The holidays are here, and there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of creating something special for your loved ones! These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups have become my absolute go-to when I want to serve something that looks impressive but doesn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen all day. Picture this: delicate, buttery pastry wrapped around a luscious cranberry filling with hints of orange and warm spices, creating beautiful spirals that practically scream “celebration!”

When I first made these for a holiday potluck, I watched them disappear faster than I could refill the platter. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet cream cheese, and flaky pastry creates this perfect balance that has everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Key Takeaways

• Quick & Easy: These roll ups come together in just 30 minutes using store-bought puff pastry
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy holiday schedules – assemble ahead and bake when ready
• Crowd Pleaser: Beautiful presentation with that perfect sweet-tart flavor combination
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different fruits, nuts, or spices to match your taste
• Freezer-Friendly: Make extra batches and freeze for unexpected guests

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

• Effortlessly Elegant – They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly take less than 30 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect Flavor Balance – The tartness of cranberries paired with creamy, slightly sweet filling and buttery pastry is absolutely divine
• Incredibly Flexible – Swap cranberries for other dried fruits, add nuts, or experiment with different spices to make them your own
• Holiday Hero – These are ideal for Christmas parties, potlucks, or even as a special breakfast treat on Christmas morning

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The beauty of these roll ups lies in their simplicity, but choosing quality ingredients really makes them shine. The star of the show is definitely the cranberry filling – I love using a mix of fresh and dried cranberries for different textures and bursts of flavor. The cream cheese base keeps everything creamy and rich, while a touch of orange zest adds that bright, festive note that screams holiday cheer.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (Ocean Spray works great)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat gives the best texture)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for deeper flavor)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (Pepperidge Farm is my favorite)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but so good!)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment & Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Large baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Pastry brush
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling (10 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, use your mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy – this takes about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, honey, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.

Gently fold in both the fresh and dried cranberries. If you’re using nuts, fold those in too. The mixture should be thick enough to spread but not runny. Pro tip: If your cream cheese was too cold and the mixture seems lumpy, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry (5 minutes)
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each sheet of puff pastry to smooth any creases. You don’t need to make them much larger – just enough to even out the surface. The pastry should be about ¼ inch thick.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups (8 minutes)
Spread half of the cranberry mixture evenly over each pastry sheet, leaving about a ½ inch border on all sides. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Don’t worry if a little filling squeezes out – that’s totally normal!

Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 12-15 pieces, about ¾ inch thick. Place the slices cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches (2 minutes)
Brush the tops of each roll up with beaten egg – this gives them that gorgeous golden color. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch and extra sparkle.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection (12-15 minutes)
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The edges should be crispy, and you’ll start to smell that amazing buttery, fruity aroma filling your kitchen. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Optional Glaze (3 minutes)
While the roll ups are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled roll ups for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Making Them Your Own:

• Apple Cranberry: Add ½ cup finely diced apple to the filling for extra texture
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips – trust me on this one!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for more warm holiday flavors
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Filling leaking out: Make sure your cream cheese is thick enough and don’t overfill
• Pastry not rising: Check that your puff pastry was properly thawed but still cold
• Uneven browning: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking

Pro Tips:

• Keep your puff pastry cold while working – warm pastry is harder to handle
• Use dental floss to slice the logs for cleaner cuts without squishing
• If the cranberry mixture seems too tart, add an extra tablespoon of honey

Serving Suggestions

These beauties are perfect for so many occasions! Serve them warm as an appetizer at your holiday party alongside some sparkling cider or mulled wine. They’re also absolutely divine as part of a holiday brunch spread – imagine them next to some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon!

For an elegant dessert presentation, arrange them on a festive platter with some fresh orange slices and a few sprigs of rosemary. The colors are just stunning together. I also love serving them with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for an afternoon treat.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze baked roll ups for up to 3 months

Make-Ahead Magic:
You can assemble these completely and freeze them unbaked! Just place the sliced roll ups on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating:
Pop them in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp up the pastry again. Avoid the microwave if possible – it makes the pastry soggy.

Nutrition Information

Per roll up (makes about 24):

• Calories: 145
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: These are treats to be enjoyed in moderation during the holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of a mix?
A: Absolutely! Just keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of honey to balance the flavors.

Q: Why did my puff pastry not puff up?
A: This usually happens when the pastry gets too warm before baking. Make sure it’s cold when it goes in the oven, and avoid overworking it.

Q: Can I make these without cream cheese?
A: You could try mascarpone or even thick Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar, but cream cheese really gives the best texture and flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A: Don’t overfill the pastry, leave proper borders, and make sure your cream cheese mixture isn’t too thin. Also, sealing the edges with a bit of egg wash helps!

Q: Can I use other dried fruits?
A: Definitely! Dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even raisins would be delicious. Just keep the proportions similar.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about creating treats that bring people together, and these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups do exactly that. They’re proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and those gorgeous ruby-red cranberries creates a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

What I love most about this recipe is how it fits into the chaos of holiday cooking. You can make them ahead, customize them to your family’s tastes, and still have time to enjoy the festivities yourself. Plus, watching people’s faces light up when they take that first bite? That’s what the holidays are all about.

Ready to get started? Grab your ingredients and give these a try this weekend. I have a feeling they’re going to become a new holiday tradition in your home, just like they have in mine. And don’t forget to make extra – you’ll definitely want them!