PERFECT CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY ROLL UPS

Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll filled with sweet and tart cranberries, creating the perfect holiday indulgence. These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, promising a festive treat that everyone will rave about. Let’s get baking and create some holiday magic together!

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 1 (12-ounce) package fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Roll Ups:

• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Are a Holiday Must-Have

Let’s be honest, the holiday season is all about traditions and creating memories with loved ones. These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are more than just a delicious dessert; they’re a chance to gather in the kitchen, share some laughs, and create something special together. What makes them stand out from other holiday treats? First, they are incredibly easy and quick to make, which is essential when you’re juggling a million other things during the holiday rush. Second, the combination of the flaky crescent roll dough with the sweet and tart cranberry filling is simply irresistible. And finally, they look absolutely beautiful, making them a perfect addition to any holiday table. So, ditch the stress and embrace the joy of baking with this simple yet stunning recipe!

Gather Your Ingredients: The Key to Baking Success

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will truly elevate the flavor of your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. For the cranberries, you can use either fresh or frozen. If using frozen, no need to thaw them beforehand – they’ll cook perfectly as is. The orange zest adds a wonderful citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully, so don’t skip it! As for the crescent roll dough, make sure it’s cold when you unroll it, as this will make it easier to work with. Also, it’s important to have melted butter ready for brushing, and sugar for sprinkling. You can even add a dash of cinnamon to the sugar for an extra warm, festive touch. Trust me, taking a few extra minutes to prep your ingredients will make the entire baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cranberry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Assemble the Roll Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
3. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled cranberry filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
4. Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point.
5. Place the roll ups on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Repeat with the second can of crescent roll dough.

Bake and Glaze:

1. Brush the roll ups with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. While the roll ups are baking, prepare the glaze (if using). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Once the roll ups are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Okay, let’s talk about potential hiccups. Sometimes, the cranberry filling can be a little too runny. If that happens, just simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up. Another common issue is that the crescent roll dough can be sticky and difficult to work with. If you find this happening, try placing the dough in the freezer for a few minutes before unrolling it. This will help firm it up and make it easier to handle. Also, be careful not to overfill the roll ups, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking. And finally, if you want to prevent the bottoms from getting too dark, you can place another baking sheet underneath the one with the roll ups. These little tricks can make a big difference!

Variations to Make It Your Own

Now, let’s get creative! One fun variation is to add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cranberry filling for some extra crunch. You could also mix in a little bit of cream cheese with the cranberry filling for a richer, creamier flavor. If you’re a fan of spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling along with the cinnamon. And for a boozy twist, you could soak the cranberries in a little bit of orange liqueur before cooking them. Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own personal touch on these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! If you love variations you could also try Buttery Pecan Crescent Rolls.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are delicious served warm, straight from the oven. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday brunch or dessert table. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat them, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave them briefly. They’re also great served alongside a warm mug of Christmas Eggnog Bread for a truly festive experience. Or if you are looking for something savory, these would be delicious with Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls.

Perfect Pairings: Complete Your Holiday Spread

What goes well with these delightful Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? A festive drink, of course! Why not try a Spiced Christmas Margarita for a touch of holiday cheer? Or, if you prefer something non-alcoholic, a warm cup of spiced apple cider would be perfect. As for other food pairings, these roll ups would be a great addition to a holiday brunch spread alongside dishes like quiche, fruit salad, and breakfast meats. They also make a wonderful dessert to serve after a traditional Christmas dinner. Don’t forget to include other festive treats like Christmas Puppy Chow and Christmas Cracker Candy to complete your holiday spread.

Share the Love: Spreading Holiday Joy

The holiday season is all about sharing and spreading joy, so why not share these delicious Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups with your loved ones? Bring them to a holiday gathering, give them as a homemade gift, or simply surprise your neighbors with a batch. There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing something you’ve made with your own hands. And who knows, these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups might just become a new family tradition! And while you’re at it, be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too. You can also bake these with Christmas Cranberry Jam on the side!

Wrapping Up: Your Holiday Baking Adventure

So, there you have it – the perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With their flaky crust, sweet and tart filling, and beautiful presentation, these roll ups are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Remember to have fun, experiment with variations, and most importantly, share the love! Now go ahead and get baking, and I promise you’ll create a holiday treat that everyone will absolutely adore. And if you’re looking for more cranberry goodness, don’t forget to try these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites as well. Happy baking!