Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, tasty, and super easy appetizer to wow your guests this holiday season, then this Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is absolutely for you! I love this recipe because it combines creamy, savory flavors with bright, colorful ingredients, all wrapped up in a fun Christmas tree shape that instantly adds holiday cheer to your table. You’ll find that making these little pinwheels is straightforward, and they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy snack while wrapping presents.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully — the tangy cream cheese provides a creamy canvas, while the salty olives and bright red peppers add just the right pop of flavor and color. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and good-quality tortillas to really elevate the pinwheels.

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the cheese.
• Onion Powder: A gentle boost of savoriness that complements the olives well.
• Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten the creamy mixture.
• Green Olives: Sliced thinly for bursts of tangy, briny flavor.
• Black Olives: Their rich earthiness balances the bright green olives nicely.
• Red Peppers: Finely chopped to add a festive splash of color and subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Dill: Minced to sprinkle in an herbal freshness that truly lifts the flavors.
• Tortillas: Use two plain and two spinach (green) tortillas for that fun Christmas tree color contrast.
• Fresh Rosemary: For garnish, its piney aroma perfectly suits the holiday vibe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: To mimic tiny ornaments, adding a juicy burst of sweetness on top.
• Decorative Holiday Picks (Optional): Cute for serving and adding an extra festive touch.

Variations

I always encourage making this recipe your own — after all, that’s how you really make a dish special. I’ve tried a few variations and have picked up some favorites you might want to try at home!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in gluten-free tortillas once and was amazed at how perfectly everything worked without missing a beat.
• Olive Variations: Using kalamata, garlic-stuffed, or marinated olives can add exciting new flavors. I discovered this trick when I opted for spicy olives — it gave a wonderful kick.
• Red Pepper Replacement: Drained jarred pimientos are a convenient and tasty alternative when fresh peppers aren’t available.
• Herb Swaps: Try fresh basil or parsley in place of dill to give a different herbal note that’s just as delightful.

How to Make Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Cheese Base

Start by finely chopping your red peppers and slicing any olives that aren’t pre-sliced. This makes spreading and biting into the pinwheels more enjoyable with evenly distributed flavors. Next, soften your cream cheese if you haven’t already—it’s key for a smooth, lump-free spread. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. I like using a hand mixer here because it really smooths everything out quickly—my first tries with a spoon left it a bit lumpy!

Step 2: Fold in the Fresh Ingredients

Once your base is silky smooth, gently fold in minced fresh dill, green and black olives, plus those bright chopped red peppers. Don’t overmix here—you want the ingredients evenly distributed but still distinct so every bite bursts with those fresh, vibrant flavors.

Step 3: Spread and Roll the Tortillas

Lay one tortilla flat on your workspace. Using an offset spatula or a butter knife, spread about half a cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly all the way to the edges. Trust me, spreading to the edges is worth it to get that perfect pinwheel swirl. Roll the tortilla tightly – this step came easier for me once I chilled the mix a bit beforehand, making it less slippery. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to keep everything snug and to help maintain shape.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Pop your wrapped tortillas in the freezer for 30 minutes. This chilling step is important because it firms up the rolls, making slicing into neat ¾-inch pinwheels a breeze. Trying to cut them before chilling usually results in squished, uneven pinwheels—I learned this the hard way! After chilling, slice each roll into the perfect bite-size rounds.

Step 5: Assemble Your Festive Christmas Tree

Arrange your pinwheels on a festive platter or wooden board in the shape of a Christmas tree — start with a wide base and taper up to a point. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary to mimic pine branches and tuck cherry tomatoes in as cute “ornaments.” If you like, decorative holiday picks add a lovely finishing touch and make grabbing individual pinwheels easier when the party starts.

How to Serve Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs because they look just like pine branches, giving a festive vibe and a wonderful fragrance as people nibble around the platter. Cherry tomatoes add a bright pop of red, mimicking Christmas ornaments — it’s those little festive details that make this recipe truly special in my book.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is a star all on its own, but I’ve enjoyed pairing it with seasonal crudité platters, a bowl of spiced nuts, or even alongside a fresh winter salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the pinwheels on a large wooden cutting board shaped like a Christmas tree and added edible gold dust to the tomato “ornaments” for a touch of sparkle. You could also serve individual mini-trees on small plates for guests, or use colorful festive toothpicks to make them easier to grab during a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a party, I like to keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They last wonderfully up to 5 days, and honestly, they’re still great the next day for a quick snack or light lunch.

Freezing

I have frozen the rolled, wrapped tortillas—but not sliced—to preserve their texture best. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice right before arranging. This helps maintain that creamy and firm structure.

Reheating

Since these pinwheels are served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let refrigerated ones sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe has become my go-to festive appetizer because it’s both beautiful and delicious — it always brings people together and makes holiday entertaining feel effortless. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do; they’re a perfect bite of holiday spirit wrapped in every slice. Give it a try next time you’re prepping for a party or just want to add some merriment to your snack game. I promise these pinwheels will earn you plenty of compliments and maybe even a few recipe requests!

Print