Christmas Eve in our house is always a mix of laughter, last-minute wrapping, and the wonderful chaos of friends dropping by. This year, while the kids were untangling a box of twinkle lights and my husband was battling the tree stand (again), I needed something quick but festive to serve. I didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, but I wanted something that felt special — the kind of snack that says, “Yes, it’s the holidays, and yes, we’re celebrating.”
That’s when these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups saved the evening. I threw them together between brewing cocoa and finding batteries for the kids’ light-up reindeer antlers. The smell of toasted tortillas and creamy filling warming in the oven filled the house in minutes. By the time our neighbors knocked with a plate of sugar cookies, I was slicing golden roll-ups that looked like they came straight out of a Christmas catering spread.
They’re everything I love about holiday food: colorful, easy to make, and impossible to stop eating. The cream cheese gives a rich, smooth base, while the cranberries add that pop of tart sweetness that feels like Christmas in every bite. Even my youngest, who usually avoids “green stuff,” gobbled them up before I could put the platter down.
Short Description
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are creamy, savory, and perfectly festive. Filled with cream cheese, cranberries, turkey, spinach, and nuts, they bake into golden, bite-sized appetizers that are ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup cooked turkey or chicken, shredded
- ½ cup spinach, finely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, shredded turkey or chicken, spinach, nuts, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of filling evenly across it, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Place rolled tortillas seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to help them brown beautifully.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp. The aroma of warm cream cheese and cranberries will tell you they’re ready.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve warm with cranberry sauce or your favorite dip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive Flavor Combo: The mix of tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and savory turkey feels perfectly seasonal.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for kids and adults alike — ideal for holiday gatherings or office parties.
Customizable: Works with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein for vegetarians.
Beautiful Presentation: The red cranberries and green spinach add a holiday flair without any effort.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Filling Too Runny: Make sure your cream cheese is softened, not melted. If it’s too loose, refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes before spreading.
Overstuffing the Tortillas: Too much filling will cause them to burst while baking. Keep it to a thin, even layer.
Uneven Baking: Place the rolls seam-side down to help them hold their shape and cook evenly.
Tough Tortillas: Don’t overbake — remove once lightly golden, or they’ll turn hard when cooled.
Soggy Roll Ups: If using fresh cranberries, blot them dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a holiday appetizer platter with cranberry dipping sauce or garlic aioli.
Pair with sparkling cider, mulled wine, or champagne for a festive touch.
Great as part of a Christmas brunch buffet with quiches and salads.
Arrange them on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds for an elegant holiday display.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
Freeze: Wrap unbaked roll ups tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Dried cranberries work beautifully. If they’re very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked rolls up to a day in advance, then bake before serving.
3. What if I don’t have turkey?
Shredded chicken, ham, or even cooked bacon makes a tasty substitute.
4. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat and double up on spinach, nuts, and maybe a bit of feta for extra flavor.
5. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Use a light hand with the filling and make sure the ingredients are well-drained, especially spinach and cranberries.
Tips & Tricks
Use freshly grated cream cheese (not whipped) for the best texture.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a little heat.
Let the roll ups cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
A serrated knife works best for even pieces.
To make them extra golden, brush lightly with melted butter after baking.
Recipe Variations
Sweet Twist: Replace turkey with diced apples and add a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory brunch version.
Herb Lovers’ Version: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the filling for an aromatic flavor boost.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ½ cup shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Nut-Free Option: Swap nuts for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Mini Party Rolls: Use small tortillas and slice into thinner rounds for bite-size holiday appetizers.
Final Thoughts
That night, as I stood by the twinkling tree with a mug of cider in one hand and a plate of these cranberry roll ups in the other, I realized it’s the simple recipes that make the holidays memorable. The kids were giggling, the house smelled like warmth and butter, and the chatter from the kitchen felt like home.
Cooking doesn’t need to be elaborate to feel special. Sometimes, it’s about creating something that fits right into the rhythm of your life — quick, delicious, and shared with the people you love most. These roll ups did just that. They filled our evening with flavor, laughter, and that unmistakable sparkle of Christmas cheer.
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries chopped
- ½ cup cooked turkey or chicken shredded
- ½ cup spinach finely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, shredded turkey or chicken, spinach, nuts, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly blended.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides, and repeat with the rest.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Cool slightly, slice into bite-size pieces, and serve warm with cranberry sauce or a dip of your choice.
