Festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe to Wow Guests

These delightful cranberry cream cheese roll ups dance between sweet and tangy, offering a perfect appetizer that surprises at every bite.

Soft tortillas wrap around a creamy, vibrant filling bursting with seasonal flavor.

cream cheese blends seamlessly with zesty cranberry sauce, creating a stunning contrast of textures and tastes.

Each roll delivers a delectable combination of smooth and tart sensations that tantalize your palate.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making these appetizers ideal for holiday gatherings or last-minute entertaining.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these roll ups promise to be the star of any spread.

Guests will eagerly reach for seconds, savoring every delicious morsel of this irresistible treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients in Sweet Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor to the filling.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds vibrant, sweet-tart burst of fruitiness and gorgeous ruby-red color to the roll ups.
• Sugar: Balances tartness and enhances overall sweetness of the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and rounds out the filling's flavor profile.

• Puff Pastry: Delivers delicate, flaky layers that create elegant, light-as-air texture for the roll ups.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dusting work surface to prevent sticking and ensure smooth pastry handling.

• Sliced Almonds: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertone to complement the creamy filling.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, melt-in-your-mouth glaze that adds elegant sweetness.
• Milk: Helps bind glaze ingredients and creates silky, spreadable consistency.

Kitchen Tools for Making Cranberry Roll Ups

• Microwave-safe bowl: For softening cream cheese quickly and easily.
• Cutting board or work surface: Large area for rolling out pastry and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: To blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla.
• Serrated knife: Perfect for cutting rolled pastry into clean, even slices.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup on baking sheet.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking roll-ups.
• Whisk: For creating smooth glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar and milk.
• Small bowl: To prepare the sweet glaze topping.
• Plastic wrap: Used for chilling and maintaining pastry roll's shape.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups

• Cream Cheese Preparation

Soften cream cheese in microwave until easily mixable. Blend with sugar and vanilla, allowing it to cool to a warm temperature.

• Pastry Workspace

Dust work surface with flour and gently unfold puff pastry. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border at one edge.

• Fruit Layer

Sprinkle chopped cranberries across cream cheese, ensuring a delightful fruity distribution in every slice.

• Rolling and Chilling

Tightly roll the pastry and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help set the shape and enhance flavors.

• Oven Preparation

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Slicing

Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled roll into even rounds approximately three-quarters of an inch thick.

• Baking Process

Arrange pastry slices on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden and puffy, around 14-18 minutes.

• Finishing Touch

Create a smooth glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar with milk. Drizzle over warm pastries and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

• Serving

Enjoy these delectable pastries while still slightly warm for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips for Sweet and Tangy Roll Ups

• Try replacing cranberries with fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries for a vibrant flavor twist that keeps the dessert exciting and seasonal.
• Prepare the entire roll-up log and store it wrapped tightly in plastic in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for stress-free entertaining and advanced meal planning.
• Always ensure cream cheese is slightly warm but not hot when mixing to prevent lumpy texture and guarantee smooth, creamy filling that spreads effortlessly across pastry.
• Toast sliced almonds briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top to intensify their nutty flavor and create an extra crispy, golden-brown crunch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• When drizzling the sugar glaze, do it while pastries are still slightly warm to help the topping set beautifully and create a professional-looking finish that looks and tastes bakery-worthy.

Serving Cranberry Roll Ups During the Holidays

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these cranberry cream cheese roll-ups with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea. The creamy, fruity pastry complements morning beverages perfectly, creating a delightful breakfast experience.
• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these golden treats on a beautiful serving platter during Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings. Their vibrant colors and elegant appearance make them an eye-catching dessert that guests will adore.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these roll-ups in a portable container for outdoor adventures. Their compact size and delicious flavor make them an excellent choice for picnics, road trips, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these pastries during afternoon tea time as an elegant sweet treat. Their light, flaky texture and sweet glaze provide a luxurious touch to your midday break, making ordinary moments feel special.

Storing Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups

• Fridge Fresh Strategies: Store roll-ups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crisp texture and prevent sticking.
• Cool & Quick Chill: Refrigerate prepared roll-ups for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and delectable taste when reheated gently.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to extend enjoyment for 2-3 weeks without losing quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or frozen roll-ups in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, restoring their golden crispness and melty cream cheese center.

Delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Roll Ups

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic cranberry cream cheese roll ups combine sweet and tangy flavors in a simple appetizer. Crisp phyllo pastry wraps around creamy filling, promising delightful bites you’ll savor at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (150 g) dried cranberries (chopped)
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• 1 sheet puff pastry, size: 9 x 9 inches (thawed)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)
• 1 handful sliced almonds
• ½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Microwave cream cheese until spreadable, blending with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Allow mixture to reach room temperature.
2. Dough Setup: Flour a clean surface and unfold puff pastry sheet, creating an even workspace for assembly.
3. Filling Application: Spread cream cheese mixture across pastry, leaving a border along the far edge. Distribute chopped cranberries uniformly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the pastry from the nearest edge into a compact log. Encase in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to stabilize the dough.
5. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the pastry log into 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick rounds, positioning them 1-2 inches apart.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 14-18 minutes until pastries achieve a golden brown color and cook thoroughly.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Rest pastries for 5-10 minutes. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze.
8. Final Touch: Drizzle glaze over pastries and garnish with sliced almonds for enhanced texture and presentation. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Cream Cheese Softening Tip: Microwave cream cheese in short bursts to prevent overheating, ensuring smooth and spreadable consistency without burning.
• Pastry Rolling Technique: Roll the pastry log tightly and evenly to create uniform, well-structured pinwheels that bake consistently.
• Chilling Importance: Refrigerate the pastry log for the recommended time to help maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Glaze Application Trick: Drizzle glaze when pastries are slightly warm for better absorption and a more professional, appetizing finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg