Introduction
There’s something about the scent of warm cinnamon mingling with bright, tart cranberries that instantly telegraphs “holiday.” These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups capture that seasonal magic in an easy, shareable bite: pillowy tortillas or delicate crepes swirled with creamy, tangy-sweet cranberry filling and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar that catches the light. The texture is a charming contrast — smooth cream cheese, the gentle pop of whole cranberry sauce (if you choose whole-berry), and an optional nutty crunch. Each slice is festive on the eye and comforting on the palate.
Serve them on a frosted platter for a breakfast buffet, bring them to a holiday party as finger food, or plate them as a quick, cheerful dessert after a cozy winter dinner. Want something simple to set out with coffee for morning guests? These roll ups deliver warmth and nostalgia without hours at the stove. For a closely related take on holiday pinwheels, see this recipe resource for inspiration: Festive Cranberry Roll Ups.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assembly-only)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 (makes about 8 roll-ups, sliced into pinwheels)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy hosts
Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition estimates are calculated using typical product values (USDA FoodData Central and common product labels). Values are approximate and will vary with brand choices and exact portioning.
Per serving (1/8 of recipe):
- Calories: ~295 kcal
- Protein: ~6 g
- Total Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Sugars: ~22 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1–2 g
- Total Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
- Sodium: ~240 mg
Notes: These figures reflect the base recipe (1 cup cranberry sauce, one 8‑oz package cream cheese, 8 medium flour tortillas). Adding 1/2 cup chopped nuts will increase calories and fat; using low‑fat cream cheese or low‑carb tortillas will reduce calories and fat. Estimates are derived from USDA nutrient profiles and packaged product labels; consult product packaging for exact values.
Why You’ll Love It
The best reason to make these roll ups is the combination of seasonal flavor and effortless hospitality. They:
- Deliver that irresistible tart-sweet aroma and cinnamon warmth everyone expects during the holidays.
- Evoke comforting memories — they’re great for shared family mornings or for passing around at festive gatherings.
- Come together fast: no baking required, so they’re ideal for last-minute entertaining or a simple holiday brunch.
- Are versatile: dress them up with nuts, swap crepes for tortillas, or adapt them for dietary needs.
How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or smooth)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 package tortillas or crepes (about 8 medium; adjust to desired number of servings)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional — pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional ingredients and substitutions:
- Substitute Greek yogurt (strained) or mascarpone for part of the cream cheese for tang or silkiness.
- Use dairy‑free cream cheese to make a vegan version (see Variations).
- Swap for gluten‑free tortillas or thin gluten‑free crepes for a gluten‑free version.
- Add a tablespoon of orange zest for brighter citrus notes.
Method (Step-by-step)
- In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, and cinnamon until smooth and evenly combined. Avoid overworking if your cream cheese is very warm — you want a spreadable, slightly airy mixture.
- Lay a tortilla or crepe flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving a small margin at the edge.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the spread. Nuts provide a lovely textural contrast.
- Roll up each tortilla/crepe tightly into a log. Keep tension light but firm to avoid cracking.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels or into halves for larger servings. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a festive finish.
Practical tips:
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing; if too soft, chill briefly before rolling to prevent slippage.
- If tortillas crack while rolling, warm them slightly in a microwave for 10–15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to increase pliability.
- For cleaner pinwheels, chill the rolled logs for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve plain as elegant pinwheels on a holiday appetizer board.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter or honey-butter on the tortilla first for extra richness.
- Pair with hot coffee, mulled cider, or a bright citrus tea for brunch.
- Plate alongside cream cheese-stuffed dates, smoked salmon canapés, or other sweet-and-savory bites for a balanced holiday spread. For a savory contrast and more roll-up inspiration, check this keto roll-up idea: Delicious Keto Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups.
- Serve sliced rolls chilled for a refreshing bite, or let them sit at room temperature (see storage notes) for softer mouthfeel.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Not recommended for extended periods due to dairy. If left out during a party, keep them out for no more than 2 hours (per safe food-handling guidelines).
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To maintain shape, place in a single layer or use parchment between layers.
- Freezer: You can freeze uncut rolled logs (wrap tightly in plastic wrap + foil) for up to 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and slice before serving. Note: freezing may slightly change the texture of the cream cheese and tortillas.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Best cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor; reduced-fat versions work but can be less smooth.
- Nut handling: Toast nuts lightly in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes until fragrant to amplify their flavor and crunch. Cool before sprinkling.
- Citrus lift: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the filling brightens the profile without adding sweetness.
- Rolling technique: Roll toward you in one continuous motion and keep the seam side down while chilling to preserve shape.
- Presentation: Use a contrasting platter (dark wood or slate) to make the powdered sugar and red cranberries pop visually.
Creative Twists
- Savory Cranberry-Feta Pinwheels
- Replace cream cheese with a mix of softened cream cheese and crumbled feta (about 6 oz cream cheese + 2 oz feta), omit powdered sugar, add a pinch of black pepper and chopped rosemary. Great with crackers or as a savory holiday appetizer.
- Vegan & Fruit-Forward
- Use dairy-free cream cheese (store-bought or cashew-based), maple-sweetened cranberry sauce, and gluten-free tortillas. Add chopped dried apricots or sliced apples for extra fruit texture.
- Nut & Citrus Crunch
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the filling and substitute pecans for walnuts. After rolling, press extra chopped pecans onto the seam side before chilling so every slice has a crunchy rim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes — prepare and roll them up, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before slicing for best shape. Slice and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Q: My tortillas cracked when rolling. How can I fix that?
A: Warm them briefly (10–15 seconds) wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave to soften. Use thin crepes if you prefer a softer, more flexible wrap.
Q: How do I reduce the sugar content?
A: Use a low-sugar or reduced-sugar cranberry sauce, or make your own with less sugar. Choosing whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas can also reduce net carbs.
Q: Can I bake these instead of serving cold?
A: These are designed as no-bake roll-ups. Baking would alter texture; if you want a warm option, bake crepe-based versions briefly to warm (3–5 minutes at 350°F) then slice.
Q: What’s the best way to transport them to a party?
A: Chill rolled logs, wrap tightly in plastic, and place in a shallow, snug container. Slice on site if possible; if pre-sliced, secure with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a fast, festive way to bring warmth and color to your holiday table. Whether you make them for a cozy family breakfast, a hostess-ready brunch, or a cheerful party platter, they strike a sweet balance of nostalgia and ease. If you want a different spin that leans savory and crumbly, try this bright take on cranberry and feta inspired pinwheels: Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. For another creative spin and more party-friendly pinwheel ideas, check this complementary recipe: Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels | The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Give these a try, snap a photo, and share your variations — I love seeing how readers make recipes their own. Happy holidays and happy rolling!
Print
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful roll-ups feature warm cinnamon and tart cranberries in a creamy filling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or smooth)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 package tortillas or crepes (about 8 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional — pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, softened cream cheese, and cinnamon until smooth and evenly combined.
- Lay a tortilla or crepe flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cranberry-cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving a small margin at the edge.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the spread.
- Roll up each tortilla/crepe tightly into a log.
- Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels or halves for larger servings. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
To prevent slippage, chill the rolled logs before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
