“Did you know cranberry production in the U.S. hits 400 million pounds annually, with a spike during the holidays?” That stat alone screams one thing—cranberries are the unofficial mascot of Christmas! If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching for a simple yet show-stopping dish to bring to your next holiday gathering. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. They’re easy, stunning, and packed with holiday flavors. Whether you’re a cranberry fanatic or just looking to switch up the usual appetizers, this one’s for you. Let’s jingle our way into some seriously delicious bites!
Why Cranberry Roll Ups Are the Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
If you’ve ever been short on time, low on energy, but still wanted to show up to a holiday party with something festive and flavorful—this recipe is your new best friend. Let me tell you why these little roll ups have become my go-to Christmas appetizer over the years.
Accidentally Genius
I first made these cranberry roll ups totally by accident. It was a last-minute panic situation—nothing prepped, guests arriving, and all I had was some tortillas, a block of cream cheese, and a half-used bag of dried cranberries. I threw them together, said a prayer, and to my surprise, they were gone within minutes at the party. People thought I spent hours on them!
That Sweet & Savory Holiday Flavor
There’s something magical about the combo of tangy cream cheese and sweet cranberries. Add a little green onion or a sprinkle of herbs, and it’s like Christmas flavor fireworks in your mouth. It hits that perfect balance—sweet, savory, creamy, and a little fresh from the herbs.
Fast, Foolproof, and Festive
What blows my mind is how fast these come together. We’re talking 10 minutes, no oven, no stress. They’re so easy I once made them on the floor at my mom’s house because the kitchen was full. Seriously. Just spread, roll, chill, and slice. Done.
Everyone Asks for the Recipe
I brought a tray of these to my neighbor’s cookie swap last year, thinking no one would notice a savory dish. Wrong. They vanished before half the cookies were even touched. One woman stopped me in the driveway later asking, “What was in those roll things?” That’s how you know they hit the spot.
Great for Last-Minute Moments
These are perfect for when you forgot you signed up to bring something. The ingredients are basic—cream cheese, cranberries, tortillas. You can dress them up or keep them super simple. Either way, they look festive and taste even better. I always keep these ingredients on hand during December just in case I need to whip something up fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Roll Ups
The best part about these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? You don’t need anything fancy. Everything comes from the fridge or pantry, and you’ve probably got most of it sitting around already. Let me walk you through what you need—and how I tweak it depending on my mood or what’s leftover in the fridge.
Cream Cheese Is the Heart
You absolutely need a good block of cream cheese. None of that whipped stuff—it doesn’t hold the roll together well. I always let mine sit out for about 30 minutes so it spreads super easy. Once, I tried to rush it and tore three tortillas before I gave up and nuked the cheese in the microwave for 10 seconds. Way better.
Dried Cranberries Are the Star
These are what make the roll ups taste like Christmas. I go for sweetened ones, but if you like a little tart punch, grab the unsweetened kind. If they feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes—it plumps them up and makes the bite juicier. I learned that trick the hard way after biting into a batch that felt like chewing gravel. Never again.
A Little Green for Freshness
Chopped green onions or chives give the whole thing that fresh, herby balance. You don’t have to add them, but trust me—they make a difference. The little pop of green looks great too, especially when you’re serving these at a holiday table. I’ve even used a tiny bit of fresh rosemary or parsley when I was out of green onions, and it still worked.
The Wrap-Up: Tortillas or Crescent Dough
Flour tortillas are my usual go-to—soft, flexible, and neutral-flavored. But if you want to level it up, crescent dough gives it a buttery, flaky vibe that feels more like a pastry. Just bake it, cool, then slice. Either way, you’ve got options depending on your crowd or if you want a warm version.
Optional Add-Ins That Change Everything
Feeling fancy? Add chopped pecans for crunch. Or throw in leftover turkey or ham if you want it more filling. One year I added crumbled feta and it was chef’s kiss. You can totally make these your own without messing up the core recipe. They’re like a holiday snack blank canvas.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips)
I’ve made these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups so many times I could probably do it blindfolded. But if you’re making them for the first time, here’s a simple breakdown to keep it stress-free and party-ready. No fancy tools, no drama—just good food, fast.
Step 1: Soften That Cream Cheese
This is not optional. If your cream cheese is still cold, it’ll tear your tortillas and make spreading a total nightmare. Leave it out on the counter for 30 minutes. If you’re impatient (been there), microwave it for 10 seconds—just don’t melt it into soup.
Step 2: Spread It Like You Mean It
Take a tortilla and spread an even layer of cream cheese all the way to the edges. Don’t leave gaps, or the ends won’t stick and you’ll end up with sad, floppy pinwheels. A butter knife or spatula works best. And don’t glob it on—thin and even is the goal.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cranberries
Now it’s time for the magic. Sprinkle your dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese. You don’t want huge piles in one spot. A little goes a long way here—you want cranberry in every bite, not just one chewy mouthful halfway through.
Step 4: Add Your Flavor Boosters
This is where you toss on the chopped green onion or chives. I usually do a light sprinkle—maybe a tablespoon per tortilla. If I’m feeling spicy, I’ll add a dash of black pepper or even a tiny bit of hot honey. Yep, I tried that once and it slapped.
Step 5: Roll It Tight
Starting from one end, roll the tortilla up nice and tight like a jelly roll. The tighter the roll, the cleaner the slices later. If it starts to unroll, give it a little press along the seam and chill it for 10 minutes before slicing. That firms it up and keeps things tidy.
Step 6: Chill, Then Slice
Stick the rolled tortillas in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes. This makes slicing them way easier. When ready, grab a sharp knife and cut into 1-inch pinwheels. Wipe the blade every few cuts to keep them looking clean. No one likes a cranberry smudge disaster.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Place them on a festive plate or wooden board, and if you’re feeling extra, stick a rosemary sprig in the middle or use toothpicks with cute holiday toppers. These are best served cold or room temp, so no need to stress about keeping them warm.
Variations to Suit Every Guest
One of my favorite things about Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is how easy they are to tweak. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, gluten-free friends, or that one cousin who “doesn’t do dairy,” there’s a version of this appetizer for everyone. I’ve experimented with all kinds of combos over the years, and some of them turned out better than I ever expected.
Add Some Protein
When I want to make these more filling, I toss in some shredded turkey or thinly sliced ham. It’s like a full holiday dinner wrapped in a bite. One time I used leftover rotisserie chicken with a dash of Dijon mustard mixed into the cream cheese—chef’s kiss. They were gone before I even put my drink down.
Make It Vegan
Yep, you can totally go dairy-free. Just grab a plant-based cream cheese (I like the almond milk-based ones), and follow the same steps. I’ve served a vegan batch right next to the regular ones, and honestly, no one could tell. Sprinkle a little nutritional yeast in for that cheesy flavor if you’re missing the dairy vibe.
Turn Up the Heat
Want to surprise people? Add a few chopped jalapeños or drizzle hot honey before rolling. I didn’t think heat would work with cranberries, but trust me—it does. It’s like a spicy-sweet little surprise that kicks everything up a notch. Just warn people before they bite in.
Go Dessert Mode
If you’re leaning sweet, swap the tortilla for a cinnamon-sugar version or even crescent roll dough. Then ditch the onions and herbs, and add a little honey or orange zest to the cream cheese. It turns into a mini dessert bite that still feels super festive but hits that sugar craving.
Gluten-Free? No Problem
I’ve made these with gluten-free tortillas and even rice paper rolls (a little tricky, but doable). The key is to soften whatever wrap you use so it doesn’t crack. You’ve got options—just pick what works best for your crowd.
How to Store and Serve at Parties
If you’re anything like me, holiday chaos means you need recipes that hold up well and don’t need babysitting. That’s exactly why Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are on repeat in my house. You can make them ahead, store them with zero drama, and serve them in a way that looks like you tried way harder than you actually did.
Make Ahead = Less Stress
These roll ups are a dream when you’ve got too much going on. I usually make them a few hours before the party, roll them up tight, wrap them in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge. They stay fresh and firm for at least 2–3 days, which means I can prep them on Thursday and bring them to Saturday’s potluck without any last-minute panic.
Keep It Fresh
Here’s a trick I learned after one too many soggy appetizers—don’t slice them until you’re ready to serve. Keep the rolls whole in the fridge, then cut them right before plating. This keeps the tortillas from drying out or getting weirdly chewy. Also, a damp paper towel over the slices helps if they’re going to sit out for a bit.
Serve It Pretty
Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to stack them on a wooden board with a few sprigs of rosemary tucked around for that Christmas vibe. You can also use holiday-themed toothpicks to keep things tidy and festive. One year, I even put them in cupcake liners with little name tags—extra effort, sure, but it looked adorable.
Pair It Up
If you’re serving drinks, these go great with sparkling apple cider, white wine, or even mulled wine if you’re getting fancy. They also hold their own next to heavier apps like meatballs or dips. I’ve even snuck them onto the dessert table and no one complained.
So there you have it—Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups that are quick, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re prepping for a big holiday bash or just need something tasty to snack on while wrapping presents, these little bites check all the boxes. They’re sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy to throw together with stuff you probably already have on hand.
Honestly, they’ve saved me more times than I can count. Every year, someone asks for the recipe, and every year, I swear I’ll write it down. Well, here it is! Now you’ve got it in your back pocket for the next potluck or cookie swap.
If you give these a try, I’d love to know how you serve them—or what fun twists you come up with. And hey, if you’re feeling generous, pin this post on Pinterest and share the holiday snack love. Happy holidays, and may your appetizers always disappear first! 🎄
Print
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups (2025 Guide)
Cranberries are basically Christmas royalty—and these roll ups prove it. A ridiculously easy, no-bake holiday appetizer that’s sweet, savory, and gone in minutes.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 4 large flour tortillas (or crescent dough, if baking)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: shredded turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken
- Optional: black pepper, hot honey, or herbs like rosemary or parsley
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
- Spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese across each tortilla, edge to edge.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add chopped green onions or herbs, plus any optional flavor boosters like pecans, meats, or feta.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly like a jelly roll. Press gently to seal.
- Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts.
- Arrange on a platter, garnish with rosemary sprigs or festive toothpicks, and serve chilled or at room temp.
Notes
Want to prep ahead? Roll and refrigerate uncut, then slice right before serving to keep them fresh. Try vegan cream cheese or gluten-free wraps for dietary swaps!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
