Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe

Picture this: A quiet afternoon, some good tunes playing in the background, and me, diving into the art of creating these insanely delicious pesto pinwheels that combine creamy, cheesy goodness with the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh crunch of spinach—all wrapped in a perfect tortilla hug. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to impress our taste buds (and maybe some friends too) with this delectable recipe!

These Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels make me feel cheerful and jolly because they are vibrant and colorful, creamy and delicious. I can only imagine how many of these delightful pinwheels I could eat in one sitting!

Cream cheese is blended and softened with tasty green pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Their filling features fresh baby spinach, an ingredient I love, and a light sprinkle of cheese brings it all together.

Pinwheels are such a fun and festive holiday treat that I can hardly contain myself!

Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor.
• Green Pesto: Adds a herbaceous, zesty kick and vibrant green color.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offers a sweet, tangy flavor; rich in antioxidants.
• Baby Spinach: Nutrient-dense; packed with vitamins A, C, and iron.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor with an aromatic, spicy depth.
• Flour Tortillas: Provides structure, soft texture; source of carbohydrates.

Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup green pesto
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)

How to Make this Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe

1. In a bowl of medium size, combine the softened cream cheese with the green pesto, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded cheese, mixing until all is blended evenly.

3. Sample the blend and add salt and pepper until it tastes right.

4. Place the flour tortillas on a clean work area.

5. Spread an equal layer of cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around the edges. Spread it thick enough that you’re not going to see the tortilla underneath when you look at it. You want to see cream cheese color, not tortilla color.

6. Put down a layer of fresh baby spinach leaves on each tortilla over the cream cheese mixture.

7. Beginning at one side, roll each tortilla into a log shape, taking care to keep it as tight and even as possible.

8. Each rolled tortilla should be wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to set.

9. After being chilled, take off the plastic wrap and cut each roll into pinwheels, approximately 1/2-inch thick.

10. Place the pinwheels on a serving tray and serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.

Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Plastic wrap
8. Refrigerator
9. Serving tray

FAQ

• Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?Absolutely, these pinwheels can be made as much as 24 hours ahead of time. To maintain their freshness, wrap them securely in the refrigerator. They can take their place beside homemade doughnuts and sweet rolls in the count of freshly made breakfast items.
• Can I use a different type of pesto?Of course. Although this recipe specifies using green pesto, you can substitute sun-dried tomato pesto or another favorite variety for a distinctive flavor.
• What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?You can use roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer a different flavor or don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand.
• Are these pinwheels vegetarian?The recipe is, indeed, vegetarian. If necessary, check that the pesto and cheese qualify as vegetarian.
• Can I freeze the pinwheels?They are not recommended for freezing, as the texture of cream cheese can vary greatly after it has been frozen and thawed.
• What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?A vegan cream cheese alternative or equal parts Greek yogurt and cottage cheese mixed together can make this ingredient when you find yourself in need.
• How can I make the pinwheels more colorful?Include strips of bell peppers or very finely chopped carrots to achieve added color and the crunch of fresh vegetables.

Cream Cheese Christmas Pinwheels Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For basil pesto: Use sun-dried tomato pesto or pesto made from another herb to switch up the flavor.
To use chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Substitute with roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a brighter flavor.
To replace fresh baby spinach leaves: use arugula or fresh basil leaves for a peppery or sweet twist.
To make flour tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas or low-carb tortillas to meet dietary needs.
For cheese that has been shredded: Substitute with feta or goat cheese for a tangy variation. These two cheeses also melt well.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Filling: Before spreading the cream cheese mixture on the tortillas, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up slightly, making it easier to spread evenly without tearing the tortillas.