Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Introduction
Imagine the scent of sweet cranberries spiced with a whisper of vanilla, the smooth tang of cream cheese, and the warm, soft embrace of a tortilla wrapped into neat, jewel-toned pinwheels. These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are as much about memory as they are about flavor — a little nostalgia, a little comfort, and a lot of holiday cheer in every bite. The first bite gives you a creamy, slightly tangy center, a pleasant contrast of textures if you add crunchy nuts, and the bright, slightly tart notes of cranberry that sing against a tender tortilla. They slice into elegant pinwheels that look like tiny holiday wreaths on a platter.
This recipe is perfect for cozy holiday mornings when you want something pretty and easy for brunch, last-minute gatherings, office parties, or as an appetizer for a festive cocktail hour. They come together fast, require no baking, and travel well — making them a go-to when you need something beautiful and effortless. If you want a full recipe walkthrough and ideas for varying the filling, check the full recipe page here: Festive Cranberry Roll Ups — recipe page.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 (one roll per person; each roll can be sliced into 6–8 pinwheels)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (1 roll; recipe yields 8 rolls). These are approximate values calculated using USDA FoodData Central entries for canned cranberry sauce, full-fat cream cheese, and standard flour tortillas. Values will change if you add optional nuts or powdered sugar.
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~39 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugars: ~18 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg
Notes on accuracy: These estimates are intended as a guide. For ingredient-specific precision, consult USDA FoodData Central or trusted health resources (USDA, Mayo Clinic) when tailoring this recipe for dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love It
There are several reasons these roll ups will earn a permanent spot in your holiday repertoire:
- Irresistible contrast: creamy, slightly tangy filling vs. soft tortilla, with optional nut crunch.
- Sociable and shareable: they slice into bite-sized pinwheels that are ideal for passing around at gatherings.
- Speed and simplicity: no oven required — assemble in minutes and serve.
- Seasonal joy: the cranberry color and flavor are inherently festive and pair beautifully with winter drinks and savory bites.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (sweetened), about 240–250 g
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package tortillas (8 count) — 8 medium flour tortillas (6–8 inch)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Optional substitutions and swaps
- For a lighter version: use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream (note: thinner consistency).
- For a gluten-free version: use gluten-free tortillas.
- For a dairy-free/vegan version: use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based tortilla.
- Swap nuts: use toasted almonds, pistachios, or omit for nut-free.
- Add herbs: a pinch of orange zest or a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary can add festive complexity.
Step-by-step Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup cranberry sauce, 8 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. Avoid overmixing if you like a slightly marbled look.
- Lay out one tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving a small edge (about 1/2 inch) to prevent spillage.
- If using nuts, sprinkle about 1–2 tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the mixture on each tortilla. Press gently to adhere.
- Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a compact log. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each roll briefly in plastic wrap to firm up (optional, 10–15 minutes) — this makes slicing cleaner.
- Slice each roll into 6–8 pinwheels (about 3/4 inch thick). Arrange on a platter. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Practical tips
- Softened cream cheese spreads more easily; take it out 30 minutes before making or microwave in 5-second bursts if needed.
- For clean slices, chill the rolled logs briefly and use a sharp serrated knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps.
- If the filling is too loose (e.g., from using Greek yogurt), reduce moisture by straining the yogurt first or mixing with a bit more cream cheese.
For more inspiration and a closely related variation that uses feta for a tangy contrast, see this alternate version: Cranberry & Feta variation.
Best Pairings
- Drinks: cider (hot or cold), spiced tea, coffee, or a light sparkling wine.
- Savory partners: small sausages, mini quiches, or a charcuterie board.
- As part of a brunch spread: pair with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or roasted potatoes.
- Presentation tip: arrange pinwheels on a large platter with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds for color and aroma.
Keeping it Fresh
- Room temperature: safe to leave out for display for up to 2 hours (standard food safety guideline).
- Refrigeration: store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For best texture, keep pinwheels layered with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: whole, uncut rolls can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and slice before serving. Sliced pinwheels don’t hold texture as well after freezing.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Choose tortillas with a neutral flavor so the cranberry-cream cheese combo shines. White or whole-wheat wraps both work.
- Toast nuts lightly before chopping to amplify their aroma and crunch.
- If you want a brighter citrus note, add 1–2 teaspoons of orange zest to the filling.
- For extra stability when slicing, chill rolled logs for 15–30 minutes — this prevents squishing and creates cleaner pinwheels.
- If serving outdoors in cold weather, bring the platter to room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving so flavors bloom.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- Cranberry-Feta & Rosemary: Replace half the cream cheese with crumbled feta and add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. The salty feta makes a lovely contrast to sweet cranberries.
- Spiced Citrus: Stir 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tsp orange zest into the filling for a warming seasonal twist.
- Vegan & Nut-Free: Use vegan cream cheese, a gluten-free tortilla, and omit nuts for a plant-based option — add a touch of maple syrup if your cranberry sauce is tart.
- Savory-Sweet: Add a thin layer of honey-glazed prosciutto (or a vegetarian prosciutto alternative) for a sweet-salty party bite.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Yes — homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully. If it’s very loose, reduce the liquid (simmer longer) so the filling isn’t watery.
Q: How do I make these nut-free?
A: Simply omit the nuts or substitute with toasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for crunch if allergies aren’t an issue.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the rolls and refrigerate wrapped for up to 24 hours; slice and serve when needed (or slice and keep chilled until serving).
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Whole, uncut rolls freeze best (up to 1 month). Thaw overnight in the fridge and slice before serving.
Q: Any suggestions for reducing sugar?
A: Use an unsweetened or less sweetened cranberry sauce and choose low-sugar tortillas. Keep in mind the cranberry flavor will be more tart.
Conclusion
These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are an easy, beautiful, and delicious addition to any holiday spread — fast to make, great for feeding a crowd, and flexible enough for creative twists. I hope you give them a try this season; please share your photos and any variations you invent so we can celebrate your creations together.
For a tangy cheese-forward riff that inspires a similar party-perfect pinwheel, take a look at this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels recipe: Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. If you want another quick and festive inspiration for cranberry-and-feta pinwheels tailored to holiday entertaining, this is a lovely resource: Quick and Festive Cranberry and Feta Christmas Pinwheels.
Enjoy the holidays — and happy rolling!
Print
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cranberry and cream cheese filled tortilla roll ups, perfect for holiday gatherings and brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (sweetened) – about 240–250 g
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package tortillas (8 count) – 8 medium flour tortillas (6–8 inch)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Lay out one tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small edge.
- If using nuts, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts over the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a compact log. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to firm up for 10–15 minutes (optional).
- Slice each roll into 6–8 pinwheels and arrange on a platter. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas. These can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
