Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Author : Molly Hardin

Author: molly

Published: October 20, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Christmas means sweets and treats, and nothing says festive like a homemade berry roll-up fresh out of the oven. I’ve been making these cranberry roll ups for years, and every holiday season they’re the showstopper at my family gatherings. The tangy cranberries mixed with the warm spices wrapped in a golden, flaky crust is a combo that always draws “oohs” and “ahhs.”

This recipe isn’t complicated, but it feels like a little holiday magic in every bite. You’ll find yourself craving these all winter long. The scent that fills your kitchen as they bake? It’s pure Christmas spirit. Let me walk you through my favorite way to make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups that anyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Getting your ingredients right is key. I always keep a close eye on measurements and preparation details to make sure these roll ups come out perfectly every time.

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 package of puff pastry sheets (usually comes as two sheets; thawed but cold)
1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting after baking)

Make sure your cranberries are fresh or fully thawed if frozen, and always zest your orange finely for the best flavor release. Using proper measurements for the spices keeps the balance just right — not too much, not too little.

How to Prepare Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Let me be honest: these cranberry roll ups are easier than you might think. The process is straightforward, and the key is following a logical, step-by-step approach. Here’s how I do it:

Prepare the cranberry filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally until the cranberries start to pop, about 5–7 minutes.
Thicken the filling: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the cranberry mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles roughly 4×6 inches each. Save the second sheet for the tops.
Assemble the roll ups: Spoon 2 tablespoons of cranberry filling onto the center of each rectangle. Brush the edges with beaten egg. Place another puff pastry rectangle on top, pressing edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the tops of each roll up with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake: Arrange the roll ups spaced apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye near the end to avoid over-browning.
Cool and garnish: Let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, just before serving.

If you’re like me, the hardest part will be resisting eating them the moment they come out of the oven. Fresh, flaky, and bursting with cranberry zing — these roll ups are irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Simple ingredients you can find any time of year
Quick enough to make on a busy holiday morning
Flaky, buttery crust paired with a tangy, spicy filling
Perfect as a sweet snack, dessert, or crowd-pleasing party treat
Great make-ahead option—just reheat gently in the oven

Personally, I think the combination of cranberries with a hint of orange zest makes these really special. It’s that lovely holiday touch without being over the top. This recipe quickly became a go-to for me when I host friends and family.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

If you want to tweak this to your taste or pantry, here are some options:

Cranberries: Fresh give the best texture, but frozen work fine. Just thaw and drain to avoid soggy pastry.
Orange zest: Fresh is a must here. Don’t substitute with dried zest; it won’t have the same bright flavor.
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth. You can change the ratio or leave out nutmeg if you prefer.
Puff pastry: Use store-bought for convenience, but if you’re up for it, homemade pastry is lovely too.
Sugar: You could try brown sugar for a deeper tone, but granulated keeps it bright and fresh.

I stick to the classic ingredients because they hit the perfect balance, but feel free to experiment. Just remember to keep the filling thick enough so it doesn’t leak out.

Tips for Success with Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Keep puff pastry cold until you’re ready to assemble; it helps with flakiness and prevents sticking.
Don’t overload the filling—you want enough to taste it, but too much makes sealing tricky.
Seal edges carefully with the egg wash and fork to avoid leaking during baking.
Watch your oven closely in the last 5 minutes to get a golden finish without burning.
Let roll ups cool a bit for easier handling and to set the filling.

I’ve learned these small steps the hard way. Trust me, they make a big difference and mean you get batch after batch of pretty, delicious roll ups.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The nutritional content of Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups varies depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. This recipe does not include detailed nutrition facts. If you need precise information, it’s best to calculate using your chosen ingredients and amounts. Remember, treats like these are for special occasions and best enjoyed mindfully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Can I use other berries instead of cranberries?

You can swap in blueberries or raspberries if you like, but cranberries give that signature Christmas tang. Other berries may change the texture and sweetness balance, so you might need to adjust sugar accordingly.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the roll ups and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover them well to prevent drying out. Just brush the tops with egg wash right before baking to get that golden finish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to bring back flakiness and warmth.

Can I freeze Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups?

Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked roll ups by placing them on a tray and freezing until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to thicken the cranberry filling?

Cornstarch works perfectly here because it thickens without changing the color or flavor. Make sure to mix it with cold water first and stir it into the hot filling quickly to avoid lumps.