Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups : A Colorful Holiday Finger Food You’ll Love

If you’re searching for a bright, festive appetizer that’s both delicious and easy to make, these Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect choice. With tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and a hint of herbs all rolled into soft tortillas, these little pinwheels are the star of any party platter.

They’re a wonderful blend of savory and sweet, featuring creamy cheese and tart cranberries balanced beautifully by green onions and spices. Whether you’re planning dishes to bring to a Christmas party, looking for fun holiday recipes, or simply want to make something that stands out on the table, this recipe delivers flavor, color, and cheer in every bite.

Just like our festive Snake Charmers Pretzels or Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers, these tortilla pinwheels are perfect winter party finger foods that come together quickly and disappear even faster!

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Roll Ups

These Christmas Roll Ups are a crowd favorite for so many reasons. They’re quick to prepare, beautiful to look at, and can be made in advance — a true lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• They’re make-ahead friendly — perfect for stress-free hosting.
• Vibrant and festive, with red cranberries and green herbs that pop on the plate.
• Creamy and flavorful, combining tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
• Ideal as holiday party finger foods for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year gatherings.
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins — from nuts to deli meats.

If you like easy appetizers that wow guests, try pairing these roll ups with our Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for the ultimate holiday spread.

What Are Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups?

Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, also known as Christmas tortilla roll ups or cranberry feta pinwheels, are bite-sized wraps made by spreading a creamy filling over tortillas, rolling them up tightly, and slicing them into colorful spirals. The filling typically includes cream cheese, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and green onions — creating a festive red-and-green look perfect for holiday gatherings.

They’re similar to classic party pinwheels but with a holiday twist that makes them perfect for simple Christmas finger foods or winter party appetizers.

If you enjoy this flavor combo, you’ll also love our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, another easy make-ahead treat with seasonal flair.

Ingredients for the Best Christmas Roll Ups

These Cranberry Roll Ups use simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Follow the original flavor profile for the perfect creamy, tangy, and sweet balance.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup finely sliced green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Optional additions:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• A drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
• Fresh parsley for added color

For a holiday appetizer spread, consider pairing these with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs — another fun finger food that always gets rave reviews.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make these festive pinwheels, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Sharp knife or serrated knife for slicing
• Plastic wrap
• Cutting board

That’s it! These simple Christmas finger foods don’t require baking, special pans, or complicated gadgets — just a few minutes and a bit of creativity.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

These colorful pinwheels come together in minutes and can be made up to a day ahead — perfect for busy hosts.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and crumbled feta. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll Ups

Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface, reaching all edges.

Step 3: Roll Tightly

Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla up tightly like a log. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap to keep it secure and place it in the refrigerator. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Chill Before Slicing

Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or up to overnight. This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice each tortilla roll into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with the spiral sides facing up.

For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle with chopped cranberries for extra color.

If you want another crowd-pleasing holiday dish to serve alongside, try Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese. It’s savory, warm, and complements these creamy pinwheels perfectly.

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Tips for Perfect Holiday Tortilla Roll Ups

1. Soften the cream cheese — it spreads more smoothly and evenly.
2. Use large, fresh tortillas — cracked or dry tortillas will tear when rolling.
3. Chop ingredients finely to create neat slices and prevent the filling from bursting out.
4. Chill before slicing — it’s the secret to clean, professional-looking rolls.
5. Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts.

Much like our Crescent Roll Mummy Hot Dogs, these festive wraps prove that simple techniques make the best party foods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the tortilla — this can cause the rolls to split when slicing.
• Skipping the chill time — the filling needs time to firm up.
• Using strong-flavored feta — mild feta balances better with the cranberries.
• Cutting unevenly — aim for even slices for consistent presentation.

Recipe Variations & Flavor Ideas

These holiday roll ups are easy to customize for any palate. Try these tasty twists:

• Turkey Cranberry Roll Ups: Add sliced turkey for a protein boost.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Herbed Version: Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme for extra holiday aroma.
• Sweet-Savory Combo: Add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños for heat.

If you want more creative Thanksgiving savory snacks, check out our Sweet Chili Meatballs — a flavorful option that pairs beautifully with these cranberry pinwheels.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These roll ups are ideal for make-ahead holiday appetizers. You can prepare them the night before, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. Slice them just before serving to keep the edges fresh.

Storage Tips:

• Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing — dairy-based fillings tend to separate when thawed.
• To refresh the look before serving, dab the edges with a paper towel to remove moisture.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Arrange the pinwheels on a large white or green platter to highlight their red-and-green holiday colors. Add garnishes like sprigs of rosemary or fresh cranberries for a festive look.

For a party spread, serve these alongside warm options like Crack Breakfast Casserole or other holiday finger foods like our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

They’re also great to pack as dishes to bring to a Christmas party — easy to transport, bite-sized, and universally loved!

What to Serve with Cranberry Roll Ups

These creamy pinwheels pair wonderfully with:

• Vegetable trays and dips
• Warm soups or stews
• Crackers and savory snacks
• Fresh fruit or sparkling water

Try serving them with something cozy and seasonal like our Pumpkin Fluff Dip to balance sweet and savory flavors on your buffet table.

Holiday Party Finger Food Ideas

Looking to create a full holiday finger food menu? Combine these roll ups with a mix of warm and cold appetizers for variety. Here are a few favorites from Lyndy’s Kitchen:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a protein-packed option.
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs for comfort food lovers.
• Snake Charmers Pretzels for a fun, whimsical snack.

These combinations ensure a balanced, flavorful spread that will impress any guest list.

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FAQs about Christmas Roll Ups

1. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar can work beautifully for different flavor profiles.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely — chill overnight, then slice before serving for the freshest results.

3. What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas hold together best, but you can use spinach or tomato wraps for extra color.

4. How do I prevent soggy roll ups?
Don’t overfill with wet ingredients and always chill before cutting.

5. Are these good for Thanksgiving too?
Definitely! Their cranberry flavor fits right into Thanksgiving savory snacks or any fall celebration.

Expert Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

• Prep all fillings and store separately until ready to assemble.
• Use different-colored wraps (green spinach, red tomato, and plain white) for a festive presentation.
• Label platters for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Keep extra rolls whole and slice as needed to maintain freshness.

Conclusion: Festive Flavor in Every Bite

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the ultimate blend of color, flavor, and convenience — a true holiday hit! With creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and a festive swirl, they’re sure to steal the spotlight at any winter gathering.

Perfect for holiday party finger food ideas, potlucks, or last-minute get-togethers, these pinwheels bring effortless elegance to your menu.

If you loved this festive recipe, be sure to try our Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers — both make perfect companions on any appetizer table.

Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more easy, festive, and flavorful dishes that make every season special!

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