want a fun, flavorful snack, they’re sure to be a hit!
More Tasty Pinwheels Recipe Ideas
Turkey Cranberry Pecan Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz sliced turkey about 12 slices
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Spread the base. Spread 2 oz of softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla.
- Add the fillings. Sprinkle each tortilla with chopped pecans and dried cranberries, then layer about 3 slices of turkey on top.
- Roll it up. Starting from one side, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap.
- Chill. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Slice and serve. Remove the plastic wrap. Cut about 2 inches off each end (you can snack on those!), then slice the remaining roll into 6 even pieces. Arrange flat on a serving platter.
