There’s something magical about a table filled with colorful, bite-sized appetizers during the holidays. These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bring all the cheer you could want—bright red cranberries, flecks of green chives, and a creamy, tangy filling that tastes like the holidays wrapped up in one perfect bite. They’re simple, make-ahead friendly, and irresistibly festive. This is one of those recipes you’ll make once and then every Christmas after. Go ahead—pin it now so it’s ready for your next party spread!

Why You’ll Love It

Make-ahead perfection: These cranberry roll ups can be made the night before, so your party prep stays stress-free.
Festive colors and flavors: The bright cranberries and fresh herbs make each bite pop with Christmas spirit.
No cooking needed: Just mix, roll, chill, and slice—no oven required for this holiday appetizer.
Easy vegetarian option: Perfect for guests who prefer meat-free snacks.
Crowd-pleasing and portable: Ideal for potlucks, office parties, or Christmas dinners.
Only five ingredients: Simple, budget-friendly, and ready in under 20 minutes of prep.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes about 24 roll ups)

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, finely chopped
4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Creamy Filling In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. This gives the filling a silky, spreadable texture that hugs every cranberry and crumb of feta.
Mix in the Flavors Add the feta, chives, and chopped cranberries. Stir well until evenly distributed and colorful flecks of red and green peek through every spoonful. It should look as festive as it tastes.
Spread & Roll Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture across, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other to create a firm log.
Chill to Set Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling firm up so you can slice clean, picture-perfect pinwheels later.
Slice & Serve Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and use a sharp serrated knife to slice each log into 1-inch rounds. Arrange them on a serving platter with fresh herbs or extra cranberries for garnish.

Variations to Try

Herb Swap: Use dill or parsley instead of chives for a different flavor twist.
Cheese Change-Up: Swap feta for goat cheese if you love a creamier, tangier bite.
Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of honey before rolling for a subtle sweet finish.
Colorful Wraps: Use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for extra festive color.

Tips from Chef Emma

Don’t overfill your tortillas—too much filling makes them hard to roll neatly.
Always chill before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Wrap rolls individually in plastic wrap to help them hold their shape.
Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing the filling.
Make a double batch—they disappear quickly at parties!

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: About 6 roll ups
Calories: 375
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 18g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 280mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cranberry roll ups ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. Store tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to slice and serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Definitely. Goat cheese adds tang, while mascarpone makes them extra creamy and smooth.
Q: How long do these roll ups stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze cranberry roll ups?
A: Freezing isn’t ideal due to the dairy texture, but you can prep and refrigerate ahead for the best taste and presentation.

Final Thoughts

These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are everything a holiday appetizer should be—creamy, colorful, and crowd-approved. Whether you’re serving them at a Christmas dinner, holiday potluck, or cozy family night in, they’re sure to bring smiles to every guest. With their no-cook ease and bright, merry look, they’re the perfect party bite. Save this recipe to your holiday board so it’s ready for your next celebration!