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Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – Creamy, Sweet, Savory & Perfect for Holiday Appetizers

These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the ultimate holiday appetizer — creamy, sweet-tart, savory, and beautifully speckled with red and green throughout soft flour tortillas. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and slice into gorgeous pinwheels that look like little Christmas swirls. Loaded with cream cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, cheddar, and optional savory add-ins, these roll ups are the perfect blend of holiday flavors. They’re great for potlucks, Christmas Eve parties, office gatherings, or finger-food boards. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly and crowd-pleasing every single time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings: 20 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup finely chopped green onions or parsley
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans optional but delicious
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
For Rolling
  • 4 large flour tortillas 10-inch
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • ¼ cup diced jalapeños
  • ¼ cup chopped bacon
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for sweetness
  • ¼ cup finely diced celery for crunch
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife for slicing
  • Cutting board
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Filling
  1. In a bowl combine:
  2. cream cheese
  3. sour cream
  4. cheddar
  5. cranberries
  6. green onions
  7. pecans
  8. garlic powder
  9. salt & pepper
  10. Mix until creamy and evenly combined.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt or a bit of honey if you prefer sweeter).
Step 2: Assemble the Roll Ups
  1. Lay one tortilla flat.
  2. Spread a generous, even layer of filling across the entire tortilla, right to the edges.
  3. Roll tightly from one end to the other, keeping it firm so the pinwheels hold their shape.
  4. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 3: Chill for Best Slicing
  1. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
  3. This helps them slice neatly.
Step 4: Slice & Serve
  1. Unwrap rolls.
  2. Use a sharp knife to cut into ½–1 inch slices.
  3. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra cranberries or herbs.
  4. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator: 2–3 days (best fresh)
Make Ahead: Prepare and chill up to 24 hours before slicing
Freezing: Not recommended — dairy filling separates
🥄 Variations
Sweet Cranberry Roll Ups
Add honey + swap cheddar for cream cheese + white chocolate chips.
Savory Bacon Cranberry Roll Ups
Add chopped crispy bacon.
Turkey Cranberry Holiday Roll Ups
Add thinly sliced turkey for a lunch version.
Nut-Free Version
Skip pecans and add diced celery for crunch.
Cranberry Jalapeño Roll Ups
Add jalapeños or pickled jalapeños.
Cheddar Ranch Roll Ups
Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.
Festive Green Roll Ups
Use spinach tortillas for extra color.
Herbed Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Add fresh dill, parsley, or thyme.
Creamy Brie & Cranberry Roll Ups
Swap cheddar for brie.
Christmas Dessert Roll Ups
Add cinnamon + sugar + cranberry preserves + cream cheese.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas?
Not recommended — they crack. Use flour or spinach tortillas.
Can I skip the sour cream?
Replace with Greek yogurt or more cream cheese.
Why are my roll ups falling apart?
Not rolled tightly enough or not chilled long enough.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Too tart. Use dried or lightly sweetened ones.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes — mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or brie work well.
How thin should I slice them?
½–¾ inch gives the perfect bite.
Can I add veggies?
Yes — bell peppers, celery, spinach, or cucumbers (dry well).
Are they gluten-free?
Use GF flour tortillas.
Can I make them spicy?
Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or pepper-jack cheese.
What’s the best way to serve them?
On a festive platter with rosemary sprigs + extra cranberries.
🏁 Conclusion
These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are creamy, colorful, and bursting with sweet-tart and savory flavors that scream holiday happiness. They’re simple to make, gorgeous to serve, perfect for parties, and always a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or bringing an appetizer to a potluck, these roll ups are a fast, festive, and foolproof choice.