Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe

If you’re looking to add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday spread, Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups fit the bill perfectly. These delightful little bites combine creamy, tangy cream cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the crunch of toasted nuts, all wrapped up in soft flour tortillas. They’re not just beautiful to look at but also incredibly simple to make, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion or cozy winter gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups lies in their simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and visual appeal, from the smooth cream cheese base to the colorful cranberries and fresh spinach.

• 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, they make rolling up the mixture easy and keep everything together.
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich and creamy foundation that binds the flavors wonderfully.
• 1/2 cup (60 g) dried cranberries: Adds a sweet-tart punch and festive red color.
• 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped fresh spinach: Offers freshness and a lovely green contrast in color and taste.
• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans: Delivers a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the mixture naturally and enhances the cranberry flavor.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
• Optional: Zest of 1 orange: Brings a bright citrus note that complements the holiday theme beautifully.

How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese with chopped spinach, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, honey, salt, and the optional orange zest in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated—this ensures every bite will be bursting with balanced flavor and texture.

Step 2: Spread the Mixture on Tortillas

Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface and spread about one-quarter of the creamy mixture evenly all the way to the edges. This even spread helps the roll-ups hold together beautifully without any gaps.

Step 3: Roll Them Up Tightly

Carefully roll the tortilla into a tight log, starting from one edge to the other. Doing so keeps the filling snug inside and makes slicing neat and easy later. Repeat this rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Chill the Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is a game-changer—it firms up the filling and makes slicing the roll-ups precise and clean without squishing.

Step 5: Slice into Bite-Sized Pieces

Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp knife to cut them into pieces about 3/4-inch thick. These perfect little bites reveal the gorgeous spiral of red cranberries and green spinach against the creamy background.

Step 6: Arrange and Serve

Arrange your Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups on a pretty platter. They can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them versatile and easy to enjoy whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Garnishes

Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate the presentation of your roll ups. Try sprinkling some extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of orange zest over the platter. Fresh mint leaves or tiny sprigs of rosemary also offer a wonderful aroma and a festive green touch that complements the cranberry colors.

Side Dishes

These roll ups pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday sides. Consider serving them alongside a crisp winter salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, or with a hearty soup like butternut squash or roasted tomato for a cozy feel. Their creamy texture and sweet notes also balance nicely with savory cheese boards or charcuterie spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your guests? Serve your Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups on skewers for a fun finger food option, perfect for mingling. You could also arrange them in a festive wreath shape on a large round platter, adding scattered cranberries, nuts, and herb sprigs around for that extra holiday charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, simply wrap the remaining roll ups tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a convenient make-ahead snack or appetizer.

Freezing

Because of the fresh spinach and creamy texture, freezing Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the cream cheese and cause the tortillas to become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

These roll ups are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer them slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave can help, but be cautious as it may soften the tortillas too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Absolutely! Whole wheat or spinach tortillas can add extra flavor and nutrients, though they might slightly change the color and texture of the roll ups.

Are these roll ups suitable for a vegan diet?

The traditional recipe uses cream cheese and honey, which are not vegan. However, you can substitute vegan cream cheese and maple syrup for honey to make a delicious vegan alternative.

Can I prepare these roll ups in advance for a party?

Yes! Preparing them a few hours ahead and refrigerating is perfect. Just slice them right before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.

What can I substitute for the dried cranberries?

Dried cherries or raisins work well as alternatives, offering similar sweetness and texture while keeping the festive feel.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Chilling the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes is the key step to prevent sogginess. It helps the filling set and keeps the tortilla firm for slicing and serving.

Final Thoughts

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are truly a little bundle of holiday joy that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a quiet festive evening, these vibrant, creamy, and crunchy roll ups will bring smiles and warmth to your table. Go ahead and give them a try—you might just find yourself making them every holiday season!

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