Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a vibrant and delicious holiday treat featuring a tangy cranberry filling wrapped in soft, flaky puff pastry. Combining a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with festive colors, these easy-to-make roll ups are ideal as appetizers, desserts, or snacks during the holiday season. Suitable for all skill levels, they offer a delightful texture and impressive presentation that will be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pastry Base
- Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed as needed
Cranberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons water (or a splash)
Spread and Toppings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling: Rinse and drain fresh cranberries. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until berries burst and mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Thaw and Roll Out Puff Pastry: Allow frozen puff pastry sheets to thaw until pliable enough to roll gently on a floured surface. Rolling out smooths creases and ensures even baking.
- Spread Cream Cheese and Add Filling: Evenly spread softened cream cheese over entire puff pastry sheet, smoothing gently. Spoon cooled cranberry filling on top, leaving a small border around edges to prevent spilling when rolling.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll pastry sheet into a tight log starting from the edge without filling. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds to create individual roll ups.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place roll ups on a lined baking sheet, spaced evenly. Brush tops with beaten egg wash to promote browning and a shiny crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffed.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and smoother texture.
- Do not overfill; leave a border to prevent leakage and messy roll ups.
- If kitchen is warm, chill rolled pastry briefly before slicing to maintain shape.
- Use a sharp knife and steady hand for even slices to ensure uniform baking.
- Serve roll ups warm for best flavor and texture; they can also be reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: holiday treat, Christmas, cranberry roll ups, puff pastry, festive snack, appetizer, dessert, easy holiday recipe