Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Ah, the delightful aroma of the holidays fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia! One snowy evening, while flipping through my grandmother’s old recipe book, I stumbled upon a little gem: the Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. She used to make these scrumptious bites for our family gatherings, and every time I took a bite, the sweet-tart flavor of the cranberry mingled with the creamy richness of the cheese, creating pure bliss on a plate. The contrast of crunchy pecans and soft tortilla created a symphony of textures that made each roll-up a little gift in every bite. The joy of sharing these with family around the holiday table is something I cherish deeply, and I just know you and your loved ones will adore them too!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll whip these roll-ups together in no time!
  • Quick Preparation: Perfect for last-minute holiday parties or cozy evenings.
  • Healthier Bite: Packed with delicious nutrients from cranberries and nuts, these treats feel indulgent but are a nice balance!
  • Flavorful and Festive: Each bite bursts with festive flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing!
  • Crowd-Pleasing: A sure hit for gatherings, these roll-ups disappear faster than you can say “holiday cheer!”

Ingredients

  • 1 package of flour tortillas
    Tip: Choose larger tortillas for easier rolling; whole wheat variations are also delightful if you’re feeling adventurous!

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
    Tip: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing—nothing makes me happier than a smooth texture!

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
    Tip: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, the tartness is what brings the festive flair!

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
    Tip: Toasting the nuts lightly before using enhances their flavor—you’ll love the added aroma in your kitchen!

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
    Tip: Adjust according to your taste; sometimes a little sweetness is the perfect balance against the tang of cranberries.

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
    Tip: A sprinkle of green adds a lovely touch and brightens the presentation!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Blend the Cream Cheese

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. The sweet aroma of cream cheese mingling with the powdered sugar fills the air—this is the base of your delicious roll-ups!

2. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. Use a spatula to get an even application; you want a delicious layer that will melt in your mouth!

3. Layer on the Goodness

Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with chopped nuts. The vibrant red of the cranberry against the creamy white is festive and inviting!

4. Roll It Up

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one edge. This is where the fun begins! The feeling of the soft tortillas and creamy filling gives you a great sense of homemade charm.

5. Wrap and Chill

Wrap each rolled-up tortilla in plastic wrap. This step helps to hold everything together. Pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let them set—this also intensifies the flavors!

6. Slice and Serve

Once chilled, slice each roll into pinwheels, about 1 inch thick, and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter. The colors are so bright and inviting; your guests will already be salivating!

7. Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for that extra festive cheer. Now, gather your family and friends and dig in!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened for a velvety texture.
  • Chill the roll-ups for a few hours (or overnight!) for the best flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different nuts—each nut brings its unique flavor!

Flavor Variations

  • Fruit Infusion: Swap out the cranberry sauce for raspberry or blueberry for a twist on flavor.
  • Spiced Up: Sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese for a warm spice note.
  • Savory Switch: Add roasted red peppers or fresh spinach for a savory spin!

Serving Suggestions

These roll-ups pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a refreshing sparkling water. Serve them on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy touch, and enjoy them as part of a festive spread alongside cheese and charcuterie.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep these delightful roll-ups a day in advance! Just store them tightly wrapped in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days—if they last that long!

Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely but possible), chop them up and toss them into a festive salad for a sweet crunch!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your roll-ups! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. They’ll keep for up to a month! Thaw them in the fridge overnight before slicing.

Reheating

These roll-ups are best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer them warmed, a quick zap in the microwave for about 20 seconds should do the trick!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free tortillas?
Absolutely! Gluten-free tortillas will work just as well for this recipe.

What if I don’t like nuts?
Skip the nuts! You can add sliced apples for crunch or additional fruits if you prefer.

Can I make these vegan?
Certainly! Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and check your cranberry sauce for added sugars or preservatives.

How can I make these spicier?
Try mixing a dash of cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture for a fun kick!

Final Thoughts

As you gather around the table this holiday season, I hope these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bring warmth and joy just as they do in my home. There’s something truly magical about sharing delicious memories with our loved ones—and I can’t wait to see what wonderful moments you create with these. Happy cooking, dear friends! Love, Chef Emily.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Delicious roll-ups featuring a creamy cheese base and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package flour tortillas Choose larger tortillas for easier rolling; whole wheat variations are delightful!
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce Store-bought or homemade, the tartness is key!
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional) Adjust according to your taste.
  • to taste fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) Adds a lovely touch to the presentation!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla.
  3. Spoon cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with chopped nuts.
  4. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one edge.
  5. Wrap each rolled-up tortilla in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  6. Once chilled, slice each roll into pinwheels, about 1 inch thick.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Chill the roll-ups for a few hours for the best flavor and texture. You can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.