Growing up, some of my most cherished memories involve the aroma of something sweet baking in the oven on a crisp autumn morning. It wasn’t always a fancy cake or a complicated pastry; often, it was something simpler, something that brought warmth and comfort to our kitchen. One particular year, with an abundance of vibrant cranberries from a local farm, I experimented with a beloved cinnamon roll recipe, giving it a seasonal twist.
That’s how these delightful Cranberry roll ups were born – a perfect blend of tart and sweet, wrapped in a tender, fluffy dough. These cranberry roll ups quickly became a family tradition, a heartwarming treat that signals the start of cozy baking season. They offer the perfect balance of festive flavor and comforting sweetness, making every bite of these homemade cranberry roll ups truly special.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Roll Ups
These cranberry roll ups are more than just a breakfast pastry; they are a truly memorable experience in every bite. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. You don’t need any special equipment or advanced techniques to create these impressive roll ups.
The vibrant, tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of the soft dough and the sugary glaze, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will awaken your taste buds. Furthermore, these cranberry roll ups are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm from the oven for breakfast, as a delightful brunch item, or as a comforting dessert with a cup of tea.
They also make an excellent addition to any holiday spread, bringing a festive touch to your table. The simple joy of tearing into a warm, gooey cranberry roll up makes them an instant favorite. Once you try these homemade cranberry roll ups, you’ll quickly understand why they earn rave reviews from everyone who tastes them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
* 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, cold
For the Cranberry Filling:
* 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw)
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one orange)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or fresh orange juice
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free if preferred)
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily adapt these cranberry roll ups to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative in your kitchen!
* Flour Alternatives: For a slightly healthier twist, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. If you need gluten-free cranberry roll ups, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
* Dairy-Free Dough: Replace the cold butter with a good quality vegan butter alternative.
For the milk, use cold unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These substitutions create delicious dairy-free cranberry roll ups.
* Fruit Variations: While cranberries are the star here, you can certainly experiment.
Mix in some chopped apples with the cranberries for an apple-cranberry roll up. Alternatively, use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. For a year-round treat, use dried cranberries (plumped in hot water for 10 minutes and drained) in your cranberry roll ups.
* Spice It Up: Enhance the filling with a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth. A touch of cardamom also pairs beautifully with cranberries.
* Glaze Options: Instead of a simple milk glaze, try a cream cheese glaze for a tangier finish.
Simply beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth. A drizzle of melted white chocolate would also elevate these cranberry roll ups.
* Add Nuts: Fold 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cranberry filling for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these delightful cranberry roll ups is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps for perfect pastries every time.
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for tender cranberry roll ups. Gradually pour in the cold milk, mixing with a fork or your hands until just combined and a shaggy dough forms.
Do not overmix! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 30 seconds, just enough to bring it together.
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This chilling time makes the dough easier to handle and ensures flaky cranberry roll ups.
2.Make the Cranberry Filling: While the dough chills, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir everything well to ensure the cranberries are evenly coated. Set this aside; the sugar will start to draw out some of the cranberry juices, creating a delicious, saucy filling for your cranberry roll ups.
3. Assemble the Roll Ups: Lightly flour your work surface. Unwrap the chilled dough and place it on the floured surface.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the edges as straight as possible for even cranberry roll ups. Evenly spread the cranberry filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
This ensures the filling stays put when you roll.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Be firm but gentle to prevent the filling from oozing out. Once rolled, pinch the seam closed to secure it. Using a sharp, un-serrated knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches thick.
This creates your individual cranberry roll ups.
5. Bake the Cranberry Roll Ups: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced cranberry roll ups cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. You can place them relatively close together; they will puff up as they bake.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cranberries are bubbly and tender.
6. Prepare the Glaze and Serve: While the cranberry roll ups are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. If the glaze is too thick, add more liquid a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Once the cranberry roll ups have cooled for about 10-15 minutes (they should still be warm), generously drizzle the glaze over them. Serve these warm, irresistible cranberry roll ups immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect cranberry roll ups is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind.
* Keep Ingredients Cold: This is arguably the most crucial tip for tender, flaky dough. Ensure your butter and milk are very cold. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, resulting in a light and airy texture.
Warm butter will melt into the flour too quickly, yielding dense cranberry roll ups.
* Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and a shaggy dough forms.
A light touch ensures tender cranberry roll ups.
* Roll Dough Evenly: Aim for a consistent thickness when rolling out the dough. This ensures that all your cranberry roll ups bake evenly and have a uniform texture.
* Tight Rolling is Key: When rolling the dough into a log, roll it as tightly as possible. A tight roll helps the cranberry roll ups hold their shape during baking and prevents the filling from escaping.
* Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: Use a very sharp, un-serrated knife or even unflavored dental floss to slice the log into individual cranberry roll ups.
This prevents squishing the dough and keeps the layers distinct.
* Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Cranberries are naturally tart. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the cranberry mixture.
* Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cranberry roll ups as they bake. They are ready when the tops are golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling. Overbaking can dry them out.
* Glaze While Warm: Apply the glaze while the cranberry roll ups are still warm but not piping hot. This allows the glaze to melt slightly and seep into the nooks and crannies, adding moisture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These homemade cranberry roll ups are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they store beautifully for later enjoyment.
* Room Temperature: Store leftover cranberry roll ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
* Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cranberry roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* Freezer (Unbaked): You can prepare the cranberry roll ups up to the point of slicing and arranging them in a baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, transfer them directly from the freezer to a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
This is an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings!
* Freezer (Baked): Once baked and cooled completely, wrap individual cranberry roll ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
* Reheating: To reheat room temperature or refrigerated cranberry roll ups, pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through. For frozen baked cranberry roll ups, you can reheat them directly from the freezer in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm. A quick zap in the microwave also works for individual frozen rolls.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These cranberry roll ups are wonderfully versatile, making them a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals or simply enjoyed on their own.
* Breakfast & Brunch: Pair these delightful cranberry roll ups with a hot cup of coffee, a steaming mug of tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a truly satisfying start to your day. They also complement a full brunch spread beautifully, alongside scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and a fresh fruit salad.
* Dessert: Serve warm cranberry roll ups with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat.
A dollop of freshly whipped cream also creates a lovely contrast to the tart cranberries.
* Holiday Spreads: These festive cranberry roll ups are a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast or dessert tables. Their vibrant color and comforting flavor fit right in with holiday cheer.
* Snack Time: Enjoy a Cranberry roll up as a comforting afternoon snack. It provides a lovely pick-me-up and satisfies any sweet cravings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry roll ups?
Yes, absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer for these cranberry roll ups. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They will release their juices as they bake, creating a wonderful, syrupy filling.
How long do cranberry roll ups last?
Freshly baked cranberry roll ups are best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time for cranberry roll ups?
You certainly can! Prepare the dough up to the point of forming a disk, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the entire batch of cranberry roll ups and freeze them unbaked for up to a month.
Are these cranberry roll ups very sweet?
These cranberry roll ups strike a wonderful balance. The natural tartness of the cranberries prevents them from being overly sweet, especially when paired with the simple sugar glaze. If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can add a bit more sugar to the cranberry filling or make a cream cheese frosting.
Can I make mini cranberry roll ups?
Yes, you can! Roll the dough into a slightly smaller rectangle, and when you slice the log, aim for thinner slices (about 1 inch thick). Adjust baking time accordingly; they might bake faster. These mini cranberry roll ups make perfect bite-sized treats.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Calculations are approximate and based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 5g |
cranberry roll ups
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful cranberry roll ups are a perfect blend of tart and sweet, wrapped in a tender, fluffy dough. They are easy to make and offer a festive flavor that makes them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
3 cups All-purpose flour
1/4 cup Granulated sugar
2 teaspoons Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted butter
1 cup Whole milk
12 ounces Fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Orange zest
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamo
1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1 cup Powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons Whole milk or fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the very cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the cold milk and mix until just combined. Knead gently and wrap in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes
- Make the Cranberry Filling: Mix the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside to draw out juices
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle, spread the cranberry filling leaving a border, then roll tightly from one long edge and slice into 12 pieces
- Bake the Cranberry Roll Ups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the roll ups in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brow
- Prepare the Glaze and Serve: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla to make the glaze, then drizzle over the warm roll ups
Notes
Use cold ingredients for best texture.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg