Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious appetizer this holiday season, you’ve got to try my Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe. These pinwheels not only look like a charming Christmas tree but are loaded with creamy, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). I first made these a few years ago for a holiday party, and they were the first to disappear from the table. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through everything from the ingredients to nifty tips that’ll make this recipe a breeze for you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The fun part about this Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is how all the ingredients come together to give you that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory. When shopping, pick olives that you genuinely enjoy eating because their flavor shines here!

• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and easier spreading.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but cozy depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Onion powder: This gives a gentle savory punch that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
• Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts all the flavors.
• Green olives (sliced): Their slightly salty and grassy flavor adds great contrast.
• Black olives (sliced): I love how their deeper richness balances the creaminess.
• Red peppers (finely chopped): These add a sweet crunch and festive red color.
• Fresh dill (minced): Dill adds a lovely herbaceous aroma and fresh bite that I personally adore.
• Tortillas (plain and spinach): The green spinach tortillas make the tree green, and the plain keep the flavor neutral yet sturdy.
• Fresh rosemary: Perfect for garnish because it looks like pine needles, giving that Christmas tree vibe.
• Cherry tomatoes: Use these as ‘ornaments’—they bring a pop of color and juicy freshness.
• Decorative holiday picks: Optional, but I find they add a fun touch when serving.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients or adapting it to different dietary needs. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your creativity. Here are some ideas based on what I’ve personally tried or love hearing from friends who’ve made it their own.

• Try different olives: Kalamata or stuffed olives work amazingly well—I’ve even used marinated olives for extra flavor complexity.
• Use jarred pimentos instead of red peppers: They add great color and a bit of sweetness—I stumbled upon this trick when I didn’t have fresh peppers on hand.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply swap the tortillas with gluten-free versions, so everyone at your party can enjoy without worry.
• Add fresh herbs: Sometimes I add finely chopped parsley or chives alongside the dill for a fresh twist.

How to Make Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your red peppers into small pieces and slicing the green and black olives if they aren’t already sliced. This step is key because you don’t want big chunks in the pinwheels—they should be easy to bite and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. I use a hand mixer here because it makes the mixture incredibly smooth and lump-free. If you only have a spoon, just make sure you mix really well so the spices are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Fold in the Olives, Peppers, and Dill

Once your cream cheese base is smooth, gently fold in the minced fresh dill, sliced olives, and chopped red peppers. Folding instead of mixing vigorously helps keep the texture nice and evenly spread.

Step 4: Spread and Roll the Tortillas

Lay one tortilla flat on your work surface. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread about ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly all the way to the edges—this is important so your pinwheels hold together when sliced. Roll up the tortilla nice and tight, then wrap it with plastic wrap. Repeat this for all four tortillas.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Pop those wrapped rolls in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This not only firms up the cream cheese mixture but makes slicing oh-so-easy without squishing them. When chilled, unwrap and slice each roll into ¾-inch thick pinwheels.

Step 6: Assemble Your Christmas Tree

Now comes the fun part! Arrange your pinwheel slices on a festive platter or wooden board in the shape of a Christmas tree. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles and use cherry tomatoes as colorful ornaments. If you want, add decorative holiday picks for serving—a neat touch that guests love.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I always stick with fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes because they bring that festive green and red vibe effortlessly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of paprika over the pinwheels for a subtle smoky color boost. If you’re serving kids, little star-shaped cheese pieces on top bring extra fun!

Side Dishes

This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad or simple roasted nuts for crunch. For bigger parties, I like serving it alongside a variety of veggies and dips for a full holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve arranged these pinwheels into small individual trees on mini wooden boards for party favors, which was a huge hit! Another fun idea is to layer the pinwheels on a tiered stand decorated with holiday greenery and fairy lights—it instantly elevates the whole table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to five days, which is great if you want to prep ahead or save a few for sneaky snacks later.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the rolled tortillas before slicing by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When I want to serve, I thaw overnight in the fridge and slice fresh that day. This way, the texture stays fresh, and you’re not stuck with soggy pinwheels.

Reheating

Since these are served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Just remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let flavors mellow and the cream cheese soften slightly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Olive Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe brings a playful yet elegant touch to any holiday gathering. It’s one of those dishes that feels homemade but impresses like you spent hours in the kitchen. When I first made it, the blend of olives, dill, and red peppers surprised me with how festive and bright it tasted. Whether you’re hosting family or bringing something to a friend’s party, you’ll enjoy the smiles and happy requests that come with these little pinwheels. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a holiday favorite in your home, too!

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