# Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups: A Delightful Holiday Treat
Meta title: Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Meta description: Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ever find yourself wandering through the holiday aisles, dreaming of sweet, tangy treats that hug the spirit of Christmas? If so, you’re not alone! The enchanting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, mixed with the sweet and tart burst of fresh cranberries, instantly transports many of us to holiday gatherings centered around love, laughter, and delicious food. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups. These delightful treats are a beautiful addition to any holiday spread, bursting with flavor and perfect for entertaining or enjoying during cozy family nights.
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this fun recipe. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
What are Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups?
Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are bite-sized pastries that elegantly combine a sweet and tangy cranberry filling rolled within a fluffy, tender dough. Originating from the tradition of making sweet rolls and pastries during the holiday season, these delightful bites are enriched with flavors and textures that embody festive feelings.
The base is typically a soft dough (think cinnamon roll or pastry style) that holds a vibrant cranberry mixture, often combined with sugar, nuts, or cream cheese to create a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries. What makes them special is not just the taste but also their presentation—making these roll-ups a lovely centerpiece on your holiday dessert table!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups
The beauty of Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups lies in their versatility and appeal. Here are compelling reasons to include these in your holiday lineup:
1. **Flavor Explosion**: The sweet and tart cranberry mixture goes perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The balance in flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.
2. **Easy to Make**: This recipe is accessible for home cooks of all levels, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a little time.
3. **Perfect for Sharing**: These roll-ups are easy to slice and serve, making them great for parties, potlucks, or simply as a treat to have around during the festive season.
4. **Customizable**: Feel free to modify the filling by adding nuts, cream cheese, or even a chocolate drizzle on top for a gourmet twist.
5. **Festive Presentation**: With their gorgeous swirl and holiday colors, these treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They look stunning on a dessert platter, garnished with fresh cranberries or mint leaves.
Let’s gather our ingredients and get rolling!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make delectable Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups, you will need the following ingredients:
1. **2 cups all-purpose flour**: This serves as the base for our roll-ups. Feel free to use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
2. **1 teaspoon baking powder**: Gives the dough its lift and fluffiness.
3. **½ teaspoon salt**: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
4. **¾ cup unsalted butter, softened**: Adds richness and delightful texture to the dough.
5. **⅔ cup granulated sugar**: Sweetens the dough and helps to create the perfect golden crust.
6. **1 large egg**: Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
7. **1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries**: The star of our roll-ups! They provide the tangy flavor we love. If using frozen, thaw them and pat dry.
8. **½ cup brown sugar**: Sweetens the cranberry filling and creates caramel-like notes as they cook.
9. **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**: Adds warmth and depth to both the dough and filling.
10. **1 cup cream cheese, softened**: Gives a delicious creaminess to the filling, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
11. **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: For that lovely, warm holiday aroma.
12. **Optional: powdered sugar for dusting**: To finish off the roll-ups with a sweet touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups
Ready to dive into making these lovely roll-ups? Follow these detailed steps to create your festive treat:
1. **Prepare the Dough**:
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
– In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
– Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. **Chill the Dough**:
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
3. **Make the Cranberry Filling**:
– While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened cream cheese. Use a fork to mash the cranberries slightly to release some juice while mixing.
4. **Roll Out the Dough**:
– After chilling, sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour to keep the dough from sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼-inch thick.
5. **Spread the Filling**:
– Evenly spread the cranberry filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover every inch. Leaving about an inch at the edges is essential to seal the roll later.
6. **Roll It Up**:
– Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly to form a log. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
7. **Slice the Roll-Ups**:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Using a sharp knife, slice the log into even pieces (about 1-inch thick). Place the roll-ups cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
8. **Bake the Roll-Ups**:
– Bake the cranberries roll-ups in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning.
9. **Cool and Dust**:
– Once baked, allow the roll-ups to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
1. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the dough ahead and freeze it. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to bake.
2. **Flavor Twists**: Experiment with different fillings by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of orange zest for a citrus kick!
3. **Glaze It Up**: Drizzling a simple sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting over the cooled roll-ups adds a delightful sweetness and extra flair.
4. **Presentation Matters**: Serve these festive roll-ups on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh cranberries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for that special touch.
5. **Storage Tips**: Keep leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving for the best experience.
Health Benefits or Nutritional Highlights
Cranberries are not just a tasty treat; they also offer an array of health benefits! They are known for their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, making them a good choice for supporting overall wellness. Here are a few nutritional highlights:
– **Rich in Fiber**: Aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
– **Low in Calories**: Ideal for those watching their calorie intake during the holidays.
– **High in Vitamin C**: Boosts your immune system during those winter months.
For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, check out the article by **Healthline** .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use frozen cranberries?**
– Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly; just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in your filling.
2. **Can I make these roll-ups vegan?**
– Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs or applesauce in place of the egg, and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free version.
3. **How do I store leftover roll-ups?**
– Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
4. **How can I customize the filling?**
– Feel free to mix up the ingredients! You could add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cherries for added texture and flavor.
5. **Are these roll-ups suitable for gluten-free diets?**
– Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour, but you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly for best results.
In conclusion, these Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are not just a treat for your taste buds; they encapsulate the warmth and joy of holiday gatherings. With their beautiful appearance, delightful textures, and mouthwatering flavors, they’ll undoubtedly become a staple during your festive celebrations.
So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy them with a nice cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out! Happy Holidays!
