Memories of Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
It’s that time of year again – the snow is falling gently outside, the fireplace is crackling, and the sweet scent of freshly baked Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups fills the air. As I stand in the kitchen, whisking together the buttery dough and tart cranberry filling, I can’t help but be transported back to my childhood Christmases. I remember sneaking into the kitchen, trying to snatch a bite of the warm, flaky pastry before my grandma could catch me. She’d tsk and shoo me away, but I’d always manage to nab a little taste, the tangy-sweet flavors exploding in my mouth. Those Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups were the highlight of the holiday season for me, and now, as an adult, I cherish the opportunity to carry on the tradition.
Why This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are truly a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. The key lies in the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth. The secret ingredient? A touch of orange zest that adds a bright, festive note to the cranberry filling. When you bite into one of these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of flavors.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and a tender, flaky crust.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and complements the tart cranberries.
- Sour cream: Helps to create a tender, moist crumb in the dough.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and provides structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh cranberries: The star of the show, providing a burst of tangy-sweet goodness.
- Orange zest: Brightens the cranberry filling with a subtle citrus note.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Making Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is a rewarding process that takes a bit of time and attention, but the end result is well worth it. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of these festive pastries ready to enjoy. The total preparation and baking time is approximately 2 hours, and you’ll need a rolling pin, baking sheet, and parchment paper to get started.
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
3- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
4- While the dough is chilling, prepare the cranberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened, about 15 minutes.
5- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Spread half of the cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Carefully roll up the dough from the short side, jelly-roll style. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
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 thoroughly before rolling and assembling – this will help prevent it from cracking or tearing.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the rolled-up dough into slices, gently sawing back and forth to maintain the delicate layers.
- Don’t overfill the dough, as the cranberry filling can ooze out during baking.
- Brush the tops of the roll-ups with a beaten egg before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning snack, or offer them as a dessert course with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday brunch or Christmas party spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. To reheat, simply pop the roll-ups in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Creative Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Variations
While the classic Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this festive treat. Try swapping the cranberries for a different type of berry, like raspberries or blueberries. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy contrast. For an extra indulgent version, drizzle the baked roll-ups with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Making Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups a bit more diet-friendly, you can try using a low-fat or plant-based cream cheese in the dough, and substitute a granulated sugar substitute for the regular sugar. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. No matter how you choose to adapt the recipe, the delicious flavors of Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups will still shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time for the filling slightly, as frozen cranberries have a higher water content.
Q: How can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: The dough for these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply wrap the discs of dough tightly in plastic wrap before chilling.
Q: Can I freeze the baked roll-ups?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes when ready to serve.
Q: How many roll-ups does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, depending on how thinly you roll out the dough and how thickly you slice the rolls.
Q: My roll-ups came out a bit dry. What could I have done differently?
A: If your Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups turned out a bit dry, it’s likely that the dough was overbaked or the filling was too thick. Next time, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes and ensuring the cranberry filling has a slightly looser consistency.
Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 roll-ups
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! Bursting with tart cranberry and sweet holiday spices, they make a perfect party appetizer, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
– 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. – In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and sugar until coarsely chopped.
3. – Unroll the phyllo dough and cut the sheets in half lengthwise to create long strips.
4. – Spread a thin layer of cream cheese down the center of each strip. Top with a spoonful of the cranberry mixture.
5. – Fold the long sides of the phyllo over the filling, then tightly roll up into a cylinder.
6. – Place the roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
7. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
8. – Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
– For a festive touch, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
– Try using different flavored cream cheeses, like vanilla or orange, for variation.
– These can be made ahead and frozen unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the delightful combination of buttery, flaky dough and tangy-sweet cranberry filling that makes Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups such a beloved holiday treat. With this foolproof recipe, you can bring the flavors of the season into your own kitchen and create memories that will last for years to come. So, grab your rolling pin, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – your family and friends are sure to love them!