Every holiday season, I love finding recipes that bring joy, color, and flavor to the table, and these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups have quickly become one of my favorites. I still remember the first time I made them: the smell of the buttery pastry combined with the sweet-tart cranberries filled my kitchen with an irresistible holiday aroma. It was one of those moments when baking feels truly magical, and the joy on my family’s faces as they tasted the first bite made all the effort worthwhile.
You will love this recipe because it is both festive and approachable, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even at holiday parties. The bright red cranberries peeking through the golden pastry make these roll ups visually stunning, while the delicate sweetness and buttery texture make them absolutely irresistible. They strike the perfect balance between simple yet special, so you can impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes these roll ups even more appealing is their versatility. You can serve them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a festive dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, making them adaptable to any holiday occasion. Plus, you can experiment by adding nuts, citrus zest, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to match your taste or holiday theme.
Another great thing about this recipe is affordability. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in any grocery store, meaning you don’t have to break the bank to create a festive treat that looks and tastes incredible. A little goes a long way, and the recipe yields enough roll ups to share, making it a practical choice for gatherings.
Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:
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Puff pastry sheets
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Fresh or frozen cranberries
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Sugar
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Orange zest
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Cream cheese
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Egg for egg wash
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a treat that is festive, flavorful, and fun to make. Whether you are baking for loved ones or preparing something special for yourself, these cranberry roll ups bring a burst of holiday cheer with every bite.
How to Prepare Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Preparing these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is straightforward, and following each step carefully will ensure perfectly flaky, flavorful pastries every time. The process is quick and easy, making it ideal for holiday baking when time can be tight, yet you still want a show-stopping treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your roll ups bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Prepare the cranberries by rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry. If using frozen cranberries, allow them to thaw slightly and drain any excess liquid.
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Make the filling by combining cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Stir well to evenly coat the berries with sweetness and citrus flavor, which enhances their natural tartness.
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Prepare the puff pastry by rolling it out slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into rectangles approximately 3 inches by 4 inches, depending on your preferred roll-up size.
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Add the cream cheese layer by spreading a thin layer onto each pastry rectangle. Ensure the layer is even, but not too thick, so it bakes smoothly with the cranberries.
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Add the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese. Leave a small border around the edges to seal the roll ups properly.
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Roll the pastry carefully, starting from one short side and rolling toward the other. Press the edges gently to secure the roll and prevent any filling from spilling out during baking.
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Prepare the egg wash by whisking an egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of each roll up lightly with the egg wash. This gives the pastries a beautiful golden color once baked.
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Transfer to the baking sheet carefully, spacing each roll up about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the roll ups are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning.
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Cool slightly on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish, if desired.
These roll ups are not only quick and easy but also highly customizable. You can add chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of icing after baking to make them uniquely yours. Their popularity is undeniable, as the combination of buttery pastry, tangy cranberries, and creamy filling appeals to both adults and children.
Because they are simple to prepare and visually stunning, these roll ups are perfect for holiday brunches, parties, or even as a sweet gift. You’ll find that once you make them, they become a go-to recipe for any festive occasion.
PrintFestive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, tangy cranberries, and creamy filling. Ideal for holiday celebrations, they are easy to prepare, customizable, and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Sugar
- Orange zest
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and pat dry. If using frozen, thaw slightly and drain any excess liquid.
- Mix Filling: Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Stir well to coat the berries evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles about 3×4 inches.
- Add Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Cranberries: Spoon cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll Pastry: Starting from one short side, roll each rectangle toward the opposite edge. Press edges gently to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the tops of the roll ups.
- Bake: Place roll ups on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool & Serve: Allow to cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
You can add chopped nuts, cinnamon, or drizzle icing for extra flavor.
Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving.
FAQs – Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Q: Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the roll ups a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving to ensure the pastry stays flaky.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Absolutely. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding to the filling. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I substitute the puff pastry?
A: You can use store-bought or homemade puff pastry. Phyllo dough is an alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the pastry.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free puff pastry available in stores. The baking time may vary slightly, so watch for a golden brown color.
Q: Can I add other flavors?
A: Yes, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chopped nuts can enhance the flavor. You can also drizzle a simple icing for extra sweetness.
Q: Are these roll ups suitable for breakfast?
A: Definitely. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch.