introduction
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a bright and tasty snack for the holidays. They mix the tart taste of cranberries with creamy cheese and a little orange zest. These roll ups work well as an appetizer, a snack for kids, or a simple party food. They are easy to make and cook fast, so you can make a big batch in little time.
If you like simple holiday bites, try these with other easy treats like apple cinnamon baked oatmeal cups on your table. The mix of flavors is fresh and cheerful, and the bright cranberry color looks great next to other dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
You will love these roll ups because they are quick and festive. The cranberry mix adds color and a sweet-tart bite. Cream cheese gives a smooth, rich base that balances the fruit. Toasting the outside adds a warm, golden texture. They are finger food, so people can pick them up and eat them while standing or moving.
These roll ups let you change ingredients easily. You can add nuts, swap the tortilla for a flavored wrap, or use a different jam. They also travel well and can sit out for a short time during a party. If you need a last-minute holiday snack, these are a strong choice.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick, attractive snack that tastes like the holidays. It uses simple, common ingredients, and you do not need baking skills. The cranberry filling cooks on the stove and cools quickly. Assembly is fast: spread, spoon, roll, and toast.
This recipe suits people who like to prepare parts ahead. You can make the cranberry mix a day before and keep it in the fridge. Then spread and roll the tortillas when guests arrive. It is a good option if you want to share food with family or neighbors without too much work.
What You Need for Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
You need only a few items from the pantry and one small pan. The basic tools are a saucepan for the cranberry mix, a knife to chop nuts, a spatula to spread cream cheese, and a skillet or frying pan to toast the roll ups. You also need a cutting board and a plate for rolling.
If you want to mix textures, have chopped nuts ready. If you like more citrus, keep extra orange zest on hand. For serving, use a platter or a serving board where the pinwheels can sit flat. This recipe is simple and needs no special gear.
How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Follow these steps in order to make the roll ups. Work carefully so the filling cools enough before spreading on the tortillas.
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- Spread cream cheese over each tortilla.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese and sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and slice into pinwheels.
- In a skillet, melt butter and lightly toast the roll-ups until golden on all sides.
- Serve warm at your holiday gatherings.
When you cook the cranberry mix, stir often so it does not stick. Let it cool so it will not melt the cream cheese. When you slice the rolls into pinwheels, use a sharp knife and a steady hand. If the rolls feel loose, chill them for 10 minutes before cutting to hold their shape.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 package of tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter
Best Ways to Serve Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Serve these roll ups warm or at room temperature. Place them on a flat platter so they show their red centers. You can add small picks or toothpicks to make them easy to grab. These are great with other holiday finger foods like small cheese cubes, sliced apples, or simple crackers.
For a nice display, alternate colors and shapes on the tray. Add fresh greens or rosemary sprigs for a festive look. If you want to make a small holiday board, use the roll ups with baked sweets and other pastries. For a warm buffet, keep them in a low oven to stay light and toasty.
One good pairing is with sweet warm drinks or cider. For a brunch table, serve them alongside items like the apple cranberry crumble pie recipe to round out the flavors and keep a seasonal theme.
How to Store Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Store extras in an airtight container. If you have already toasted them, place a small sheet of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a skillet or oven to bring back the warm, crisp outside.
If you have only the cranberry mix left over, keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. You can use it on toast, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes. Do not freeze the roll ups once they are assembled; the tortillas and cream cheese will change texture when thawed.
Easy Tips to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Cook the cranberry mixture until it thickens. This helps it stay in place inside the roll.
- Cool the cranberry mix before spreading on cream cheese. Warm jam will melt the cheese and make rolling messy.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy spreading.
- If you want even slices, chill the rolled tortillas for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
- Warm the buttered skillet on medium heat and toast quickly. Do not overcook or the tortillas will burn.
- Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to cut neat pinwheels.
These simple steps save time and make the roll ups look tidy and tasty.
Try These Variations of Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Add chopped pistachios or pecans for crunch.
- Use a flavored tortilla like spinach or sun-dried tomato for color.
- Swap cream cheese for goat cheese for a sharper taste.
- Add a thin layer of honey or maple syrup for more sweetness.
- Mix in orange marmalade with the cranberry filling for extra orange flavor.
- Make mini roll ups by using smaller tortillas or cutting the roll into thinner slices before toasting.
These small changes keep the recipe fresh and let you match tastes to your guest list.
Common Questions About Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use the same amount and cook them a little longer until they burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool well.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the cranberry mix a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Assemble and toast the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Are there non-dairy options?
A: Use a non-dairy cream cheese substitute that spreads well. Check that the butter is also dairy-free if you need a fully non-dairy version.
Q: Can I skip the toasting step?
A: Yes, you can serve them without toasting. Toasting makes them warm and crisp, but they taste fine at room temperature.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from unrolling?
A: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese to act as glue. Chill the rolled tortillas for a short time before slicing to help them set.
Final Thoughts
These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a simple, colorful, and tasty holiday treat. They do not take much time, use few ingredients, and please many people. You can make them your own with nuts, different cheeses, or flavored tortillas. They are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and quick family snacks during the busy season.
The steps are easy, and the flavors are fresh and bright. You can prepare parts ahead, which keeps your kitchen calm on the day of the event. The final toasted touch gives them a warm, golden finish that guests will enjoy.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Make a batch for your next holiday get-together. Follow the simple steps, pick a few variations you like, and enjoy a tasty, festive snack that looks pretty on the table. These roll ups are small in effort and big in charm.
Conclusion
If you want another cranberry pinwheel idea to try alongside these roll ups, see this tasty Cranberry Feta Pinwheels recipe for a savory twist and more holiday inspiration.
Print
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and tasty roll-ups mixing tart cranberries with creamy cheese and orange zest, perfect for holiday snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 package of tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- Spread cream cheese over each tortilla.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese and sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and slice into pinwheels.
- In a skillet, melt butter and lightly toast the roll-ups until golden on all sides.
- Serve warm at your holiday gatherings.
Notes
For best results, cool the cranberry mix before spreading on cream cheese and chill rolled tortillas before cutting for neater pinwheels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg