Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe – Easy & Festive Holiday Appetizer

Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups saved my holiday party last year and I’m about to tell you why they’ll save yours too.

Picture this: It’s December 2023, and I’m hosting my first big holiday gathering at my new place. I’d planned this elaborate appetizer spread that would’ve made any cooking show proud. But between work deadlines and family obligations, I found myself with exactly two hours before guests arrived and a kitchen full of half-prepped dishes. That’s when I remembered these roll-ups a recipe I’d stumbled upon during my travels through New England, where cranberries are as essential to the holidays as evergreen wreaths.

I’m Emeli, and here at FoodFansy, I’ve learned that the best recipes aren’t always the most complicated ones. Sometimes, they’re the simple, make-ahead treasures that let you actually enjoy your own party. These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups deliver restaurant-worthy presentation with minimal effort, and here’s what makes them work: the sweet-tart cranberries against creamy cheese, the satisfying crunch, and those beautiful pinwheel slices that look like you spent hours on them.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right tortillas to achieving those perfectly clean cuts, plus pro tips for customizing flavors and making them ahead. Let’s create something that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite.

Why This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe Works

These festive appetizers check every box for stress-free holiday entertaining. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to:

• Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses pantry staples and affordable cream cheese no specialty items required
• Make-ahead magic: Prep them up to 24 hours in advance, freeing you up on party day
• Customizable for any palate: Easily adapted for dietary restrictions or flavor preferences
• Feeds a crowd: One batch yields 24-32 pinwheels, perfect for gatherings
• No cooking required: Zero oven time means less kitchen chaos during the holidays
• Stunning presentation: Those red cranberry specks against white cream cheese scream festive elegance

The secret? The chilling step. It transforms these from messy wraps into professional-looking appetizers with clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape on the platter.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Best Tortilla Selection

Not all tortillas are created equal for roll-ups. Here’s what works best:

Flour tortillas are non-negotiable they’re pliable, don’t crack when rolled, and have a neutral flavor that lets the filling shine. Look for “burrito size” or large (10-12 inch) tortillas. Avoid whole wheat varieties here; they tend to be too grainy and can overpower the delicate cranberry-cream cheese balance. Fresh tortillas from the bakery section (not the shelf-stable ones) offer superior flexibility and taste.

Cream Cheese Essentials

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, smoothest texture. Reduced-fat versions can be watery and won’t hold up during chilling. The “brick” style (like Philadelphia) is ideal tub-style spreads often contain stabilizers that change the consistency.

Critical tip: Always bring cream cheese to room temperature. Cold cream cheese tears tortillas and creates lumpy, unspreadable filling. Leave it on the counter for 45-60 minutes before starting.

Cranberry Considerations

Dried cranberries (also called “craisins”) work best because they’re concentrated in flavor and won’t make the tortillas soggy. Look for varieties without excessive added sugar the slight tartness balances the rich cream cheese beautifully.

Buying tip: Check the bulk bins at grocery stores for fresher, more affordable dried cranberries. They should be pliable, not hard as rocks.

Substitutions That Work

• Swap green onions for: Chives, finely diced red onion, or omit entirely for picky eaters
• Instead of dried cranberries: Dried cherries, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or pomegranate arils (though fresh pomegranate requires immediate serving)
• Tortilla alternatives: Large spinach or tomato wraps add extra color

Ingredients & Prep for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Filling Essentials

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inches)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup finely chopped green onions (white and light green parts only)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but recommended for depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon each)

Prep Work Before You Start

Cream cheese prep: Remove from refrigerator 45-60 minutes ahead. Test readiness by pressing your finger into the block it should leave an indentation without resistance.

Cranberry technique: If your dried cranberries are very hard, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then pat completely dry. This rehydrates them slightly for better distribution in the filling.

Green onion prep: Slice thinly on a bias for visual appeal. Avoid the dark green tops they’re too fibrous and bitter for this delicate filling.

Workspace setup: Lay out a large cutting board or clean countertop. Have plastic wrap cut into 12-inch pieces ready to go.

Making the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with seasonings first (garlic powder, salt, pepper). Mix until completely smooth using a fork or hand mixer. This ensures even seasoning distribution. Fold in cranberries and green onions gently overmixing can break up the cranberries and turn everything pink.

The filling should be creamy but spreadable, like thick frosting. If it’s too stiff, let it sit at room temperature another 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Pre-Assembly Prep for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

1. Warm the tortillas slightly: Microwave them between damp paper towels for 15-20 seconds. This makes them incredibly pliable and prevents cracking during rolling.
2. Arrange your workspace: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Keep the others covered with a barely damp towel to prevent drying.
3. Portion the filling: Divide your cream cheese mixture into 4 equal portions (about ½ cup each). This ensures consistent roll sizes.

Assembly Method for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

1. Spread evenly: Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread one portion of filling across the entire tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness too thick and it’ll squeeze out; too thin and you’ll have bland bites.
2. The roll technique: Starting from the bottom edge closest to you, begin rolling tightly but gently. Use your fingers to tuck and compress slightly as you roll, similar to rolling sushi. Keep tension consistent loose rolls fall apart; too tight and the filling squeezes out the ends.
3. Seal the edge: When you reach the top, the bare border should stick to itself. Press gently to seal.
4. Wrap immediately: Place the roll seam-side down on plastic wrap. Roll tightly in the plastic, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. This maintains shape and prevents drying.

Chilling Process for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Transfer wrapped rolls to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This firming step is crucial it allows the cream cheese to set, making slicing clean and effortless.

For same-day serving, 30-45 minutes is sufficient. For next-day prep, refrigerate overnight and slice 1-2 hours before guests arrive so they can come to room temperature slightly (they taste best not ice-cold).

Slicing for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

1. Unwrap carefully: Remove plastic wrap and place roll seam-side down on a cutting board.
2. Trim the ends: Cut off about ½ inch from each end these ragged edges aren’t pretty for serving.
3. Sharp knife is key: Use a serrated knife or very sharp chef’s knife. Wipe the blade clean between each cut to prevent smearing.
4. Slice technique: Cut into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a gentle sawing motion. You should get 8-10 slices per roll, yielding 32-40 total pinwheels from this recipe.

Serving Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Arrange pinwheels flat on a serving platter in a single layer or slightly overlapping in a circular pattern. The red cranberry specks should be visible in the spiral this is your “wow” factor.

Garnish ideas: Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of green, or add a few whole dried cranberries scattered between pinwheels for festive flair.

Serving temperature: Room temperature is ideal (about 20 minutes out of the fridge). They’re edible cold but the flavors bloom when slightly warmed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Soggy tortillas: This happens when cream cheese is too warm or wet ingredients (like fresh cranberries) are used. Stick to dried fruit and properly softened (not melted) cream cheese.

Cracking tortillas: Always warm them before rolling. If you forgot this step and a tortilla cracks, don’t panic flip it over and use the intact side as the outer layer.

Filling squeeze-out: Don’t overfill. Less is more here you can always serve extra cream cheese mixture as a dip alongside.

Uneven slices: Use a sawing motion rather than pressing straight down. A rocking motion compresses the roll and creates squished pinwheels.

Tool Recommendations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

• Offset spatula: Makes spreading filling infinitely easier and more even
• Serrated bread knife: Creates the cleanest cuts without compression
• Plastic wrap: Essential for maintaining shape don’t skip this
• Large cutting board: Gives you room to work without mess

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Refrigeration: Wrapped, unsliced rolls keep for up to 3 days. Sliced pinwheels should be covered with plastic wrap and consumed within 24 hours for best texture.

Freezing: You can freeze wrapped, unsliced rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing. Don’t freeze sliced pinwheels they become watery when thawed.

Transport tip: For potlucks, transport them as unsliced rolls in a cooler, then slice on-site for maximum freshness.

Flavor Variations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Savory Upgrades

Herb-crusted version: Add 2 tablespoons fresh dill and 1 tablespoon fresh chives to the filling. The herby brightness elevates these from good to memorable.

Bacon-cranberry: Fold in 4 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon. The smoky-sweet combination is addictive.

Nut-studded: Mix in ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Toast them first for deeper flavor.

Sweet Adaptations

Dessert version: Use sweetened cream cheese (add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar), swap green onions for orange zest, and omit garlic powder. These become a sweet treat that still feels festive.

Tropical twist: Replace cranberries with dried pineapple and coconut flakes. Add a touch of lime zest to the cream cheese.

Dietary Modifications for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese (Kite Hill or Violife brands work well). The texture is slightly less rich but still delicious.

Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free tortillas. Note that they’re more fragile, so warm them thoroughly and roll gently.

Low-carb/Keto: Use low-carb tortillas and sugar-free dried cranberries. Check labels some low-carb wraps contain wheat gluten and aren’t suitable for celiac diets.

Global Flavor Profiles

Each variation makes approximately the same yield (32-40 pinwheels) and follows the same assembly method.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Perfect Pairings

These roll-ups shine as part of a larger appetizer spread. Serve alongside:

Complementary appetizers:

• Warm baked brie with honey and walnuts (the temperature contrast is delightful)
• Prosciutto-wrapped melon balls
• Cucumber rounds with herbed goat cheese
• Mixed nuts or spiced pecans

Side elements:

• A small bowl of whole-grain mustard or cranberry chutney for dipping (though they’re perfect as-is)
• Fresh fruit platter featuring grapes, apple slices, and pear wedges
• Mixed green salad with pomegranate vinaigrette

Presentation Ideas

For elevated hosting:

• Arrange pinwheels on a white platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries scattered around
• Use a slate board for rustic charm
• Create a “wreath” presentation by arranging pinwheels in a circle with a small bowl of dip in the center
• Thread pinwheels onto small skewers with a grape on top for easy grab-and-go portions

FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Can I make these more than 24 hours in advance? Yes, but quality peaks at the 24-hour mark. If you need to prep earlier, freeze the wrapped, unsliced rolls and thaw overnight before slicing. Sliced pinwheels don’t hold up as well beyond 24 hours the tortillas can get soggy.

What if I don’t have time to chill them? The chilling step is really important for clean cuts. If you’re in a rush, pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes instead of the fridge for 30 minutes. Just don’t forget them or they’ll freeze solid.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Fresh cranberries are too tart and contain too much moisture they’ll make the tortillas soggy and taste bitter. If you want to use fresh, you’d need to cook them down with sugar first, then cool completely. Dried is much easier and more reliable.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking? Always warm them before rolling (microwave 15-20 seconds between damp paper towels) and make sure they’re fresh check the expiration date. Store-brand tortillas sometimes contain less fat and crack more easily; name brands like Mission tend to be more pliable.

Are these safe for pregnant women? Yes, this recipe uses pasteurized cream cheese and no raw ingredients, making it pregnancy-safe. Just ensure your cream cheese hasn’t been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours before assembling.

My cream cheese mixture is too stiff help! Let it sit at room temperature longer, or add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream to loosen it. Mix thoroughly until spreadable. You can also microwave it for 5-10 seconds, but watch carefully you want soft, not melted.

Can kids help make these? Absolutely! Kids love spreading the filling and watching the roll-up process. The no-cook method makes this a safe, fun activity. Just handle the knife work yourself when slicing.

What’s the best way to transport these to a party? Keep rolls intact (unsliced) wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a container or cooler bag. Slice on-site for the freshest presentation. If you must pre-slice, arrange pinwheels in a single layer in a container with a tight lid, separated by parchment paper.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese? You can, but the texture won’t be as creamy and rich. Low-fat versions tend to be a bit watery and don’t hold up as well during chilling. If you’re watching calories, this might not be the recipe to modify the full-fat version is what makes these special.

How many pinwheels should I plan per person? For an appetizer spread with multiple options, plan 3-4 pinwheels per person. If these are the main appetizer, bump it to 5-6 per person. This recipe serves 8-10 people as part of a larger spread.

Conclusion

There you have it the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups that transformed my chaotic holiday hosting into something I actually enjoyed. These festive pinwheels prove that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a little chilling time, you’ve got an appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe – Easy & Festive Holiday Appetizer

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• Author: Emili
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 roll ups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – a festive, creamy tortilla appetizer filled with tangy cranberries and smooth cream cheese. Perfect for the holidays!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 large flour tortillas

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cranberries, onions, and seasonings.

2. Spread mixture evenly over each tortilla.

3. Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.

4. Chill for 30 minutes.

5. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve chilled.

Notes

Tip: Chill before slicing for perfect, even pieces.

Add nuts or herbs for texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pieces
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, holiday appetizer, cream cheese pinwheels