Name: Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas; 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (60 g) dried cranberries; 1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped fresh spinach; 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: Zest of 1 orange

If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that will wow your holiday guests, look no further than these delightful Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a colorful presentation, these pinwheels are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also offer a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. This recipe combines soft flour tortillas with a rich cream cheese filling that includes dried cranberries, fresh spinach, and toasted nuts, creating a refreshing bite that’s impossible to resist.

What makes these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups truly special is how easy they are to prepare ahead of time. In just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of 24 delicious pinwheels that can impressively sit in your fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They’re perfect for busy holiday occasions, whether you’re preparing for a potluck, a cozy family gathering, or even a Christmas Eve snack platter. The beauty of these roll-ups lies in their versatility and the opportunity to customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them ideal for any festive table.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Easy to prepare ahead of time—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Colorful and festive presentation that adds cheer to your holiday spread.
Flavorful combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy in every bite.
Customizable ingredients allow you to tailor them to your preference.
Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for various dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on making these delightful pinwheels, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring you have a clean and spacious workspace for rolling the tortillas. You will need a mixing bowl for preparing the cream cheese filling, a spatula or spoon for mixing, and a sharp knife for slicing the roll-ups into perfect pinwheels. Additionally, having plastic wrap at the ready will help keep your roll-ups tightly sealed while they chill in the fridge.

For the best results, it’s advisable to allow your cream cheese to reach room temperature, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients. You may also want to place your chopped spinach between layers of paper towels to absorb excess moisture, ensuring your roll-ups don’t get soggy. To give your dish that extra touch, consider having a beautiful serving platter ready to showcase your completed pinwheels.

Ingredients

4 large flour tortillas
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (60 g) dried cranberries
1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Begin by assembling all your ingredients to create the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the finely chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Drizzle in the honey and sprinkle in the salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the optional orange zest for a bright citrus flavor. Using a spatula or spoon, mix everything thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed for a perfect taste in each bite.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Once your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the roll-ups. Start by laying one of the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula, spread about one-fourth of your cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, making sure to cover the entire surface and reach the edges. This will create a flavorful layer and keep the pinwheel intact. After spreading, snugly roll the tortilla into a log shape from one end to the other, keeping it tight but not so much that the filling spills out. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas until all have been filled and rolled.

Step 3: Chill and Slice

To ensure your roll-ups maintain their shape, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap once finished. Place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this chilling step helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier. After the chilling period, remove the roll-ups from the fridge and unwrap them. With a sharp knife, carefully slice each roll into 3/4-inch pieces. This width is ideal for bite-sized servings. Arrange the slices beautifully on a platter, and voilà—your Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are ready to be enjoyed!

Variations

Protein: Add shredded turkey or chicken for a heartier version of these roll-ups.
Vegetables: Substitute the spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive twist.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to allow the cream cheese to soften before mixing; this will make blending easier.
For a nut-free option, feel free to omit the walnuts or pecans altogether, or substitute them with sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roll-ups with a side of tangy cranberry sauce or a creamy dip to enhance the flavors.
They pair beautifully with other appetizers on a festive platter, such as cheese cubes and fresh fruit.

Tips

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients—add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge; they should last for up to 3 days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 100 per pinwheel
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 120 mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Absolutely! Feel free to use whole wheat tortillas or flavored tortillas, such as spinach or sun-dried tomato, for a unique twist.

How long can I make these roll-ups in advance?

These roll-ups can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the roll-ups?

While they can be frozen, the texture may change slightly when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerate them instead.

What other ingredients can I include?

You can customize these roll-ups as much as you want by adding sliced avocados, different cheeses, or swapping nuts for seeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are not only a visually appealing appetizer but also a delicious treat that your holiday guests will love. They bring a harmonious mix of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any holiday occasion. They’re easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy the season without spending too much time in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try out various ingredient variations that suit your taste. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, share your experiences in the comments, or send it to a friend who loves festive cooking. Here’s to a joyful holiday season filled with delicious food and delightful company!