I still remember the first Christmas I made these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. It was one of those years when the kitchen seemed to turn into a joyful storm holiday music playing, kids sneaking bites of frosting, and my counters overflowing with appetizers and cookie tins. I wanted something festive, make-ahead friendly, and colorful enough to compete with the Christmas lights. That’s when this recipe came to life.
They were a hit from the first bite. Tangy cream cheese, tart dried cranberries, a touch of feta, and soft flour tortillas rolled into perfect red and green spirals they looked like edible ornaments! Since then, these cranberry roll ups have become my go-to party appetizer. Whether I’m hosting Christmas Eve dinner or a casual holiday brunch, they never fail to disappear fast.
So today, I’m sharing the secret to making these simple yet stunning Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, along with all the tricks I’ve learned through the years to make them even better.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that’s as easy as it is eye-catching, this recipe checks all the boxes. These pinwheel-style roll ups come together in just 15 minutes, can be made ahead, and taste even better the next day.
| Feature | Why It Works for You |
|---|---|
| Festive Look | The red cranberries and green herbs make these pop on any Christmas platter. |
| Make-Ahead Friendly | Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving. |
| No Cooking Needed | Perfect when the oven’s already full of casseroles and roasts. |
| Crowd-Pleasing Flavor | Tangy, creamy, and just a little sweet everyone loves them. |
| Customizable | Swap cheeses or herbs to match your flavor preferences. |
They’re also an ideal companion to other holiday appetizers like Festive Stuffed Mushrooms or Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to perfect roll ups lies in balancing flavors creamy, tangy, sweet, and salty.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large flour tortillas | 4–5 | Use plain, spinach, or tomato for color contrast. |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz | Regular or light works fine. |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup | Adds tang; goat cheese also works. |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Chop roughly for better distribution. |
| Green onions or parsley | ¼ cup | Finely chopped for that “green” Christmas look. |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 tbsp | Optional – adds a touch of sweetness. |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Balances creaminess. |
| Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) | Optional | Adds crunch and holiday flair. |
Tip: You can also add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle festive aroma.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
You won’t believe how fast and easy these are to make.
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, feta, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add chopped cranberries, green onions, and nuts (if using). Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Spread and Roll
Lay a tortilla flat on your counter. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the filling evenly, leaving a small border along the edges. Roll tightly from one end to the other like wrapping a festive gift.
Step 3: Wrap and Chill
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, trim off the uneven edges, then slice each roll into ½-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter in a Christmas tree or wreath shape for extra holiday charm.
Step 5: Garnish and Shine
Garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or even pomegranate seeds for sparkle.
Variations Worth Trying
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try one of these twists for a new spin each year:
| Variation | What to Add | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Savory Herbed Roll Ups | Add dill, garlic powder, and chopped turkey | Cocktail parties |
| Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Roll Ups | Add jalapeño and honey | Spicy snack lovers |
| Vegan Version | Use dairy-free cream cheese and maple syrup | Plant-based diets |
| Breakfast Style | Add chopped bacon and scrambled egg bits | Christmas brunch |
| Dessert Version | Use sweetened cream cheese and white chocolate chips | Holiday dessert tray |
This flexibility makes them ideal for any event from brunch to office potlucks.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple recipe can go wrong if you rush it. Here’s how to make sure your roll ups are perfect every time.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rolls won’t stay closed | Too little chilling | Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour. |
| Filling oozes out | Too much or uneven spreading | Leave a ½-inch border when spreading. |
| Tortilla cracks | Tortillas too cold | Warm slightly before filling. |
| Filling tastes flat | Not enough contrast | Add a pinch of salt or citrus zest. |
Pro Tip: Always slice with a serrated knife it keeps your pinwheels crisp and clean.
How to Store and Make Ahead
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are best made ahead, making them a dream for busy holiday hosts.
- Refrigerate: Keep wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before slicing.
- Store leftovers: Place in an airtight container; they’ll last 2–3 days in the fridge.
- Avoid sogginess: Use firm tortillas and dry ingredients (don’t add too much liquid).
- Freeze: Not recommended the texture of cream cheese changes.
How to Serve for Maximum Festive Appeal
Presentation transforms this appetizer into a conversation piece. Try one of these serving ideas:
- Christmas Tree Platter – Arrange roll ups in a triangular shape and top with a star-shaped cheese cutout.
- Holiday Wreath – Circle the pinwheels and garnish with parsley “leaves” and pomegranate “berries.”
- Cocktail Appetizer Boards – Combine with Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey or Festive Stuffed Mushrooms for variety.
- Individual Cups – Serve a few pinwheels in mini paper cups for grab-and-go ease.
They’ll look so good, you’ll have guests taking photos before taking bites.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – 2 Roll Ups)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 5g | 8g | 12g | 4g | 1g |
Light cream cheese can reduce fat slightly without sacrificing flavor.
Flavor Pairings
To round out your appetizer spread, here are perfect pairings:
| Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sparkling cranberry punch | Complements the tart-sweet balance |
| Hot chocolate or mulled wine | Comforting and festive |
| Cheese board | Adds texture and variety |
| Fresh veggies or pita chips | Lightens the richness of the filling |
FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Can I make them the night before?
Absolutely! They taste even better after chilling overnight. Just slice them before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but chop and dry them first otherwise, the filling gets too wet.
What’s the best tortilla to use?
Soft, flexible ones like flour or spinach tortillas work best. Avoid corn tortillas they crack too easily.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Use certified gluten-free wraps or lavash bread.
How do I make them look more festive?
Use a mix of red (tomato) and green (spinach) tortillas for that unmistakable Christmas vibe.
Pro Kitchen Tips
- Soften your cream cheese for at least 30 minutes it spreads like a dream.
- Chop cranberries finely to avoid uneven texture.
- Wrap tightly tension keeps everything uniform.
- Chill longer if possible; it enhances both flavor and shape.
- Add crunch with a sprinkle of nuts before rolling.
Make It a Family Tradition
Every family has those recipes that mark the season and this one quickly became ours. My kids love helping spread the filling (and sneaking a few bites along the way), and we make a small competition out of who can roll the tightest one.
By the time the platter hits the table, it’s more than just food it’s laughter, teamwork, and holiday cheer rolled up together.
So whether you’re new to hosting or a seasoned entertainer, these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bring the joy and simplicity that every festive table deserves.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to impress your guests. They’re bright, beautiful, and bursting with holiday flavor the perfect bite-sized treat to make your Christmas spread truly shine.
Serve them once, and they’ll become part of your family’s holiday story just like they did mine.
So grab your tortillas, a handful of cranberries, and a little Christmas spirit, and let’s roll into the season together!
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, feta, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in chopped cranberries, green onions, and nuts (if using). Combine evenly.
- Lay out one tortilla and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the filling evenly, leaving a small border.
- Roll tightly from one end to the other. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Remove wrap and slice each roll into ½-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter in a tree or wreath shape for presentation.
- Garnish with parsley or pomegranate seeds before serving.
