Picture this: you walk into your kitchen and the most incredible aroma hits you – buttery pastry mingling with tart cranberries and warm cinnamon spice. That’s exactly what happens when you make these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! These gorgeous little spirals are like the perfect marriage between a cinnamon roll and a fruit tart, wrapped up in an elegant package that screams holiday celebration.

What makes these roll ups absolutely magical is how they transform simple ingredients into something that looks like it came from a fancy bakery. The ruby-red cranberries peek through golden, flaky pastry, creating the most beautiful contrast that’s practically begging to be photographed. But trust me, they taste even better than they look!

I first discovered this recipe when I was desperately searching for something festive that wasn’t another batch of sugar cookies. Don’t get me wrong – I love my Christmas peppermints and gingerbread crinkle cookies – but sometimes you want something that feels a little more sophisticated while still being completely approachable.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and elegant: These roll ups use store-bought puff pastry, making them surprisingly easy while looking incredibly impressive
• Perfect balance: The tartness of cranberries paired with sweet cream cheese filling creates an irresistible flavor combination
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep these the night before and bake them fresh in the morning
• Versatile serving: Great for breakfast, dessert, or as an elegant addition to your holiday spread
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different fruits, spices, or glazes to suit your taste

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Roll Ups

✨ Effortlessly impressive – They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly take about 30 minutes of active prep time

🍒 Burst of festive flavor – Fresh cranberries provide that perfect tart-sweet balance that screams Christmas morning

🥐 Buttery, flaky perfection – Using puff pastry gives you those gorgeous layers without any of the fuss of making your own dough

🎄 Holiday showstopper – The ruby red and golden colors are absolutely stunning on any holiday table

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

Before we dive into the ingredient list, let me share what makes each component special. The star of the show is definitely the cranberries – I always use fresh ones because they hold their shape beautifully and give you those gorgeous pops of color. The cream cheese filling acts as a creamy canvas that mellows out the cranberry tartness, while a touch of orange zest adds that bright, citrusy note that makes everything sing.

For the Roll Ups:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (I prefer Pepperidge Farm – it’s consistently flaky)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (must be room temperature for smooth mixing)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk (save the white for egg wash)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest (fresh is best – it’s so fragrant!)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (you can use frozen, but don’t thaw them first)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (adds lovely caramel notes)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
• 1 egg white, beaten (for that golden, glossy finish)

For the Simple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment & Tools

You don’t need anything fancy for these beauties! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (hand mixer works perfectly)
• Rolling pin (just to smooth the pastry if needed)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper (trust me, don’t skip this – cleanup is so much easier)
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Pastry brush (or clean fingers work too!)

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature gives you that perfect golden color without burning the delicate pastry.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and fluffy – about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Gradually add the granulated sugar, then mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and orange zest. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture (3 minutes)
In a separate bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The sugar will help draw out some of the cranberry juices and create a lovely syrup as they bake.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry (5 minutes)
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each sheet of puff pastry to smooth any creases. You want them to be roughly 12×10 inches. Don’t worry about perfect rectangles – rustic is beautiful!

Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups (10 minutes)
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each pastry sheet, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the pastry, keeping it fairly tight but not so tight that the filling squeezes out.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange (5 minutes)
Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 8-10 slices per roll. Place them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg white for that gorgeous golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection (15-18 minutes)
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed beautifully. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen smells absolutely incredible and the tops are a lovely golden color.

Step 8: Make the Glaze While They Cool (5 minutes)
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more if you want a thinner consistency.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve (2 minutes)
Let the roll ups cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle with the glaze while they’re still slightly warm. The glaze will set beautifully as they cool completely.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips for Perfect Roll Ups:

• Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened – cold cream cheese will create lumps that won’t smooth out
• Don’t overfill the pastry or it will burst during baking
• If your cranberries are particularly tart, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar
• Use a very sharp knife when slicing to avoid squishing the delicate pastry

Delicious Variations:

• Apple Cinnamon: Swap cranberries for diced apples mixed with extra cinnamon
• Mixed Berry: Use a combination of cranberries, blueberries, and chopped strawberries
• Chocolate Cranberry: Add 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips to the cranberry mixture
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cardamom and ginger to the cream cheese filling

Dietary Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the filling by half and use sugar-free cranberries
• Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free puff pastry (though it can be harder to find)

Just like with my winter wonderland chocolate chip cookies, these roll ups are incredibly forgiving and welcome your personal touches!

Serving Suggestions

These cranberry roll ups are absolutely versatile! They’re elegant enough for a holiday brunch spread but cozy enough for Christmas morning with coffee. I love serving them alongside:

• Hot beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea
• Fresh fruit: Orange slices or mixed berries complement the cranberry flavor beautifully
• Breakfast spread: They pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon
• Dessert table: Alongside other festive treats from Martha Blogger

The beautiful ruby and gold colors make them a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. I often arrange them on a white platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for an extra festive touch.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Storage:

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

Make-Ahead Magic:
You can absolutely prep these the night before! Assemble the roll ups completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just brush with egg wash and bake – they might need an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven.

Reheating:
Warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that flaky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Nutrition & Dietary Notes

Each roll up contains approximately:

• Calories: 185
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

These treats are naturally vegetarian and contain antioxidant-rich cranberries. While they’re definitely an indulgent treat, the cranberries do provide vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: You can, but reduce the amount to about 1 cup since dried cranberries are more concentrated. Also, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to plump them up, then drain well.

Q: Why did my pastry get soggy on the bottom?
A: This usually happens if there’s too much moisture in the filling or if they’re underbaked. Make sure your cream cheese isn’t too thin, and bake until the bottom is golden brown.

Q: Can I freeze the unbaked roll ups?
A: Absolutely! Assemble them completely, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: My glaze is too thick/thin – help!
A: Too thick? Add milk one teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the right consistency.

Q: Can I make these without the glaze?
A: Of course! They’re delicious on their own, or you could dust them with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are everything you want in a holiday treat – they’re stunning to look at, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy filling, and tart cranberries creates a flavor experience that’s both comforting and elegant.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether you’re making them for Christmas morning with family or bringing them to a holiday potluck, they never fail to impress. The gorgeous colors and irresistible aroma make them an instant conversation starter.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients tonight and treat yourself to these beautiful roll ups tomorrow morning. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and you’ll have created something truly special. Don’t forget to share your creations – I’d love to see how yours turn out!

For more festive inspiration, check out my pumpkin cake with cinnamon cream cheese or browse through all my holiday favorites. Happy baking!