Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups have been a beloved part of my family’s holiday traditions for as long as I can remember. There’s just something so special about the way the tart cranberries pair with the sweet cream cheese filling, all wrapped up in a tender dough. It’s like taking a bite of Christmas itself!
I can still picture my grandma in the kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked rolls and the sound of laughter filling the air. She’d always let me help with the final step, carefully sprinkling powdered sugar over the top of the warm Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. It was our little tradition, and I cherish those moments to this day.
Whenever I make these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, it takes me right back to those cozy holiday gatherings. The joy on everyone’s faces as they’d take that first delicious bite – it’s a memory I’ll hold onto forever. That’s why this recipe has become an absolute must-have in our family, and I know it’ll become your new go-to Christmas treat too.
Why This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
What sets this Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky dough provides the perfect canvas for the tangy-sweet cranberry filling, and the cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that ties it all together. Plus, the easy homemade method means you can have these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups fresh out of the oven, which is an unbeatable experience.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flour – The foundation of the dough, providing structure and texture.
- Butter – Gives the dough its rich, flaky layers.
- Cream cheese – Adds a creamy element to the filling that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Cranberries – The star of the show, delivering a burst of festive flavor.
- Sugar – Sweetens the filling and complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar – For a delightful dusting on top of the warm Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups come together quickly, making them the perfect last-minute holiday treat. In just about an hour, you’ll have a batch of these delightful rolls ready to share with your loved ones. All you’ll need is a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and your trusty oven.
1- Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cream cheese and knead until a soft dough forms.
2- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3- Gently roll up the dough, starting from the long side, to create a tight spiral. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet.
4- Bake the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups in the preheated oven until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 20-25 minutes.
5- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar, creating a festive, snowy effect.
6- Serve the warm Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups and enjoy the perfect combination of tart and sweet!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Use cold cream cheese for the best texture in the filling.
- Don’t overfill the dough, or the rolls may burst during baking.
- Be gentle when rolling up the dough to prevent it from tearing.
- Keep an eye on the rolls during baking to avoid over-browning.
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar for a neater presentation.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the ultimate holiday indulgence, but they also make a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of other dishes. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy, festive pairing. And they’re the perfect addition to a Christmas brunch spread, complementing savory items like quiche or frittata.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups (which is unlikely!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also make the dough and filling in advance and assemble the rolls just before baking for a quick and easy holiday treat.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Creative Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Variations
While the classic Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this festive recipe. Try using a different type of cheese, like ricotta or goat cheese, for a creamier filling. You could also add a touch of orange zest or cinnamon to the cranberry mixture for an extra burst of flavor. For a holiday-inspired twist, swap the cranberries for a mix of dried cherries and chopped pecans.
Making Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups a little more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. Instead of using regular flour, opt for a gluten-free or low-carb flour blend. For the filling, you can use a sugar-free sweetener or even Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese. And to keep the carbs in check, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cranberry mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling?
A: Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first.
Q: How do I know when the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are done baking?
A: The rolls are ready when the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also use a toothpick to check – it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a roll.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Simply assemble the rolls, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the rolls are cold from the fridge.
Q: How many Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields about 12-15 individual roll ups, depending on how thickly you slice the dough.
Q: What if the filling leaks out during baking?
A: If you notice some of the filling seeping out, don’t worry! Simply use a spoon to gently push it back into the rolls during the last few minutes of baking.
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the holidays with these delectable Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. Featuring a flaky, golden-brown pastry exterior and a sweet, tangy cranberry filling, these festive treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and granulated sugar until a coarse, spreadable consistency is achieved.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter, flour, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. 4. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
5. 5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. 6. Spread the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
7. 7. Starting from the short side, tightly roll up the puff pastry, jelly-roll style.
8. 8. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown.
10. 10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
11. 11. Dust the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a touch of extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry mixture. These roll ups can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the ultimate holiday indulgence, and this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. With their irresistible combination of tart cranberries, creamy filling, and flaky dough, these rolls are a true taste of the season. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just to enjoy on a cozy night in, I know you’re going to love every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups!
