• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Easter· Holiday Favorites· sandwiches & wraps· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
November 21, 2019

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels – Leftover turkey is rolled into a wrap with a cranberry rosemary cream cheese spread and dried cranberries and then sliced into little pinwheels. It’s a great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers!

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Years ago, wraps were given a bad rap (no pun intended) because of their false healthiness – many people perceived wraps as the healthier option, but in reality, they were just as high in calories as sandwiches, if not worse. The truth is – I love a great wrap! I used to eat them a lot in high school and really enjoyed them. But just like the rest of the world, I turned my back on them.

Recently, I found a new wrap at my local deli that targeted the sweet and salty craving that many of us enjoy – especially me. The wrap was a turkey and cranberry wrap and it was delicious! I love the cranberry and turkey flavors together. When it comes to topping my carved turkey with a sauce, I always go for the cranberry sauce over the gravy.

Despite this killer combo, I thought there was much more that could be added to the wrap to send it over the top. So I took those two ingredients and added in my secret weapon – a cranberry and rosemary cream cheese spread. This is exactly what the wrap needed!!

And to make the wrap perfect for serving, I made them into pinwheels. I know you guys love a great appetizer!

I present to you my Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels!

Plate of Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels on a plate with sprigs of rosemary

How to make these pinwheels

Pinwheels are one of the easiest appetizers that you can make. The ingredients and process are both so simple. For the ingredients, there are just four main ones:

  • Leftover turkey breast meat
  • Dried sweetened cranberries
  • Cream cheese spread
  • Wrap

The only thing you need to prepare before assembling the pinwheels is the cream cheese spread. It is made by mixing soft cream cheese, chopped rosemary, cranberries, and garlic powder. Once that’s ready, you spread in all over the wrap.

Mixing bowl of soft cream cheese, chopped rosemary, cranberries, and garlic powder Spreading the cream mixture across the wrap

Next, layer on the turkey and then sprinkle on the cranberries. Tightly wrap up it up and use the cream cheese to seal it together.

Adding slices of turkey to the cream on the wrap

Finally, the logs are cut into pinwheels and ready for serving!

Closeup on Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tips & Tricks

  1. To ensure the pinwheels have a uniform round shape, you need to place the ingredients in an even layer across the wrap. Therefore, when you roll it up and slice it, the pinwheels have a tight, even corkscrew shape.
  2. Don’t skimp on the cream cheese spread. Not only does it add so much flavor to the wrap, it acts like the glue to keep all the ingredients together.
  3. You can easily make these pinwheels ahead of time. I suggest making the logs and wrapping in plastic until it’s time to serve. Once it’s serving time, unwrap them and slice into pinwheels.
Print Recipe

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Leftover turkey is rolled into a wrap with a cranberry rosemary cream cheese spread and dried cranberries and then sliced into little pinwheels. It's a great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 6-ounce bag dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 wraps any flavor
  • 1 pound turkey breast diced

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, chopped rosemary, and garlic powder. Measure ¼ cup of dried cranberries and give them a rough chop. Add to bowl with other ingredients. Using a spoon, mix together until completed combined.
  • Grab 1 wrap and spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture evenly over the wrap. Add turkey evenly all over the wrap in one layer. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries over the turkey.
  • Starting at the bottom of the wrap, roll the wrap tightly into a long tube, using a little cream cheese to act as a "glue" on the other end of the wrap. This ensures that the wrap doesn't unravel when the pinwheels are cut. Repeat with the 5 remaining wraps.
  • Cut the logs into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve immediately. Alternatively, you can cover with plastic wrap and store for up to 2 days.

Pin for later:

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels photo collage

More recipes you’ll love:

Cobb Salad Dip

Corn chip of Cobb Salad Dip

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad on a piece of bread

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich on wheat bread

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

9 Comments

« Chocolate Cream Pie
Banana Bread Granola »

Comments

  1. Steph says

    November 22, 2019 at 10:53 am

    Yum, what a fun lunch idea for leftovers. My daughter would love these. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Monica says

    November 21, 2019 at 11:25 pm

    I definitely want to make these with our leftover turkey! Also, who skimps on cream cheese? 😉

    Reply
  3. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

    November 21, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    These pinwheels are screaming Thanksgiving!! I am pinning this to make later. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  4. Erika says

    November 21, 2019 at 8:51 pm

    I love pinwheels and these are perfect for the season!

    Reply
  5. Annissa says

    November 21, 2019 at 8:40 pm

    The cream cheese filling in these wraps looks amazing! What a wonderful combination of flavors. Can’t wait to try this with a low-carb wrap.

    Reply
  6. Whitney says

    November 21, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    The cream sheese recipe is so simple yet sounds so delicious! Great idea for leftover turkey!

    Reply
  7. Anita says

    November 21, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    This is very pretty and delicious. A perfect way to use up those leftover Thanksgiving turkey, and will be a really light and easy lunch. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Erin says

    November 21, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    These look delicious! Love turkery and cranberry! Would be perfect to bring to a holiday party!

    Reply
  9. Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says

    November 21, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    I love this, I need to keep it around as a lunch idea

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

photo of cinnamon apple kolaches with granny smith apples in the background

Cinnamon Apple Kolaches

close up pork chops on a plate with Dijon apple pan sauce on top and a rosemary garnish

Dijon Apple Pork Chops

vinaigrette dressing being poured over a plate of Orchard Harvest Salad (Panera Copycat) from a glass bottle with a half and whole pair and cherry preserves in the background, shot from a side angle

Orchard Harvest Salad (Panera Copycat)

chicken and biscuits in a dutch oven overhead shot

Chicken and Dumplings

front shot of sweet potato cornbread in a cast iron skillet

Sweet Potato Cornbread

a stack of three pumpkin oatmeal cream pies on cotton napkins with a platter behind it with more pies in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

a casserole dish of Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole on top of a cloth napkin with a bowl of mixed berries next to it, shot from overhead

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole

plate of Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with a gourd in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons

plate of bananas foster french toast casserole on a plate with a bottle of syrup and a baking dish with casserole in the background, shot from the front

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

close up of two brown sugar cinnamon cookie bars stacked on top of each other

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie Bars

a slice of chocolate cream pie with a bite out of it on a plate with more pie in the background, shot from the front

Chocolate Cream Pie

 

All the flavor of an old-fashioned doughnut, but i All the flavor of an old-fashioned doughnut, but in cake form!

This Blackberry Doughnut Cake is about to be your new holiday baking obsession. Dense coffee cake with a hint of nutmeg (that's the secret doughnut flavor!), filled with blackberry preserves, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. It's EVERYTHING.

Here's why this is genius:
✨ Way easier than making real doughnuts (no frying!)
✨ That nutmeg gives it authentic doughnut flavor
✨ Blackberry preserves add a fruity surprise in the center
✨ Cinnamon sugar coating = pure magic

The best part? No stand mixer needed! This batter comes together so simply, and the results are absolutely stunning. It's like having a giant gourmet doughnut you can slice and share.

Pro tips:
🔥 Warm the milk before mixing with butter
🎨 Use a piping bag to layer the preserves (keeps them centered!)
❄️ Cool completely before coating in sugar

Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The cinnamon sugar coating is totally reminiscent of those classic doughnuts, but you get to skip all the frying hassle!

Ready to bake something amazing? Comment "DOUGHNUT" below and I'll send the full recipe straight to your DMs! 💌
#doughnutcake #coffeecake #holidaybaking
These Sausage, Egg & Cheese Pastry Muffins are abo These Sausage, Egg & Cheese Pastry Muffins are about to become your new breakfast obsession!

During the cold winter months, I crave all the comforting breakfast foods – and these hit EVERY note. Flaky puff pastry cups filled with savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and fluffy eggs, baked to crispy golden perfection. They're basically portable breakfast heaven!

Here's why you need these in your life:
✨ Perfect for holiday mornings (Christmas, Easter, brunch!)
✨ Makes 18 muffins – great for meal prep
✨ Only 45 minutes from start to finish
✨ Everyone loves them (kids took them for lunch!)

The best part? Working with puff pastry is SO much easier than you think. Just keep it cold, and you'll have flaky, buttery results every time. 

Pro tip: Don't overfill with the egg mixture – it puffs up as it bakes!

These are perfect for:
🎄 Christmas morning breakfast
🐰 Easter brunch
🎉 Weekend entertaining
💼 Meal prep for busy mornings
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Feeding a crowd

One reader said she made these for her kids' lunch and they LOVED them. That's the kind of parent win we all need!

Ready to make breakfast magic happen? Comment "BREAKFAST" below and I'll send the full recipe straight to your DMs!

#breakfastmuffins #puffpastry #brunchrecipes #holidaybreakfast #mealprep
This Classic Crumb Cake is EXACTLY like the one fr This Classic Crumb Cake is EXACTLY like the one from Starbucks – maybe even better! 

Y'all know I worked at Starbucks in college, and this crumb cake was my absolute OBSESSION. Soft, moist cake (hello, sour cream!) topped with thick cinnamon crumbs that just melt in your mouth. Paired with a coffee frappuccino? Pure heaven.

Here's what makes this recipe amazing:
✨ Ready in under 1 hour (rise and bake!)
✨ Super simple ingredients you probably have at home
✨ That sour cream makes it incredibly moist
✨ Perfect crumb-to-cake ratio

The best part? You probably don't even need to make a grocery run. No supermarket visits in pajamas today! 

This is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, Christmas Day breakfast, or whenever you want something special without the fuss. My husband kept complimenting it with EVERY. SINGLE. BITE. (Not that I'm complaining!)

Pro tip: Refrigerate the crumb mixture while you make the batter – this is KEY to getting those perfect crumbs on top! If you skip this step, they'll melt into the cake and you'll lose that amazing texture.

Want the full recipe with all my tips? Comment "CRUMB" below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#crumbcake #coffeecake #breakfastrecipes #starbuckscopycat #brunchideas
This Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto changed my pasta g This Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto changed my pasta game forever!

After having mind-blowing cacio e pepe at Eataly in Boston, I became obsessed with recreating it at home. But here's the problem: the traditional recipe only makes small portions. So I had a lightbulb moment – what if I cooked it risotto-style to feed a crowd?!

The result? Pure magic. By cooking short pasta (I use ditalini!) slowly in chicken broth, you get an ultra-creamy, luscious texture without any cream. Just simple Italian ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh black pepper, butter, and good olive oil.

Here's what makes this amazing:
✨ Feeds a crowd (perfect for dinner parties!)
✨ Only 7 ingredients, but packed with flavor
✨ Takes 30 minutes but worth every second
✨ Creamy without any cream

The key? Using the BEST ingredients – fresh ground black pepper and quality extra virgin olive oil make all the difference. And cooking that pepper in the oil at the beginning? That's what gives it that signature cacio e pepe punch!

Pro tip: Dice those onions super small so they don't overpower each bite. Trust me on this one

Ready to make restaurant-quality Italian pasta at home? Comment "PASTA" below and I'll send the full recipe to your DMs! 

#cacioepepe #pastarisotto #italianfood #pastarecipes #dinnerparty
Black Forest Cupcakes are the ultimate delight! R Black Forest Cupcakes are the ultimate delight!

Rich chocolate cupcakes stuffed with amaretto-roasted cherry compote, topped with fresh whipped cream and a chocolate-dipped cherry. They're basically the fancy cupcake version of the classic German cake, and they're absolutely stunning!

Here's what you need to know:
✨ Made with FRESH cherries (it's their peak season!)
✨ Amaretto instead of Kirsch for better flavor
✨ Three delicious components: cake + filling + topping
✨ Easier than they look – just takes some time

Fun fact: The chocolate represents the Black Forest, while the red and white represent traditional colors worn by women of that region. How beautiful is that? 

These are perfect for gatherings, BBQs, or whenever you want to impress someone with an elegant dessert. Multiple people said these were devoured within 2 days – and I totally believe them!

Pro tip: Make sure everything is completely cooled before assembling, or you'll have a melty mess on your hands 

Ready to make cherry season magic? Comment "CHERRIES" below and I'll send the full recipe straight to your DMs!

#blackforestcake #cherryseason #chocolatecupcakes #summerrecipes #elegantdesserts

Copyright © 2025 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.