The holiday season calls for treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious, and festive Christmas cranberry rollups deliver on both fronts! These stunning spiral pastries combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with creamy, sweet filling wrapped in flaky, golden pastry. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas morning brunch, bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, or simply want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of baking, these rollups are about to become your new favorite tradition.
Picture this: delicate puff pastry rolled around a luscious cranberry cream cheese filling, baked until golden and served warm. Each bite offers the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a texture that’s both crispy and creamy. The best part? They look absolutely stunning on any holiday table, and your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen when they actually come together in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Festive Christmas Cranberry Rollups
Effortlessly elegant – These rollups look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Using store-bought puff pastry cuts your prep time dramatically while still delivering that impressive, flaky texture everyone loves.
Burst of holiday flavors – The combination of tart cranberries, creamy cheese filling, and buttery pastry creates a symphony of flavors that screams Christmas. Each bite delivers the perfect balance that will have your taste buds dancing.
Incredibly versatile – Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like chopped pecans, orange zest, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also make them dairy-free or gluten-free with simple substitutions.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether you’re serving them at Christmas brunch, as an afternoon snack with coffee, or as a dessert after dinner, these rollups fit seamlessly into any holiday celebration.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The magic of these festive Christmas cranberry rollups lies in the quality of ingredients and how they work together. The star is definitely the cranberry filling – fresh cranberries provide that signature tart pop, while cream cheese creates a smooth, rich base that balances the acidity perfectly. Don’t skip the orange zest; it adds a bright, citrusy note that elevates the entire flavor profile.
For the Rollups:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (17.3 oz package) – Pepperidge Farm works beautifully
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for easier mixing
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar – Sift for ultra-smooth filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes a difference
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped – Fresh gives better texture than dried
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Helps balance cranberry tartness
- 1 tsp orange zest – Use organic oranges when possible
- 1 egg, beaten – For that gorgeous golden finish
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment & Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Pastry brush
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions & Method
1. Prep your workspace (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Take your puff pastry out of the freezer about 30-40 minutes before you plan to start – it should be thawed but still cool to the touch.
2. Make the cranberry filling (8 minutes)
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be completely lump-free. Fold in the chopped cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Pro tip: Don’t overmix once you add the cranberries – you want them to stay intact for beautiful pops of color.
3. Roll out the pastry (3 minutes)
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into a 12×10 inch rectangle. The pastry should be even in thickness – aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If it springs back, let it rest for a few more minutes.
4. Assemble the rollups (5 minutes)
Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border on one of the long sides. This border will help seal your roll. Starting from the opposite long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Take your time here – a tight roll means prettier spirals!
5. Slice and arrange (3 minutes)
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1 inch thick. Place them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that beautiful golden color.
6. Bake to perfection (15-18 minutes)
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are crispy and the tops are beautifully bronzed. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
7. Cool and glaze (5 minutes)
Let the rollups cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm rollups.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Make them gluten-free: Substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free version – several brands now make excellent alternatives that work beautifully in this recipe.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Flavor variations: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling, swap orange zest for lemon zest, or add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. For a more indulgent version, fold in mini chocolate chips!
Troubleshooting: If your pastry tears while rolling, patch it with a small piece from the edge and continue. If the filling leaks out during baking, don’t worry – it just adds rustic charm and extra caramelized flavor.
Storage tip: These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
Just like planning your Christmas bucket list for 2025, these rollups deserve a spot in your holiday baking rotation. They pair beautifully with other festive treats and make your celebration even more special.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Christmas Cranberry Rollups
These delightful rollups shine brightest when served warm, ideally within an hour of baking. They’re perfect for Christmas morning alongside freshly brewed coffee or spiced hot chocolate. The combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling makes them an ideal brunch centerpiece.
For an elegant presentation, arrange them on a tiered serving stand with other holiday treats. They complement easy Thanksgiving fall cupcakes beautifully if you’re creating a dessert spread that bridges the holiday seasons.
Perfect pairings include:
- Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
- Spiced chai tea or hot chocolate
- Champagne or prosecco for special occasions
- Fresh fruit salad to balance the richness
Consider serving them as part of a holiday appetizer spread alongside Thanksgiving appetizers for a feast that flows seamlessly from savory to sweet.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Room temperature storage: Store baked rollups in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’ll maintain their flavor, though the pastry will soften slightly.
Refrigerator storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cranberry filling actually develops more flavor after a day or two.
Freezer storage: Freeze baked rollups for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
Make-ahead magic: You can assemble the entire log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This actually improves the flavors! You can also freeze the unbaked log for up to 1 month – just thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking.
Reheating tips: Warm leftover rollups in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Each rollup contains approximately:
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Dietary notes: These rollups are vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions. The cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, while the cream cheese adds protein and calcium.
For those watching their sugar intake, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the filling by half – the cranberries and pastry provide plenty of sweetness on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Frozen cranberries work just as well and are often more budget-friendly during the holiday season.
What if my puff pastry tears while rolling?
Don’t panic! Simply patch any tears with small pieces of pastry from the edges and continue rolling. The finished rollups will still look beautiful and taste amazing.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
Yes! Try substituting with mascarpone for richness, or use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey for a lighter option. The texture will be different but still delicious.
Why did my rollups unroll during baking?
This usually happens when the pastry is too warm or the roll isn’t tight enough. Make sure your pastry is still cool when you roll it, and really focus on creating a tight spiral.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped apples, pears, or even pomegranate seeds work beautifully. Just make sure to chop them small so they don’t interfere with rolling.
How do I know when they’re perfectly baked?
Look for a deep golden brown color on top and crispy edges. The pastry should be fully puffed and sound hollow when tapped gently.
Creating Holiday Magic with Festive Christmas Cranberry Rollups
These festive Christmas cranberry rollups represent everything wonderful about holiday baking – they’re beautiful, delicious, and bring people together around the table. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy filling wrapped in buttery pastry creates a treat that’s both comforting and elegant.
What makes these rollups truly special is their versatility. Whether you’re a beginner baker looking for an impressive yet manageable recipe, or an experienced cook wanting to add something new to your holiday repertoire, these rollups deliver every time. They’re forgiving enough for kitchen experiments yet refined enough for your most important gatherings.
The visual appeal of these spiraled pastries can’t be overstated. When you slice into that golden log and reveal the beautiful cranberry swirl inside, you’ll feel like a pastry chef. Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll have the satisfaction of creating something truly special from simple ingredients.
As you plan your holiday celebrations, consider how these rollups might fit into your traditions. Maybe they become part of your Christmas morning routine, or perhaps they’re the special treat you bring to family gatherings. Either way, they’re sure to create sweet memories that last long after the last crumb is enjoyed.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas cranberry rollups are more than just a recipe – they’re a gateway to creating magical holiday moments. With their stunning appearance, incredible flavor, and surprisingly simple preparation, they prove that the best holiday treats don’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and forgiveness. Whether you’re baking with children, adapting for dietary needs, or simply want to experiment with flavors, these rollups provide the perfect canvas. The combination of store-bought convenience and homemade love makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Ready to start your holiday baking adventure? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fill your home with the most amazing aromas. These festive Christmas cranberry rollups are waiting to become part of your family’s holiday story. Don’t forget to take photos of your beautiful creations – they’re definitely Instagram-worthy!
Start planning your holiday baking schedule now, and make sure these rollups have a starring role. Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll have a new tradition that brings joy to every holiday season.
