Oh dear friend, as we gather around this joyous time of year, I can’t help but reminisce about the delightful aroma wafting through my kitchen during the holidays. The air filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet tang of cranberries brings a certain spirit that I simply can’t resist. Among countless festive treats, my heart is particularly drawn to these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. Imagine cheating the ordinary by wrapping sweet and tart cranberry goodness in flaky, buttery dough—pure bliss! Trust me; this recipe will make your kitchen the star of any holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Now, why should you carve out time to make these roll ups tonight? Well, for starters, they dance upon your palate with vibrant flavors. The tartness of the cranberry sauce mingles effortlessly with the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese, and the crunch of the nuts—wow! It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that elevates your typical holiday dessert game.
Plus, these delightful bites are so easy to whip up. You know me; I like to keep my culinary adventures uncomplicated, and this recipe is just that. With ingredients that often sit in our pantries, it also has a magical ability to impress guests. Picture it: golden brown parcels dusted in powdered sugar, looking oh-so-tempting on a holiday platter. They’re not just delicious; they look like you’ve poured all your effort into them. And when you share a bite, you’ll be rewarded with delighted gasps. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients Overview
Let’s talk about what makes this scrumptious treat come to life! Here’s what you need:
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Crescent Roll Dough: This is your canvas! The crescent roll dough offers just the right amount of buttery flakiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough could level up your game, but trust me—store-bought is a fantastic shortcut that won’t disappoint.
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Cranberry Sauce: Look for the tart, chunky variety, or you could even make your own. If you’re in the mood for a touch of tradition, the homemade version can be a showstopper!
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Cream Cheese: The backbone of the filling! Make sure it’s softened so it’ll blend beautifully. You could play around with a flavored cream cheese for a twist—as long as it’s creamy, it’s going to be luscious.
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Chopped Nuts: I simply adore pecans or walnuts here. Their nutty crunch pairs beautifully with the filling. If you’re not into nuts, feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version!
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Cinnamon: Ah, the warm hug of cinnamon. It envelops the filling in cozy vibes, echoing all the holiday feels.
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Honey: A drizzle of honey can sweeten the deal, but it’s totally optional. If you find your cranberry sauce to be on the sweeter side, skip this step altogether.
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Powdered Sugar: Just for that beautiful dusting at the end—because who doesn’t love a touch of elegance?
How This Recipe Comes Together
Now, let’s piece together this festive gem, shall we?
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Preheat the Oven: Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let that baby warm up, so it’s all set when we’re ready to bake those goodies!
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Mix the Filling: In a cheerful mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and optional honey. Give it a good mix until everything is happily married together.
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Prepare the Dough: Roll out your crescent roll dough on a clean surface and slice it into rectangles. Each rectangle should have enough room for our tasty filling.
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Spoon the Mixture: With a spoon, drop a small amount of that gorgeous cranberry mixture onto each rectangle. Don’t be shy; just make sure not to overstuff or they may burst while baking.
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Roll Them Up: Begin from one end and roll up the dough around the mixture. These are like little presents, aren’t they?
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Bake: Place those adorable rolls on a baking sheet—make sure they have some space between them—then slide them into the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and calling your name.
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Finishing Touch: Let them cool just a sec, then if you fancy, dust them with powdered sugar for that lovely aesthetic and sweetness!
Best Way to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving these delicious roll ups, the world is your oyster! They shine bright on a dessert table next to gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. Pair them with a hot cup of spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat. You could even turn it into a delightful brunch item—serve these alongside a fruit salad or a decadent egg casserole, and watch them disappear!
How to Store and Freeze
Let’s talk about leftovers—if you have any (which is unlikely, but just in case)! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning on stocking up, these roll ups freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, and they’ll taste just as divine!
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some pro chef tips that I swear by—take a note!
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Don’t rush the softening: Bring that cream cheese to room temperature before mixing; it makes all the difference in the smoothness of your filling.
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Toast the nuts: If you have time, consider toasting those nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor. It’s a small step, but oh-so-worth it!
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Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or even ginger to the filling for an aromatic twist—it adds depth and complexity that screams "holidays!"
Creative Twists
Now, let’s get a bit creative, shall we? You could easily switch up this recipe with a few variations.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce into the filling for a sweet twist.
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Different Fruits: Substitute the cranberry sauce with raspberry or cherry for a different fruity vibe.
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Savory Option: Feel free to make this a more savory snack by using savory cheeses and roasted veggies—just adjust your spices accordingly!
Ingredients
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and honey until well combined.
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut it into rectangles.
- Spoon a small amount of the cranberry mixture onto each rectangle.
- Roll up the dough around the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Your Questions Answered
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Can I make these ahead? Absolutely! Assemble them, refrigerate, then bake right before serving for crisp freshness.
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How do they pair with drinks? They’re fabulous with sweet, creamy drinks or even with a hint of spice, like chai or cider.
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Are they kid-friendly? Oh yes! Kids love these little rolls—they make for great little hands-on bites.
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Can I adapt this recipe to be vegan? Definitely! Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based dough.
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What’s the total prep time? You’re looking at around 20 minutes for prep and another 15 for baking—easy peasy!
I hope you find joy in making these festive treats, dear friend! The holidays are all about sharing and creating memories, and what better way to do that than through delicious bites? Embrace the messiness of the process, allow your creativity to flow, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious moment! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these deliciously flaky and creamy cranberry roll ups! Perfect for gatherings and sure to impress.Key Ingredients
For the Roll Ups
How to Make Festive Cranberry Roll Ups
Baking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and honey until well combined.
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Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut it into rectangles.
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Spoon a small amount of the cranberry mixture onto each rectangle.Avoid overstuffing to prevent them from bursting.
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Roll up the dough around the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
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Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Potassium 70mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 2 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 4 mg
- Iron 6 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 0 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
