Celebrate the season with these Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Christmas Roll-Ups sweet, creamy, and bursting with bright holiday flavor. These festive bite-sized pinwheels pair tangy cranberry sauce with zesty orange and smooth cream cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas for an irresistibly simple yet elegant treat. Perfect for parties, potlucks, brunch tables, or easy holiday snacking, these roll-ups deliver Christmas cheer in every delicious swirl.
Ingredients
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully blended.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread an even layer of the cranberry cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with all tortillas and remaining filling.
- Wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
- Once chilled, slice each roll-up into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices, then serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
Variation
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the sliced roll-ups for a sweet, decorative holiday touch.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans or replace them with mini chocolate chips for added texture without nuts.
- Citrus Burst Version: Add an extra tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a brighter, more pronounced citrus flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, spreadable filling that won’t tear the tortillas.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigeration firms up the roll-ups, giving you cleaner, more uniform slices.
- Choose Fresh Tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas roll more easily and hold their shape better.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Appetizer Platter: Pair these roll-ups with savory bites like cheese, nuts, and fresh fruit for a colorful holiday board.
- Brunch Favorite: Serve alongside muffins, pastries, and coffee for a festive Christmas morning spread.
- Giftable Treat: Arrange in a decorative tin or holiday box for a sweet and simple homemade edible gift.
Tips
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can cause the roll-ups to burst when slicing use a thin, even layer for best results.
- Customize Texture: Add nuts for crunch or keep them smooth for a soft, creamy bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the roll-ups a day in advance; slice just before serving to maintain freshness.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~190 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use flavored tortillas?
Yes! Spinach, whole wheat, or even cranberry-flavored tortillas add extra color and taste. - Can I freeze the roll-ups?
Freezing is not recommended, as the tortillas may become soggy when thawed. - How long will they keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best freshness. - What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Either homemade or jellied cranberry sauce works just ensure it’s thick enough to spread without dripping.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Christmas Roll-Ups are the perfect festive treat bright, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With their beautiful swirls and refreshing holiday flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a cherished favorite at every gathering this season.
Print
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Christmas Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the season with these Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Christmas Roll-Ups sweet, creamy, and bursting with bright holiday flavor. These festive bite-sized pinwheels pair tangy cranberry sauce with zesty orange and smooth cream cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas for an irresistibly simple yet elegant treat. Perfect for parties, potlucks, brunch tables, or easy holiday snacking, these roll-ups deliver Christmas cheer in every delicious swirl.
Ingredients
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully blended.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread an even layer of the cranberry cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with all tortillas and remaining filling.
- Wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
- Once chilled, slice each roll-up into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices, then serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
Notes
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, spreadable filling that won’t tear the tortillas.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigeration firms up the roll-ups, giving you cleaner, more uniform slices.
- Choose Fresh Tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas roll more easily and hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Holiday Treat
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~2–3 pinwheels
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~190 mg
- Fat: ~6 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg
Keywords: cranberry roll-ups, Christmas appetizers, holiday pinwheels, cream cheese roll-ups, festive tortilla snacks