This recipe for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is one of those small, joyful dishes that turns a simple gathering into a celebration. I first created it for a neighborhood cookie swap that somehow evolved into a full potluck; I wanted a finger food that felt festive but did not compete with the big mains. What resulted was a creamy, slightly tangy spread with bursts of sweet-tart cranberry in every bite. The contrast of sheep's milk feta and smooth cream cheese gives a salty-sweet balance that even people who say they do not love cheese reach for again and again.

Over the years I have tweaked the balance of ingredients so that the filling spreads easily and slices cleanly. I always use softened cream cheese at room temperature and a crumbly sheep's milk feta for depth; the cranberries add cheer and texture, and fresh chives bring a green onion brightness that ties everything together. These roll ups travel well, make-ahead easily, and have become a staple on my holiday appetizer table.

Ingredients

• Sheep's milk feta (1 cup, crumbled): Choose a creamy, block-style sheep's milk feta for brightest flavor. Look for brands labeled 100 percent sheep's milk or mixed sheep-goat for depth. Crumble or fork-fluff before measuring so the texture incorporates smoothly.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Full-fat cream cheese provides the best mouthfeel and structure. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before starting so it whips light without lumps. Avoid low-fat varieties to keep the spread creamy.
• Dried cranberries (1 1/2 cups, sweetened): Sweetened cranberries balance the salty cheese; choose sweetened varieties rather than tart unsweetened bags to maintain classic holiday flavor.
• Large flour tortillas (4): Use large 10-12 inch flour tortillas for even rolling and clean slices. If you need gluten-free, use a sturdy gluten-free tortilla brand and press gently while rolling.
• Fresh chives (1/3 cup, chopped): Chives lend a delicate onion note and flecks of color. Snip with scissors directly into the measuring cup to avoid bruising; flat-leaf parsley is an acceptable mild substitute.

Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese base: Place the softened cream cheese into a small bowl and beat with a handheld mixer or sturdy spoon until fluffy and free of lumps, about 1 to 2 minutes. A smooth base ensures the feta and cranberries distribute evenly. If the cream cheese is still cold, it will be difficult to combine and the filling will be uneven. Fold in the feta, cranberries, and chives: Gently fold the crumbled sheep's milk feta, dried cranberries, and chopped chives into the whipped cream cheese until uniform. Use a rubber spatula to avoid overworking the mixture; overmixing can break down the feta and make the texture grainy. Taste and adjust: if the cranberries are extremely tart, consider a teaspoon of honey to round the edges. Spread onto tortillas and roll: Lay a tortilla flat and spread an even layer of the mixture over the entire surface, leaving the final half-inch edge slightly lighter to prevent overflow when rolling. Start at one edge and roll tightly to form a log; a tighter roll creates neater slices. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Wrap and chill to set: Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap to hold shape and prevent drying. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2, to firm up the filling—this makes clean slicing possible. For best texture, avoid freezing before slicing because ice crystals can cause weeping when thawed. Slice and present: Remove plastic wrap and use a sharp chef's knife or serrated knife to slice each log into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pinwheels. Wipe the knife between cuts for the cleanest edges. Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled or at cool room temperature within two hours for optimal mouthfeel.

Storage Tips

To keep the pinwheels at their best, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and store upright in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need longer storage, freeze the wrapped logs for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing. When transporting to parties, keep them chilled in a cooler or on ice to prevent the cheeses from softening too much. For reheating, this appetizer is best served cool—avoid microwaving. If tortillas lose pliability in the fridge, allow the platter to sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sheep's milk feta, a tangy goat feta or classic Greek feta will work, though flavor intensity varies. For a milder profile, use a young ricotta mixed with a little lemon zest and salt in place of some feta. Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried cherries or apricots for different sweetness and chew. Use scallions instead of chives for more punch. For a dairy-free option, try a firm plant-based cream cheese and a vegan feta-style crumble; expect slightly different texture and adjust salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the pinwheels on a large platter with sprigs of fresh chives or rosemary for a holiday look. Serve alongside pickled vegetables, marinated olives, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. These work beautifully as part of a grazing board with crackers and roasted nuts, or as a colorful starter before soup and roast. For a brunch twist, pair with smoked salmon or thinly sliced cucumbers for extra elegance.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, use tart-sweet cranberries and add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for warmth. For spring and summer, switch to dried apricots and add lemon zest for brightness. At Thanksgiving, incorporate chopped toasted pecans for crunch. During holiday parties you can add a sliver of roasted red pepper inside the roll for a festive red accent. The recipe is flexible—small seasonal tweaks keep it feeling fresh year after year.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, assemble and roll the tortillas, then chill for the required hour. If feeding a crowd, prepare multiple logs and freeze extras uncut; slice after thawing for neat presentation. Use a long, sharp knife and steady sawing motion for consistent slices. Label containers with the date to track freshness, and place a damp paper towel under a breathable lid to prevent tortilla edges from drying.

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a tiny culinary celebration in every slice—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and reliably delicious. They bring color to the table, balance of flavor, and countless compliments. I hope they become a holiday favorite in your kitchen as they have in mine.