EASY CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY ROLL UPS

I’ll never forget the year I accidentally volunteered to host Christmas brunch; the pressure was on, but my Aunt Carol swooped in with a platter of the most delightful, flaky pastries I had ever seen – Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! They were the perfect balance of sweet and tart, festive and easy, and they saved the day (and my sanity!). I’m so excited to share this simple, foolproof recipe with you so that you can make a delicious addition to your holiday spread.

Let’s Make Some Christmas Magic: All About Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Okay, friend, let’s talk about these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. They’re not just a recipe; they’re a holiday hug in pastry form. Flaky, buttery crescent rolls filled with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce and maybe a hint of orange zest? Yes, please! This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly a breeze to make, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Seriously, you’re going to love how easy these are. We’re talking minimal ingredients, simple steps, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, you can totally nail these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. I promise!

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with These Roll Ups

• Effortlessly Festive: They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweetness of the pastry, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, everyone loves them. Kids, adults, even that picky uncle – they’ll all be reaching for seconds.
• Customizable: Want to add a little something extra? We’ll talk about variations later!
• Great for Any Occasion: While they’re perfect for Christmas, these roll ups are also a hit at Thanksgiving brunch, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend breakfast.

The Star Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crescent Roll Dough: The pre-made kind is your best friend here. I prefer the seamless dough sheets for a cleaner look, but the regular perforated rolls work just fine too.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, both are welcome! If you’re using store-bought, I recommend choosing a whole-berry variety for extra texture. My personal favorite is Christmas Cranberry Sauce.
• Orange Zest (Optional): A little orange zest brightens up the cranberry flavor and adds a festive touch.
• Butter: Melted, for brushing the tops of the roll ups. This helps them get golden brown and extra delicious.
• Sugar: Granulated or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling. This adds a touch of sweetness and gives them a beautiful sparkle.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): For dusting, if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-by-Step: From Ingredients to Irresistible Roll Ups

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s the breakdown of how to make these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:

Step 1: Prep Your Station

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough (or Unroll, Depending on Which You Bought)

If you’re using seamless dough sheets, gently unfold them on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using regular crescent rolls, unroll them and pinch the perforations together to create one large sheet. Don’t worry about being perfect; a few imperfections add character!

Step 3: Cranberry Time!

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you’re using orange zest, sprinkle it over the cranberry sauce now. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like the warmth of cinnamon with the cranberry.

Step 4: Roll It Up, Roll It Up

Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a log. Try to keep it as tight as possible to prevent gaps in your roll ups. If your log is getting too thick, you can slice it in half and make two smaller logs.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. If you are looking for an alternative method, you could try the Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites to compare and contrast.

Step 6: Butter and Sugar – The Magic Touch

Brush the tops of the roll ups with melted butter. Sprinkle with granulated or turbinado sugar. This is what gives them that beautiful golden-brown color and extra sweetness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 8: Cool and Dust (Optional)

Let the roll ups cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling fancy, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. But honestly, they’re delicious even without it!

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Roll Ups

Even the easiest recipes can have their little hiccups. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Roll Ups Are Too Soggy: Make sure you’re not using too much cranberry sauce. A thin, even layer is key. Also, ensure your oven is preheated properly.
• Roll Ups Are Burning on the Bottom: Try placing another baking sheet underneath the baking sheet with the roll ups. This will help to insulate them from the heat.
• Roll Ups Are Not Cooking Through: Your oven temperature might be off. Use an oven thermometer to check. You can also try baking them for a few extra minutes.
• My Cranberry Sauce is Too Tart!: If your cranberry sauce is particularly tart, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to balance the flavors.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce before rolling up the dough. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract, and spread it over the dough before adding the cranberry sauce. This creates a creamy, decadent filling. You could also try the similar Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball recipe, but in roll-up form.
• Lemon Zest: Swap orange zest for lemon zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the cranberry sauce for a warm, festive flavor.
• Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or orange juice to create a simple glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled roll ups.
• Chocolate Chips: A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips over the cranberry sauce before rolling adds a touch of indulgence. Speaking of chocolate and cranberry, have you ever tried Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast!

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with other holiday favorites. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Brunch Buffet: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and a fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.
• Dessert Table: Add them to your dessert table alongside cookies, pies, and other sweet treats.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Holiday Cocktails: Pair them with a festive cocktail like a Spiced Christmas Margarita for a truly memorable holiday celebration.

Make Ahead Tips: Stress-Free Holiday Baking

Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare the roll ups in advance and bake them later. Here’s how:

• Assemble Ahead: Assemble the roll ups as directed, but don’t bake them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.
• Freeze for Later: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled roll ups. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftover Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. But honestly, they’re pretty delicious cold too!

Beyond Roll Ups: More Cranberry Inspiration

If you’re a cranberry lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious cranberry recipes:

• Christmas Cranberry Jam
• Cranberry Sauce
• Cranberry Orange Sauce
• Cranberry Sauce
• Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls

I hope you enjoy making these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups as much as I do! They’re the perfect way to add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!

EASY CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY ROLL UPS

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect festive treat for the holidays. Flaky crescent rolls are filled with tangy-sweet cranberry sauce and baked to golden perfection, making them an easy and delicious addition to any brunch or dessert spread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
• 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated or turbinado sugar
• Powdered sugar optional, for dusting

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl (optional, for homemade cranberry sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. If using seamless dough sheets, gently unfold them on a lightly floured surface. If using regular crescent rolls, unroll them and pinch the perforations together to create one large sheet.
3. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with orange zest, if using.
4. Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough into a log. Try to keep it as tight as possible.
5. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds.
6. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
7. Brush the tops of the roll ups with melted butter.
8. Sprinkle with granulated or turbinado sugar.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
10. Let the roll ups cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

For variations, add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce before rolling up the dough, or spread a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract over the dough before adding the cranberry sauce. You can also swap orange zest for lemon zest, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the cranberry sauce, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or orange juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze for up to 2 months.