EASY CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY ROLL-UPS

The holidays are all about making memories and sharing delicious treats! Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when you present a plate of warm, flaky, and utterly irresistible Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – Easy Holiday Treat. These aren’t just pastries; they’re little bundles of Christmas cheer that are surprisingly simple to create. Let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these festive delights that will become a new holiday tradition!

Gathering Your Festive Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cranberry roll ups. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples, making it even easier to whip up a batch on a whim!

For the Roll Ups:

• 2 sheets (14.1 oz each) refrigerated puff pastry
• 1 (12 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional, but SO Good!):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step to Christmas Cranberry Roll Up Magic

Let’s get started on transforming these simple ingredients into festive holiday treats! I’ll guide you through each step, so even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll have these down in no time.

Preparing the Cranberry Filling:

1. If you’re using nuts, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant. This enhances their flavor beautifully. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Gently mash the whole berry cranberry sauce with a fork. This makes it easier to spread evenly.

Assembling the Roll Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Brush the entire surface with half of the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture.
4. Spread half of the mashed cranberry sauce evenly over the buttered pastry.
5. Sprinkle half of the chopped nuts (if using) over the cranberry sauce.
6. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry up into a log.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining ingredients.

Slicing and Baking:

1. Using a sharp, serrated knife, slice each log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 12 rolls from each log.
2. Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. Let the roll ups cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (or almost completely – warm is good too!).

Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional, but Irresistible!):

1. While the roll ups are baking or cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
4. Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread slightly.

Glazing and Enjoying Your Creations:

1. Once the roll ups have cooled slightly, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the tops.
2. If desired, sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Why Puff Pastry is Your Best Friend

Honestly, puff pastry is a baker’s secret weapon! It delivers that impressive flaky texture without requiring hours of laborious dough-making. It’s perfect for busy holiday schedules when you want something spectacular with minimal fuss. I like to keep a box or two on hand during the holiday season for quick and easy treats like these roll ups!

The Secret to Perfect Puff Pastry

Working with puff pastry can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward. The key is to keep it cold! If your puff pastry starts to get too soft, just pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. This prevents it from becoming sticky and difficult to work with. Also, avoid overworking the dough, as this can toughen it. Gentle handling is key!

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Add Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest in the cranberry filling adds a bright, zesty flavor.
• Use Different Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious alternatives to pecans.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips over the cranberry filling.

Troubleshooting Tips for Cranberry Roll Up Success

Even with the simplest recipes, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Roll Ups Are Burning: If your roll ups are browning too quickly, tent them loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Filling Is Leaking Out: Make sure you’re rolling the pastry tightly and sealing the edges well. If some filling does leak out, don’t worry too much! It’ll still be delicious.
• Glaze Is Too Thick or Too Thin: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding a little more powdered sugar to thicken it or a little more milk to thin it.

Making Ahead and Storing Your Festive Treats

These cranberry roll ups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make them ahead of time! You can assemble the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can also bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before reheating in a low oven or microwave.

Beyond Roll Ups: Exploring Similar Flavors

If you’re loving the cranberry and holiday spice combination, you might also enjoy other festive recipes. For a comforting dessert, try this amazing APPLE CRISP. Or if you’re looking for something with a bit more texture, this APPLE PUMPKIN MUFFIN recipe is a total winner! If you want something similar to APPLE CRISP try this recipe also called APPLE CRISP. Finally, if you’re craving a caramel flavor, these CARAMEL APPLE BARS are the perfect choice.

Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

There you have it! Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. These are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience—a chance to gather in the kitchen, create something delicious, and share it with the people you love. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do, and that they become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!