The holidays bring joy, warmth, and delicious food. One festive treat that stands out is Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. These sweet bites combine the tang of cranberry sauce with smooth cream cheese, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. They are quick to make, and everyone loves them. They can be served at gatherings, or taken to parties, making them a perfect holiday snack.
The bright red of the cranberry and the soft white of the cream cheese create a colorful, inviting dish. When you serve these roll ups, they will surely impress your guests. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also easy to prepare, making them ideal for all skill levels in the kitchen. This article will walk you through why you should make these tasty treats, how to create them step by step, and some tips for serving and storing them.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? First, they are an excellent treat for holiday celebrations. They look festive and taste amazing. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the rich cream cheese and the crunch of nuts.
Another reason is that they are quite simple to prepare. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can master this recipe with ease. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
These roll ups also allow for creativity. You can adjust the filling according to your preference. If you like a little more sweetness, add more sugar or even some chocolate chips. You can make them ahead of time, so they are ready to go when guests arrive.
Additionally, they are versatile. You can serve them at any holiday gathering, including Christmas parties, New Year’s celebrations, or even Thanksgiving. They are perfect for when you want to offer something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Making these cranberry roll ups is fun and quick. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can have a batch ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
To make these delicious roll ups, you will need:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Here’s how to prepare your Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure that your roll ups bake evenly and turn golden brown.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and sugar if you are using it. Stir well until all the ingredients are smooth and combined. The mixture should look creamy and be easy to spread.
Unroll the dough: Take the package of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it on a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into triangles along the perforations.
Fill the dough: Place a spoonful of your cream cheese and cranberry mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to roll them up.
Roll them up: Starting from the wide end, gently roll up the triangle towards the point. Pinch the edges to seal them to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your roll ups on the baking sheet with space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Dust with powdered sugar: Once the roll ups are out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust them with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look extra special before serving.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
When it comes to serving these delightful roll ups, presentation is key. You can place them on a beautiful serving platter or a tiered cake stand to make them look appealing.
Consider serving them warm with some extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who enjoy desserts.
These roll ups are great for parties or holiday gatherings. They make wonderful finger foods that guests can easily grab while mingling. Their sweet and nutty flavor pairs well with hot drinks like cider, coffee, or tea.
How to Store Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
If you have leftover roll ups, store them properly to keep them fresh. Allow them to cool completely before putting them away.
Place the roll ups in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any moisture, keeping them from getting soggy. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you need to store them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you are ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Tips to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Use room temperature cream cheese: This makes mixing easier and ensures a smooth filling. If your cream cheese is too cold, it may be difficult to blend with the other ingredients.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. These can enhance the overall taste and add a little warmth to your roll ups.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely sweetness and makes the roll ups look festive and inviting.
Consider different nuts: While pecans and walnuts are great, you can try other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for a unique twist.
Watch the baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the roll ups as they bake. Remove them as soon as they are golden brown to avoid burning.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Roll Ups: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious sweet and tart treat.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Ups: Swap the cranberry sauce for apple pie filling and add extra cinnamon for a cozy autumn flavor.
Savory Roll Ups: For a savory option, omit the sugar and add ingredients like sliced turkey, cheese, or spinach to the cream cheese filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also roll them up and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best texture.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for the crescent dough?
A: Yes, you can find gluten-free crescent roll dough in most grocery stores. Make sure to check the label and follow the cooking instructions as they might vary slightly.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, you will need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency before adding them to the filling.
With these steps and tips, you’re all set to create your very own Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. Enjoy making this delightful treat during the holiday season or whenever you crave a sweet snack!
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and sugar (if using) until the mixture is smooth and easy to spread.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and separate into triangles.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese and cranberry mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Starting from the wide end, gently roll up the triangle towards the point and pinch the edges to seal.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the roll ups on it with space in between.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Dust with powdered sugar after removing from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.