Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the flavors of the season with these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! Perfectly layered with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling and wrapped in a soft dough, these treats are not only a hit at holiday gatherings but also a fun project to make with kids. They're a great addition to your Thanksgiving treats, bringing a burst of color and joy to your dessert table.

Chloe Bennett

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2025-11-26T12:30:49.266Z

These festive cranberry roll ups are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities! With their vibrant color and delicious taste, they are sure to impress guests.

A Holiday Favorite

During the festive season, it's common to seek out recipes that bring joy and warmth to our gatherings. These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful blend of flavors that encapsulate the spirit of the holidays. The balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry filling, paired with the softness of the dough, makes for a treat that everyone will enjoy. They're perfect for serving at holiday parties, family dinners, or even as a thoughtful gift for neighbors and friends.

The vivid colors of the cranberry filling lend a visually appealing touch to your dessert spread, making them not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Presenting these roll ups on a decorative platter will definitely elevate your holiday table and impress your guests. Each bite offers a delicious reminder of the comforting flavors of the season.

A Fun Family Activity

Baking together is a cherished tradition for many families during the holidays. These roll ups are an excellent project for involving kids in the kitchen. From measuring ingredients to rolling out the dough, children will enjoy the hands-on experience, and the excitement of creating something delicious together. As they help, they also learn valuable skills such as teamwork and patience in the kitchen.

Encouraging kids to participate in festive baking not only fosters creativity but also creates lasting memories. By letting them customize their roll ups with toppings or variations, you can inspire them to embrace their culinary imagination. Plus, the experience of savoring the fruits of their labor adds to the joy of the season.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Although these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are particularly suited for the holiday season, they can easily transition to other occasions as well. Think Thanksgiving, winter parties, or even a bright summer gathering. Their versatility means you can enjoy these delightful treats year-round, adapting the filling or presentation to suit the occasion. For example, you might substitute the cranberry with seasonal fruits or jams to keep the flavors fresh.

Consider serving these roll ups as part of a dessert buffet or alongside a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. They also make a great addition to potluck events, as they travel well and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The delightful aroma while baking will surely draw people in and leave them wanting more.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start:

Cranberry Filling

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious roll ups:

Prepare the Cranberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook on medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let cool.

Make the Dough

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg, vanilla, and milk to form a soft dough.

Roll the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough.

Roll and Cut

Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into equal pieces and place on a baking sheet.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the roll ups for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy your festive creation!

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your rolled treats, it's essential to store them properly. Once cooled, these roll ups should be placed in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you’d like to keep them even longer, consider freezing them with layers separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.

To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, or microwave them for a quick snack. Reheating gently will help revitalize the flavors and maintain their soft texture, so you can enjoy these festive treats almost any time.

Creative Variations

While the cranberry filling is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor combinations. Other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of dried fruits can create wonderful alternative fillings. Infusing your dough with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the overall flavor profile, making these roll ups perfect for various seasonal celebrations.

You can also add a glaze drizzled over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. A simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese frosting can transform your roll ups into an extravagant dessert piece. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine through as you adapt this recipe to make it uniquely yours.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for the butter?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute if you need a vegan option.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Delight in the flavors of the season with these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! Perfectly layered with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling and wrapped in a soft dough, these treats are not only a hit at holiday gatherings but also a fun project to make with kids. They're a great addition to your Thanksgiving treats, bringing a burst of color and joy to your dessert table.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Chloe Bennett

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 roll ups

What You'll Need

Cranberry Filling

  1. 1 cup fresh cranberries
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1 egg
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 cup milk
  7. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  8. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook on medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let cool.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in egg, vanilla, and milk to form a soft dough.

Step 03

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough.

Step 04

Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into equal pieces and place on a baking sheet.

Step 05

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the roll ups for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 2g