CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY ROLL UPS EASY

Nothing says Christmas quite like the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, and these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect way to showcase that festive flavor! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll filled with a creamy, tangy cranberry filling – it’s like a little bite of Christmas morning! This recipe is so simple, even the busiest elf can whip it up, and I promise it’ll be a holiday hit.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Saucee (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Roll Ups:

• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange zest

Let’s Get Rolling: Assembling Your Festive Ingredients

Okay, friend, before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s talk about prepping our ingredients. This isn’t just about opening cans and measuring – it’s about setting ourselves up for success! Making sure your cream cheese is *truly* softened is key to a smooth, lump-free filling. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that with the lumpy filling, and it’s a pain! Let it sit out for at least an hour, or even better, overnight in the fridge. Using high-quality Cranberry Saucee will dramatically enhance the flavor, if you have the time try your hand at making it from scratch!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Christmas Magic

Preparing the Cranberry Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Cranberry Saucee, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the cream cheese.
3. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth and evenly colored. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed – this is *your* Christmas creation!
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes. This will help it firm up and prevent it from oozing out of the roll ups during baking.

Assembling the Roll Ups:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Gently separate the dough into 8 triangles.
3. Spread a generous spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the chilled cranberry filling onto each triangle, near the wide end.
4. Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle towards the point. Pinch the edges to seal them slightly, preventing the filling from escaping during baking.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the second can of crescent roll dough.

Baking and Adding the Finishing Touches:

1. Place the assembled roll ups onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
2. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush the tops of the roll ups with the melted butter, then sprinkle them evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Once the roll ups are cooled (or still slightly warm, if you can’t resist!), dust them with powdered sugar.
2. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest for an extra touch of festive flair.
3. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’re All Human!

Let’s be honest, baking isn’t always a walk in the park. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to tackle them:

• Filling is too runny: Make sure your cream cheese is cold before you start, and don’t overmix it. If it’s still too runny, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling. Refrigerating the filling for a longer period will also help.
• Roll ups are browning too quickly: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and/or tent the baking sheet with foil.
• Filling is leaking out: Make sure you’re sealing the edges of the roll ups tightly. If the filling is still leaking, try using less filling in each roll up.
• Crescent rolls are sticking to the pan: Always use parchment paper! It’s a lifesaver.

Flavor Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to get creative? Here are some fun ways to customize your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cranberry filling for added texture and flavor. This would be especially tasty if you enjoy Pecan Pie Cookie Bites.
• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.
• Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist. These would be great alongside a Christmas Margarita!
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle the finished roll ups with a simple maple glaze instead of powdered sugar.

Make-Ahead Tips: Preparing for a Crowd

Hosting a holiday brunch or party? These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups can be made ahead of time!

• Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Filling Only: The cranberry filling can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing the baked roll ups (they can become soggy), you can freeze the unbaked, assembled roll ups. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions: Making It a Meal

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with other festive dishes!

• Breakfast/Brunch: Serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit for a complete holiday breakfast or brunch. Consider also adding some Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls to your spread.
• Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet treat after a holiday meal. They’re a perfect complement to a rich, savory dinner.
• Snack: These roll ups are also great as a mid-afternoon snack, especially during the busy holiday season. Set them out alongside some Pretzel Bark for the ultimate snack spread.

Storing Leftovers: If There Are Any!

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Final Thoughts: Spreading Christmas Cheer

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are more than just a recipe – they’re a tradition in the making. They’re a way to share love, joy, and deliciousness with the people you care about. So gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas music, and get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen! Happy baking, my friend, and may your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter, and lots of yummy treats!