There I was, standing in a kitchen that looked like a tornado had just rolled through, while the enticing aroma of sugar and cranberries filled the air. It was one of those chaotic evenings when the kids decided to hold an impromptu dance party in the pantry. Meanwhile, my slow cooker was working its magic, cranking out the sweet simplicity of my latest obsession: Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. While you’re in the cranberry spirit, you’ll also love our Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam it’s the perfect companion for holiday snacking. As I navigated through the whirlwinds of flour and laughter, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the beautiful mess that is family life. This recipe, which seems so simple, carries the weight of family gatherings, laughter, and just a dash of culinary chaos.
Why Make This Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
When you think of the holiday season, you probably imagine cozy gatherings around the dinner table, right? Well, let me tell you, Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are not just a delightful addition to your menu; they embody the spirit of comfort and joy. These delicious treats are a testament to how food brings us together… If you’re planning a Christmas dessert table, don’t miss our adorable Christmas Tree Cake Truffles to pair with these roll ups.
Picture this: you’re busy wrapping gifts, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you realize dinner is still an hour away. Enter the slow cooker, that magnificent contraption that feels like magic. You toss in the ingredients, let it do its thing, and poof! Dinner is ready. It’s like having a sous chef who works quietly in the background, giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most sharing joy and laughter with your loved ones.
The Heart (and Humor) Behind This Recipe
This recipe didn’t appear in my life just out of the blue; oh no, it has roots. You see, my Aunt Clara was the queen of holiday baking. She could whip up anything from luscious pies to these delightful roll-ups faster than you could say “pass the mashed potatoes.” The first time I had them, I laughed so loudly I nearly snorted cranberries through my nose.
Aunt Clara’s secret? It wasn’t just the ingredients; it was her infectious laughter and a sprinkle of love that made every bite taste heavenly. She always said, “Cooking is a lot like family life sometimes it gets a bit messy, but that’s where the joy is.” And with that memory, I knew this recipe deserved a spot on both my weeknight menu and holiday gatherings.
How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”
Making Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups is as easy as pie easier, even. For another creamy, cranberry-forward holiday idea, check out our Chicken Cranberry Sliders for Holiday Parties. Just think of the vibrant reds and whites, the creamy textures, and that heavenly sweet and tart sensation. If you can gather a few ingredients together, you’re halfway there. Let’s start by laying out what you’ll need.
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Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful roll-ups filled with sweetened cranberries and cream cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 5 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Roll up tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into pinwheels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Gathering the Ingredients
To make these little delights, you’ll want to gather the following:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 5 large flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Don’t stress if you stumble upon a forgotten ingredient at the grocery store. If you accidentally buy salted butter, no judgment it’ll still taste delicious. Cooking is all about improvisation.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making these delightful roll-ups. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Roll up tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into pinwheels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
There you have it. If your mixture seems a bit too thin when cooking, don’t panic. It thickens up beautifully once it cools.
Bringing Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups to the Table
After a bit of patience and a lot of chaos, we finally arrive at the grand moment the table scene. The kitchen is filled with the rich aroma of cranberries and cream cheese, and the mesmerizing sight of these beautiful roll-ups transforms ordinary mealtime into something special.
As I plate them up, I love to arrange them in a festive way, maybe on a lovely platter, so the colors pop. You can serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa for that extra comfort, or if you’re feeling daring, pair them with a glass of sparkling cider.
Saving Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups for Tomorrow
If you happen to have some leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is often a blessing in disguise), storing them is a breeze. Place the leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for a few days, and let me tell you, the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making them even more delightful. If you’re hosting a crowd, consider making our Candy Cane Hot Cocoa (Crock-Pot Edition) to serve right alongside the leftovers.
Reheating is simple, too. Just pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, and they’re ready to enjoy again. It’s like a little taste of Christmas every day of the week.
Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips
As a busy farmhouse chef, I’ve learned a few tricks to make my slow cooker experience a bit smoother. Here are some helpful tips for when you embark on your cooking adventures:
- Batch Cook: If you have love for cooking on a winter weekend, make a double batch. These can easily be frozen and pulled out when you have last-minute guests.
- Flavor Variations: Mix up the types of nuts used in the roll-ups or add a dash of cinnamon for an extra holiday twist.
- Healthier Swap: Want a lighter version? Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt; it keeps the creaminess without the guilt.
- More Citrus: A hint of zest from an orange or lemon can brighten up the cranberry mixture beautifully.
Each of these small changes can breathe new life into this recipe… And if you love warm, festive bakes, our classic Christmas Bread makes a cozy pairing with these roll ups.
Family Twists on Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Every family has its unique spin on recipes, and this one is no different. My neighbor Rita, for instance, swears by adding a bit of orange juice into her cranberry mixture, creating a delicious citrus harmony.
Meanwhile, my friend Jenna loves to mix in some shredded coconut in her rolls, giving a tropical flair to this classic dish. It’s fantastic how small tweaks can turn a tried-and-true recipe into something uniquely yours.
FAQs About Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can definitely double this recipe for a larger gathering. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough. I once squeezed it into a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was delayed.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, roll them up, and keep them chilled in the fridge. Just add the powdered sugar right before serving to keep them looking fresh.
What toppings can I add?
If you want to get creative, consider a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon to take these to the next level.
How long do leftovers last?
They’ll be good for about three days in the fridge. However, as mentioned earlier, the flavors may get even better after sitting for a while.
A Final Thought
As I sit here reminiscing about the delightful memories and the laughter shared over Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, I realize they represent so much more than just a recipe in my ever-growing book of favorites. They symbolize slowing down amidst the chaos, savoring each bite, and creating meaningful moments with family and friends.
In our fast-paced lives, taking the time to prepare a meal like this reminds us that home cooking is about connection, nourishment, and simply being present. So, whether you’re chasing kids through the kitchen or having an evening filled with laughter, I hope you find joy in this imperfect, homemade journey. Until our next slow day in the kitchen, may your future meals be filled with warmth and love.
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