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Close-up shot of delicious Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, perfect for a festive holiday dessert.

Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful holiday treat, combining flaky crescent roll dough with a sweet and tart cranberry filling. Easy to make and visually appealing, they're perfect for festive gatherings and create lasting memories.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Method
 

  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.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles.
  6. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled cranberry filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
  7. Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point.
  8. Place the roll ups on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Repeat with the second can of crescent roll dough.
  10. Brush the roll ups with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. 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.
  13. Once the roll ups are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.

Notes

If the cranberry filling is too runny, simmer it for a few more minutes until thickened. If the crescent roll dough is sticky, place it in the freezer for a few minutes before unrolling. Be careful not to overfill the roll ups. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake for a few minutes or microwave briefly. Add chopped nuts to the filling for extra crunch. Mix cream cheese with the cranberry filling for a richer flavor. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling. Soak the cranberries in orange liqueur for a boozy twist.