Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – Easy Holiday Appetizer
I still remember the first Christmas party where I brought these cranberry roll ups instead of the usual cheese board. The kitchen smelled of fresh orange zest and sweet honey as I mixed the filling, and the burst of red cranberries against the creamy white cheese looked so festive. When I sliced into the chilled tortillas, the pinwheels revealed a swirl of holiday colors — ruby cranberries, green onions, golden pecans. They disappeared from the platter in minutes, and guests kept asking, “What’s in these? They taste like Christmas!” Since then, they’ve become my signature holiday appetizer.
This recipe for savory Christmas cranberry roll ups is simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a party-ready appetizer that feels festive without the fuss. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide so you can make them for your holiday gatherings too
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped cranberries, green onions, pecans, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Lay out the tortillas and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
- Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly into a log.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap, slice into 1-inch pinwheels, and arrange on a platter. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
These cranberry roll ups aren’t just pretty to look at — they balance sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory flavors in every bite. The cream cheese gives them richness, the cranberries add tart pops of flavor, while pecans bring crunch. Green onions cut through with freshness, and the honey-orange zest combo ties it all together with holiday warmth.
Perfect for:
- Christmas parties and potlucks
- Holiday appetizer boards
- Festive snacks you can prepare ahead
- Quick recipes that look impressive but require minimal effort
They’re a little bite of holiday cheer wrapped in a tortilla.
Ingredients you’ll need (and easy swaps)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your cranberry roll ups:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
| Cream cheese | 1 (8-ounce) package, softened | Swap for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version |
| Cranberries | ½ cup, chopped | Fresh or frozen (thawed). Dried cranberries also work, just reduce honey slightly |
| Green onions | ¼ cup, chopped | Can use chives for a milder flavor |
| Pecans | ¼ cup, chopped | Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds make great swaps |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Maple syrup for vegan-friendly sweetness |
| Orange zest | ½ tsp | Adds freshness, optional but highly recommended |
| Salt & pepper | A pinch | Balances flavors |
| Flour tortillas | 4 large | Whole wheat or spinach wraps add color variation |
Tip: For an extra festive touch, use red or green spinach tortillas.
How to make cranberry roll ups step by step
Making these cranberry tortilla pinwheels is as easy as mixing, spreading, rolling, chilling, and slicing.
- Mix the filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cranberries, green onions, pecans, honey, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. - Spread it
Lay out your tortillas and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving about ½ inch around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out. - Roll tightly
Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla firmly into a log. - Chill
Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial — it helps the filling firm up and makes clean slicing easier. - Slice & serve
Unwrap, slice into 1-inch pinwheels, and arrange on a platter. They’re best served chilled.
Visual idea for Pinterest: capture a platter of the pinwheels with red cranberries and rosemary sprigs scattered around for holiday vibes.
How to serve cranberry roll ups
Presentation makes these pinwheels even more irresistible.
- Arrange them on a white platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a Christmas tree effect.
- Pair with other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip, or holiday cheese balls.
- Serve as part of a holiday snack board with crackers, olives, and festive nuts.
- For a summer version, swap pecans with almonds and add diced cucumber for a fresh twist.
They’re versatile enough to fit any holiday menu — Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or even New Year’s parties.
How to perfect your roll ups
A few pro tips will ensure your cranberry roll ups are picture-perfect every time:
- Use softened cream cheese so it spreads easily without tearing the tortillas.
- Chop cranberries finely so they don’t create big gaps in the filling.
- Roll tightly but not so hard that the tortilla cracks.
- Chill at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) before slicing for neat, clean pinwheels.
- Sharpen your knife — a dull blade will squish instead of slicing clean rounds.
Want them to stand out? Use green spinach tortillas for a red-and-green holiday swirl.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:
- Skipping the chill time — your rolls will fall apart when cutting.
- Overstuffing the tortillas — they won’t roll properly.
- Using too much honey — makes them soggy.
- Forgetting to season — a pinch of salt and pepper makes a big difference.
- Slicing too early — they need time to firm up for party-ready presentation.
Storage and reheating instructions
The beauty of these holiday roll ups is they can be made ahead.
| Storage | Method | Shelf Life |
| Refrigerator | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, store whole (before slicing) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Not recommended (tortillas become soggy) | – |
| Leftovers | Store sliced pinwheels in airtight container | Best within 24 hours |
Tip: Always slice just before serving for the freshest look.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these cranberry roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before. Keep wrapped and slice before serving.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just chop finely and reduce honey slightly since dried cranberries are sweeter.
What tortillas work best?
Soft flour tortillas roll easily. Whole wheat or spinach wraps also work. Avoid corn tortillas as they crack.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes — use vegan cream cheese and swap honey with maple syrup.
Do these work for Thanksgiving too?
Definitely! They’re a festive choice for both Thanksgiving and Christmas appetizers.
Conclusion
These savory Christmas cranberry roll ups are everything you want in a holiday appetizer colorful, festive, make-ahead friendly, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, bringing something to a potluck, or simply want a holiday-inspired snack, these pinwheels will steal the show.
Save this recipe now so you can surprise your guests with a platter of holiday cheer that’s ready in minutes. And don’t forget to share it with friends who love festive, easy recipes!
