Dessert

Christmas Pinwheel Tree (No Bake) Recipe

ByRafael Mansero December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

This festive Christmas Pinwheel Tree is a delightful no-bake appetizer that brings color and flavor to your holiday table. Made with creamy filling and fresh vegetables wrapped in spinach tortillas, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made from 34 pinwheel sandwiches arranged in layers on a dark wooden rectangular tray. Each pinwheel has three visible layers: a pale beige outer tortilla, a creamy white spread inside, and a green leafy filling with small bits of red, likely bell pepper, swirled together. The sandwich layers are rolled tightly and stacked, forming a solid triangular tree shape with five horizontal layers getting wider toward the bottom. On top of the tree is a bright yellow star-shaped piece. Around the tray are bright red cranberries and fresh green rosemary sprigs for decoration. The tray sits on a light-colored cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 spinach tortillas (10-inch)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
½ cup finely diced celery
¼ cup sliced green onions
⅓ cup sliced green olives
1 slice cheddar cheese (cut with star cutter for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Fold in the diced red bell pepper, celery, green onions, and sliced green olives until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 3: Spread the filling evenly over each spinach tortilla, going all the way to the edges.
Step 4: Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Remove the chilled rolls and use a serrated knife to slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Step 6: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter in the shape of a Christmas tree. Top with the cheddar star slice for a festive touch.
Step 7: Keep the pinwheel tree chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness and shape.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb for an extra punch of flavor.
Substitute green olives with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves as wraps.
Wrap the completed tree with plastic wrap if transporting to keep it intact and fresh.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Re-chill before serving again; these are best served cold or at room temperature, not warmed.

How to Serve

The image shows a Christmas tree shape made from 35 round tortilla roll-ups arranged in 7 layers on a square white tray; the bottom layer has 8 roll-ups, and the layers get smaller to the top with one roll-up at the peak. Each roll-up is light tan with visible green spinach or herb swirls and small red pepper pieces inside. At the top of the tree, a yellow star-shaped garnish is placed. Around the tree on the tray are sprigs of green rosemary and bright red cranberries, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pinwheels a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pinwheel rolls a day ahead and keep them tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Slice and arrange just before serving for best presentation.

What can I use as a star if I don’t have a star cutter?

If you don’t have a star cutter, you can cut a star shape freehand with a small knife or use a small cookie cutter. Alternatively, use a small piece of bell pepper or other colorful vegetable to decorate the top.