‘Twas the night before Christmas, and I was in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of my famous Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. The aroma of the tart cranberries and the flaky, buttery dough filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. You see, Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups have been a family tradition for as long as I can remember, and they’ve become the centerpiece of our holiday celebrations.
When I was just a little one, I’d watch my grandma in the kitchen, carefully rolling out the dough and expertly assembling the festive treats. The way she’d sprinkle the cranberries just so, and then delicately roll the dough around them, always filled me with a sense of wonder. And the moment we’d take that first bite, the perfect balance of tart and sweet would dance on our tongues, instantly transporting us to a cozy, Christmas wonderland.
Now, as an adult, I’ve taken on the mantle of Christmas Cranberry Roll Up master, and I can’t wait to share this beloved recipe with you. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to holiday treat, too.
Why This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind the perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups lies in the flaky, buttery dough and the tart, juicy cranberries. The combination is simply magical, creating a festive and delectable treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, these roll ups are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
What sets these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups apart is the way the cranberries are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the dough. The key is to use fresh, tart cranberries and to not overload the roll ups with too much filling. This allows the flavors to shine through, creating a truly mouthwatering experience.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: The foundation of the flaky, buttery dough that gives these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups their irresistible texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
- Cranberries: The star of the show, these tart little gems are the heart and soul of the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives it a rich, golden color.
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Ready to dive into the magic of Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? This recipe is a breeze to make, with a total time of just 1 hour from start to finish. All you’ll need is a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and your trusty oven.
1- Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the butter, flour, sugar, egg, and milk until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a minute or two, then cover and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2- While the dough is chilling, prepare the cranberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have softened and the mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
3- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4- Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5- Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the long side, to create a tight log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces and place them, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
6- Bake the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the festive, flavorful treat!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough for the full 30 minutes to help it hold its shape during rolling and baking.
- Don’t overfill the roll ups with cranberry filling – a thin layer is all you need for the best flavor balance.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent the dough from overbrowning.
- Let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect addition to any holiday spread. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine for a cozy, festive pairing. They also make a delightful accompaniment to a Christmas brunch or as a sweet treat after a hearty holiday dinner.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups can be easily made ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about during the busy holiday season. Simply prepare the roll ups according to the recipe, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up and enjoy!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Creative Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Variations
While the classic Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are truly a delight, you can also get creative with different flavors and twists. Try adding a touch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cranberry filling for a warm, spiced twist. Or, swap out the cranberries for a different seasonal fruit, like pomegranate or apple, for a unique take on the holiday treat.
Making Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups recipe to suit your needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, and omit the egg. And for a low-carb take, you can use a keto-friendly dough recipe and reduce the amount of sugar in the cranberry filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using and adjust the cooking time for the cranberry filling as needed.
Q: How do I know when the dough is properly rested?
A: The dough should feel smooth and supple after its 30-minute rest in the fridge. It should also be much easier to roll out without tearing or shrinking.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time?
A: Yes, these roll ups can be made up to 5 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.
Q: How many Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 roll ups, depending on how thick you slice the log. Feel free to adjust the recipe as needed to serve your holiday crowd.
Q: What if the cranberry filling is too runny?
A: If the cranberry filling is too watery, simply continue cooking it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it has thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 16
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – a buttery dough wrapped around a tangy cranberry filling. This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect holiday appetizer or snack that’s sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. – In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. – Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. – In a small bowl, combine the cranberries and 1/4 cup sugar.
7. – Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
8. – Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the long side, to create a tight log.
9. – Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. – Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
11. – Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier filling, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the cranberry mixture.
– Substitute other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for the cranberries.
– Sprinkle the baked rolls with powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a truly magical holiday treat that will have your guests raving. With their flaky, buttery dough and tart, juicy cranberry filling, these festive roll ups are sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking – your Christmas Cranberry Roll Up dreams are about to come true!
