Christmas Roll Ups – Easy Holiday Appetizer Guests Adore
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a holiday favorite that bring together flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet cranberry filling. They are not only delicious but also one of the easiest holiday work party food ideas to prepare. The first time I served them at a Christmas work party, people kept asking for the recipe and the tray was empty in minutes. That is when I knew these little pinwheels would become a family tradition for every December gathering.
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cranberry sauce, nuts, and green onions if using.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a floured surface and press seams to form a rectangle.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Place slices cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this recipe
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are perfect for anyone looking for easy Christmas party recipes. They bake quickly, they look beautiful on a platter, and the blend of cream cheese and cranberry is always a hit. You can prepare them as Christmas roll ups cream cheeses for sweet and tangy flavor, or make them a savory option with green onions and herbs. They fit well as Christmas roll up appetizers at work events, holiday dinners, or family brunches.
Ingredients for Christmas roll ups
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
| Cream cheese | 1 package (8 oz), softened | Room temperature blends best |
| Whole berry cranberry sauce | 1/2 cup | Jellied sauce works too |
| Walnuts or pecans | 1/4 cup, chopped (optional) | Adds crunch |
| Green onions or chives | 1/4 cup, chopped (optional) | Savory twist |
| Crescent roll dough | 1 can (8 oz) | Puff pastry can be substituted |
| Egg | 1 large, beaten | For egg wash |
| Fresh rosemary | Optional garnish | For festive look |
These simple ingredients make this one of the best easy Christmas day food ideas when time is short but presentation still matters.
How to make holiday roll ups step by step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the cranberry sauce, nuts, and onions if desired.
- On a lightly floured surface unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form one rectangle.
- Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log starting from the long side. Slice into one inch pinwheels.
- Place slices cut side up on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.
The result is golden Christmas roll ups that are ready in less than half an hour.
Serving ideas for festive cranberry roll ups
These holiday roll ups make a fantastic centerpiece for appetizer trays. They can be paired with cheeses, fruits, or meats to create variety. They are also a great addition to brunch buffets or family dinners. If you want easy Christmas food ideas snacks, arrange them with spiced nuts and cut vegetables for balance. For a more elegant option serve with sparkling cider or mulled wine.
Tips for success
- Chill the rolled log for easier slicing.
- Use a serrated knife to keep the filling in place.
- Add cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet twist.
- For savory lovers include garlic powder with the cream cheese.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to seal crescent seams will cause leaks.
- Overbaking leads to dark edges so check at 15 minutes.
- Cold cream cheese will not mix smoothly with cranberry.
- Crowding the pan will stop the rolls from puffing properly.
Storage and reheating
| Method | How to Store | How to Reheat |
| Room Temperature | Serve within 2 hours | N/A |
| Refrigerator | Airtight container up to 3 days | Warm in oven at 325°F for 6 to 8 minutes |
| Freezer | Freeze unbaked log up to 2 months | Thaw, slice, and bake |
Preparing the log in advance makes these easy Christmas day food ideas perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are flaky, creamy, and bursting with cranberry flavor. They are quick to prepare and stunning to serve which makes them one of the best easy Christmas party recipes for gatherings. Whether you need Christmas roll up appetizers for a work party, holiday roll ups for family brunch, or easy Christmas food ideas snacks for a buffet, this recipe is the answer. Save it now and share it with friends because once people try them they will want them every Christmas.
