When the holidays roll around, the real heroes of any gathering aren’t always the big roasts; they’re those little finger foods sitting out invitingly on a platter! I’ve always told folks that every recipe needs to carry a little bit of history, and these simple bites are packed with it. Growing up across Texas holiday tables, the spreads of comforting appetizers told stories just as rich as the main course. I started playing around one December afternoon, looking at how flavors like cranberries, nuts, and creamy cheese migrate through American foodways, and that’s precisely how I landed on these sensational Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups.
These roll ups bridge that gap between convenience and tradition perfectly. They use ingredients we treasure in winter—the tartness of cranberry, the crunch of pecan, nestled in smooth cheese—all wrapped up neatly and ready to go. Trust me, once you roll these up tight, chill them, and serve them sliced as festive pinwheels, you’ll see why they’ve become one of my absolute favorite make-ahead party snacks. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your spread, check out my best Thanksgiving appetizer recipes! They’re truly Southern holiday cooking in a spiral!
The History Behind Our Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups (E-E-A-T)
As a culinary historian, I’m always looking for where simple dishes connect to deeper traditions. These roll ups feel modern because we use flour tortillas, but the filling? That’s pure American heritage. In those early farmhouse kitchens, dried cranberries and sturdy local nuts like pecans were essential ingredients for winter gatherings—they just lasted so long!
Before electric refrigeration, preserving flavor meant relying on cheeses like cream cheese, which we adapted here with creamy Brie for structure. This combination speaks volumes about how early American cooks used shelf-stable pantry items to create something genuinely special for their seasonal celebrations. That tradition of making celebratory Holiday Food from trusted ingredients is exactly what these pinwheels honor.
Gathering Ingredients for Perfect Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Now that we’ve talked about the history woven into these bites, let’s talk about what you actually need to gather up. Don’t let the cheese list scare you! It’s the secret to that amazing, spreadable texture that holds up beautifully when you slice them. When you’re shopping, make absolutely sure you grab the biggest tortillas you can find—the burrito or large wrap size. We need that extra surface area to get a good, tight roll without everything cracking. Seriously, trying to stretch a taco-sized one leads to disaster, and nobody wants a broken pinwheel!
Ingredients for the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Filling
Here is the simple list. Remember, the cream cheese needs to be fully softened, sitting out on the counter for a bit before you start mixing, okay? That makes for a smoother filling!
- 4 large, burrito-sized, flour tortillas (Don’t skip the large size!)
- 16 oz cream cheese, fully softened
- 5.5 oz Brie cheese, and make sure to cut that pesky rind right off
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped up a bit
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced nice and fine
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Putting these together is actually faster than making a full dip, and the results look so fancy! We are building layers of flavor here, just like we build history story by story. Follow these steps carefully, especially the chilling part later, and you’ll have perfect, sliceable holiday appetizers ready for your party.
Preparing the Creamy Filling Base
First things first, get your mixer out! In a good solid mixing bowl, toss in that softened cream cheese, the chopped pecans, the chopped dried cranberries, and the fresh, minced rosemary. Now, take your Brie—remember, rind off!—and break it into smaller chunks before dropping it in too. You want everything to combine beautifully.
Turn that mixer on low at first, just until everything starts to come together. You need this mixture to be totally smooth and absolutely blended. That combination of rich cream cheese and Brie with the pop of fruit and herbs makes this the most incredible filling you’ll ever spread!
Assembling and Rolling the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Next up, let’s handle the tortillas. They need to be warm, just slightly pliable, so run them through the microwave for about 10 seconds—not hot, just relaxed enough so they don’t tear on you. This step prevents so much frustration, I promise!
Once warmed, brush every single tortilla with a nice, thin coat of maple syrup. That syrup is the glue that locks in the sweetness! Then, divide your filling into four equal piles. Take one pile and spread it evenly over one tortilla. Here’s a pro tip: make sure you leave about a half-inch bare margin around all the edges. If you fill it edge-to-edge, you’ll have filling oozing out everywhere.
Now, roll up that tortilla really firmly, pressing as you go to keep it compact. Place it seam-side down on a clean surface. I’ve got a great resource for other sweet make-ahead snacks if you want more ideas, like these kid-friendly Cheerio granola bars when you need a break from savory!
Chilling and Slicing for Presentation
This bit is non-negotiable if you want picture-perfect appetizers! After you roll all four tortillas, stack them up in a serving dish, seam-down. They really need about 15 minutes chilling time in the fridge. That short chill firms up the cheeses just enough so when you slice them, the rolls don’t squish out of shape.
Once chilled, grab your serrated knife—a bread knife works perfectly here! Slice the rolls into pinwheels that are somewhere between a half-inch and one inch thick. Don’t stress too much; even slightly uneven slices look festive! You’ll be amazed at how beautiful your final platter of Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups looks!
Tips for Success Making Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Pulling off perfect pinwheels comes down to just a few little tricks I picked up from trying to rush things too many times during the busiest seasons. Don’t make my mistakes! If you follow these tips, your platter is going to look magazine-ready.
First off, if you have an extra five minutes, lightly toast those pecans before you chop them! Toasting brings out so much more depth of flavor, and we want every bit of taste we can get in these Holiday Treats. It only takes a minute or two in a dry skillet, just until you smell them.
Second, double-check that you chopped your dried cranberries. If they are too whole, they can poke through the tortilla when you slice them later. Giving them a rough chop ensures they mix evenly with the cheese mixture.
Finally, if you are prepping these a day ahead, wrap the un-sliced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them. When you are ready to serve, you can gently slice them right then, or you can slice them and arrange them on your platter. I have some other make-ahead ideas here if you need more easy recipes like these Christmas brownie bites!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Oh, my favorite part about these rolls is that you can absolutely get ahead of the holiday frenzy! That 15-minute chill I mentioned earlier? You can easily push that way back. If you roll your tortillas up tightly, wrap them good and tight in plastic wrap or foil, you can absolutely refrigerate them for up to two days before you plan to serve them.
When you chill them whole, they firm up beautifully. When it’s party time, just unwrap them, slice them, and arrange them on your prettiest platter. I really recommend slicing them the day you plan to serve them, though. Once they’re cut, the cut edges look freshest within about 8 hours.
Now, freezing isn’t my first choice for these because the texture of the cream cheese can get a little grainy once it thaws completely. But if you absolutely must, wrap the *un-sliced* rolls super securely and freeze them for up to six weeks. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before slicing them to serve. For speedy snack ideas, you might also want to check out my recipe for sweet marshmallow popcorn mix!
Serving Suggestions for Festive Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
These creamy pinwheels are such a versatile addition to any spread! Because the filling is savory yet slightly sweet from the maple and cranberries, they pair wonderfully with richer foods. For your larger Christmas Dinner Ideas, they make a fantastic starter while waiting for the main event, especially alongside something salty like spiced nuts or olives.
If you’re putting together a full buffet of Thanksgiving Appetizers, I like to balance the richness of the cheese by setting them next to something bright, maybe a simple bruschetta or even some crisp apple slices. For drinks, a dry hard cider or a light sparkling wine cuts through the creaminess perfectly. You can see my whole collection of seasonal favorites, like my favorite Christmas recipes, linked here—it helps fill out the table!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
I always get questions about tweaking a recipe, especially one filled with such specific textures! Since these little bites are so popular for all our holiday cooking needs, I wanted to cover a few common things folks ask before they start rolling. Don’t worry if you need an adjustment; we can almost always make it work!
Can I substitute the pecans in these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups?
You absolutely can! Pecans bring that wonderful, buttery Southern crunch, but walnuts are a fantastic 1:1 swap; they have a slightly earthier bite that pairs really well with the rosemary. If you want something a little crisper, toasted slivered almonds work excellently too. The key thing is to make sure whatever nut you choose is toasted lightly beforehand. Toasting them wakes up their oils and makes sure they don’t just taste greasy next to that luscious cheese blend.
Are these roll ups suitable for Christmas Dinner Recipes?
Oh, yes, they fit right into the flow of Christmas Dinner Recipes! I usually position them as a lighter appetizer served while people are arriving and sipping drinks, maybe an hour before everything moves to the main table. Because they are so easy to eat standing up and aren’t overly heavy, they don’t ruin anyone’s appetite for the big meal later on. They add such a festive visual element—all those reds and greens spiraling out—that they feel perfectly appropriate for a holiday table, even if you’re serving something heavier later!
What tortillas work best besides standard flour?
I strongly recommend sticking to the large, burrito-sized flour tortillas, honestly. They have the most give and the least tendency to crack when you roll them super tight, which is crucial for pretty pinwheels. Spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas can be fun for color, but sometimes they are thinner or contain less gluten, making them more brittle. If you try whole wheat, double-check that they are pliable before you start spreading that glorious filling!
Can I make the filling ahead of time without the tortillas?
Yes, and I often do this to save precious time on Christmas morning! The filling mixture—the mixed cheeses, nuts, cranberries, rosemary—can be made up to three days in advance. Store it covered tightly in the refrigerator. Just remember, when you are ready to assemble, you still need to let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes until it’s soft enough to spread easily again. It’s a huge time saver when preparing for those bigger Christmas Meals!
If you want to explore more of my favorite seasonal recipes, like my best Christmas cookie recipes, be sure to look around the site!
Estimated Nutritional Snapshot
Now, I know when we are talking about rich holiday appetizers—cheese, butter in the history of Brie, and maple syrup—we aren’t really focused on counting every single calorie, are we? Trust me, I get it! These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups are meant to be enjoyed thoroughly during festive moments.
But because I always want to make sure I’m giving you the most complete picture for your planning, I always have a quick estimate run for you. Keep in mind that because these recipes can vary slightly depending on the brand of tortilla or how thick you slice them, these numbers are a general guide for someone serving four people, giving them about four roll-ups each.
For reference, when looking at the combination of cream cheese, Brie, nuts, and the small amount of maple syrup used for binding, you can expect the following typical nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: Roughly 350–400 Calories
- Total Fat: Expect a higher range, around 25g, mostly from the cheeses and pecans
- Protein: About 8g
- Carbohydrates: Generally under 25g, depending on the tortilla size
This is why I always stress that these are best enjoyed alongside lighter fare if you are preparing a big spread for your Christmas Cooking adventure. It’s all about balance on the holiday table, right? Use this snapshot for planning, but focus on the joy these delicious little bites bring!
Share Your Holiday Food Creations
Well, that’s it! These little spirals of cranberry, pecan, and creamy cheese are now officially part of your repertoire for making memorable Holiday Food gatherings. I truly hope they bring as much quiet, comforting nostalgia to your table as they do mine. When you make these Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups, please don’t forget to come back and let me know how they turned out!
Leaving a star rating helps other folks find these wonderful, simple appetizers. Also, if you snap a picture of your platter arrangement, I’d love to see your creativity! Tag us or just leave a comment below describing your setup. Remember, recipes are living things—they connect us to the past while we make new traditions.
I’m James Porter, a Food Writer and Culinary Historian here at Top Chicken Eats, and I spend my days tracing these flavors through history. If you enjoyed this recipe, you can learn more about my food adventures and philosophy over on my About page. Happy cooking, and enjoy your very festive gathering!
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, chopped dried cranberries, and minced fresh rosemary in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the rind off the Brie and add the soft cheese to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Mix everything together with a mixer until smooth and completely blended.
- Warm the tortillas briefly in a microwave so they roll easier and do not crack.
- Brush each tortilla with a thin layer of maple syrup.
- Divide the filling into 4 equal amounts. Spread an even layer of filling over each tortilla, leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch uncovered around the edges.
- Roll up the tortilla and press gently all over. Place the roll seam down.
- Cut across the roll with a serrated knife to create pinwheels that are between 1/2 and 1 inch thick.
- Stack the pinwheels in a serving dish and serve them.