Cranberry Roll Ups

These Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect little bites of holiday cheer! There’s something so special about the combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. They’re the first thing to disappear from the appetizer platter at every Christmas party, and they look so festive with their flecks of red cranberry and green onion.

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I remember my mom setting out a huge spread of appetizers on Christmas Eve. It was her way of making the evening feel special without a big, formal dinner. We’d graze on little bites like this all night, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried on with my own family. These roll ups always remind me of those cozy, happy moments.

What I love most about this recipe is that it delivers that comforting, festive flavor with almost zero stress. You can make them ahead of time, they require no cooking, and they come together in just 15 minutes. It’s my go-to for a delicious, hearty appetizer that leaves me more time to enjoy the holidays.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The magic of these Cranberry Roll Ups comes from a few simple, flavorful ingredients. The creamy tang of the cream cheese is the perfect base for the sweet whole berry cranberry sauce and the crunchy, toasted pecans. The full ingredient list and amounts are waiting for you in the recipe card below!

How to Make Cranberry Roll Ups

Making these festive appetizers is as simple as it gets! You’ll start by mixing the softened cream cheese with the cranberry sauce, pecans, green onions, and seasonings until everything is beautifully combined. Then, just spread the mixture evenly over your tortillas, roll them up tightly, and let them chill in the fridge. Once they’re firm, you slice and serve! It’s a perfect, no-fuss addition to any holiday spread, just like my easy Christmas Cracker Toffee.

Festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups

These festive Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer, featuring a creamy, tangy filling with a hint of spice, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 32 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 75

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cranberry Filling

• 8 oz Cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1 cup Whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup Toasted pecans finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Green onions thinly sliced
• 1 tsp Orange zest freshly zested
• 1 small Jalapeño seeded and finely minced (optional, for a kick)
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper freshly ground

For Assembly

• 4 large Flour tortillas (10-inch burrito size)

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Method

 

Prepare the Filling

• In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, whole berry cranberry sauce, finely chopped toasted pecans, sliced green onions, orange zest, and optional minced jalapeño.
• Using a spatula, mix everything together until well combined and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper, and stir once more to incorporate.

Assemble and Chill the Roll Ups

• Lay one tortilla flat on a clean work surface or cutting board. Spread approximately 1/4 of the cranberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface, leaving a small 1/2-inch border along the top edge.
• Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the tortilla up as tightly as possible. The small, un-spread border at the top will help seal the roll.
• Wrap the finished roll tightly in plastic wrap to help it hold its round shape. Repeat the process with the remaining three tortillas and filling.
• Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for firming up the filling, which ensures clean, neat slices.

Slice and Serve

• Once chilled and firm, unwrap the rolls. Using a sharp or serrated knife, trim and discard about 1/2 inch from each end of the rolls.
• Slice each roll into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the Cranberry Roll Ups on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. The chilling step is mandatory; do not skip it. For a festive presentation, garnish the platter with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. The rolls can be made a day in advance and sliced just before serving, making them a perfect party appetizer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips for Making This Cranberry Roll Ups

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take these Cranberry Roll Ups from good to absolutely perfect. Here are some of my favorite tips straight from my kitchen to yours.

• Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. It makes it so much easier to mix everything together smoothly, avoiding any lumps. If you’re short on time, you can unwrap it and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds.
• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up the tortillas, but a thin, even layer is key. Overfilling will cause the mixture to squeeze out the sides when you roll and slice them.
• Roll Tightly: A tight roll is crucial for getting those perfect, clean-cut pinwheels. Tuck the end in as you start rolling and keep consistent pressure all the way to the end.
• Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling time! This step is essential for the rolls to firm up, which makes slicing them a breeze. I recommend at least two hours, but overnight is even better if you’re planning ahead.

My Secret Trick: I always add a little bit of fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. It’s not in the main recipe, but it adds a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the cranberry and cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Fun Variations for Cranberry Roll Ups

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own! While I adore this classic version, these Cranberry Roll Ups are wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few fun twists my family enjoys.

• Add Some Savory Bacon: For a salty, savory kick, add about a half cup of crispy, crumbled bacon to the cream cheese mixture. The smoky flavor is an incredible contrast to the sweet cranberries.
• Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, toasted walnuts or even slivered almonds work beautifully in this recipe. Each adds its own unique flavor and crunch.
• Give it a Cheesy Twist: Mix in about a quarter cup of crumbled feta or goat cheese. The tangy, salty flavor of these cheeses pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Try Different Wraps: Feel free to experiment with different flavored tortillas! Spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps add an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color, making your appetizer platter even more festive. It’s as fun as decorating Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

What to Serve With Cranberry Roll Ups

These Cranberry Roll Ups are a star appetizer all on their own, but they also play beautifully with others on a holiday platter. I love to serve them alongside a simple cheese board with sharp cheddar and creamy brie, some mixed nuts, and a bowl of olives. They also pair wonderfully with a festive sparkling cider or a crisp white wine. My best tip is to keep the pairings simple so the vibrant flavors of the roll ups can truly shine.

How to Store Cranberry Roll Ups

Storing these little bites is incredibly easy, which is why they are a holiday favorite.

• To Store: You can store the unsliced tortilla logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you’ve already sliced them, place the Cranberry Roll Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead recipe. I almost always assemble the rolls the day before a party. Just wrap the logs tightly and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.

I don’t recommend freezing these, as the cream cheese texture can change upon thawing. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Nutritional Benefits

These festive Cranberry Roll Ups offer more than just great taste! Cranberries provide a wonderful dose of antioxidants, while the pecans add a bit of plant-based protein and healthy fats. It’s a comforting, family-friendly snack that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make these Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! They are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the rolls a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic, and store them in the fridge. Just slice them right before you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste and cleanest cuts.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

You can, but I find that whole berry sauce gives the filling a much better texture and a more vibrant cranberry flavor. Jellied sauce can sometimes make the filling a bit too watery, but it will work in a pinch.

Are these roll ups spicy?

They have a very mild kick from the jalapeño that just adds a bit of warmth. For a spicier version, you can leave some of the seeds in. If you prefer no heat at all, you can omit the jalapeño entirely.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Easily! Just substitute the flour tortillas for your favorite brand of gluten-free tortillas. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a simple swap for a delicious gluten-free appetizer option.

Conclusion

I hope you and your family love these Cranberry Roll Ups as much as mine does. They truly capture the warm, comforting spirit of the holidays in one simple, delicious bite. This recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special and memorable. It’s all about simple ingredients, a little bit of love, and sharing good food with the people you care about.

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