Festive Cranberry Roll Ups

Name: Festive Cranberry Roll Ups
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 4 large flour tortillas; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Author: Tessa

Published: July 5, 2025

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When the holiday season rolls around, I’m all about recipes that are as festive as they are easy. Enter these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – my go-to appetizer that never fails to impress at holiday gatherings. They’re quick to make, require zero cooking, and taste like a little bite of Christmas cheer. I love how the tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans come together in every bite. Plus, they’re perfect for those last-minute party prep moments when you’re juggling a million things. Trust me, these roll-ups have saved my sanity (and my reputation as a host) more times than I can count. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears fast, so make extra!

Why You’ll Love These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

These roll-ups are absolute holiday magic – here’s why they’ve become my must-make appetizer every December:

Effortless prep: Just mix, spread, roll, and slice – done in 10 minutes flat!
No oven required: Perfect for when your stove is already overworked with holiday cooking.
Crowd-pleasing flavors: That sweet-tart cranberry and creamy cheese combo? Always the first platter to empty.
Make-ahead lifesaver: Whip them up the night before – flavors actually get better!

Seriously, these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups solve every holiday hosting dilemma I’ve ever had.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun – they come together like holiday magic! Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes (no shortcuts with cold cheese – trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries – The chewier, the better for that festive pop of tartness
1/4 cup chopped pecans – Toast them lightly first for extra flavor (walnuts work too in a pinch)
4 large flour tortillas – The burrito-sized ones give you perfect rolling room
1/4 cup powdered sugar – For that snowy finishing touch

That’s it! Five simple ingredients that transform into holiday party gold. Now let’s make some magic!

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups - detail 1

How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Okay, let’s turn those simple ingredients into holiday magic! Here’s my foolproof method for perfect roll-ups every time:

Mix it up: In a medium bowl, beat that softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth (no lumps!). Fold in the cranberries and pecans until everything’s evenly distributed. Taste test approved – that sweet-tart combo is everything!
Spread the love: Lay out your tortillas and divide the mixture between them. Use a butter knife or offset spatula to spread it evenly – right to the edges but not too thick, about 1/4 inch. Pro tip: leave a 1/2-inch border clean at the far edge so it seals nicely when rolling.
Roll like a pro: Start rolling tightly from the filling side, keeping gentle pressure as you go. When you reach the clean edge, give it a little press to seal. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – the powdered sugar dusting hides all sins!
Chill out: Wrap each roll in plastic and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This firms them up for clean slicing and lets the flavors mingle. Perfect for making ahead!
Slice and shine: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 1-inch pieces (wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges). Arrange on a platter and dust with powdered sugar right before serving. Watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups

My hard-earned secrets for roll-up success:

Warm tortillas slightly (10 sec in the microwave) if they crack when rolling
Chill at least 30 minutes before slicing – the cleaner your cuts will be!
Use damp paper towels under your platter to keep rolls from sliding

Variations for Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists on the classic Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright citrus kick. Swap dried cranberries for cherries or apricots for a different fruity vibe. Feeling adventurous? Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy holiday spice. These little tweaks keep the recipe fresh and fun every time!

Serving Suggestions

I love arranging these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups on a rustic wooden board alongside spiced nuts and brie – the perfect trio! For parties, alternate them with mini quiches on a tiered stand for easy grazing. Add some fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for that extra holiday wow factor!

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups - detail 2

Storage & Reheating

These roll-ups keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – no reheating needed! The flavors actually get better as they sit. Just dust with fresh powdered sugar right before serving for that perfect snowy finish.

Nutritional Information

Each Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Up contains approximately 85 calories, 5g fat (2.5g saturated), 8g carbs, and 1g protein. Values are estimates and may vary based on brands – but hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy in moderation (or not, I won’t judge).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Oh honey, don’t do it! Fresh cranberries are way too tart and watery – they’ll make your roll-ups soggy. The dried ones give that perfect sweet-tart chew we love.

How far ahead can I make these? They’re perfect for prepping 1 day before your party – just wrap the whole rolls tightly in plastic and slice them fresh before serving. Any longer and the tortillas might get gummy.

Can I freeze these roll-ups? Honestly? Not worth it. The texture gets all weird after thawing – the tortillas turn rubbery and the filling separates. Stick to fridge storage for best results!

Share Your Festive Creations

Did you make these roll-ups? I’d love to see your holiday spread! Snap a pic, leave a review, or share your favorite variations below.