Christmas Fruit Rolls

During the holiday season, what better way to light up your home with festive cheer than by baking up a batch of delicious and aromatic Christmas Fruit Rolls? These sweet treats are a perfect blend of warm spices, gooey fruit filling, and a soft, pillowy dough that will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking for a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or a delightful addition to your holiday spread, these fruit rolls are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to those around you.

**Christmas Fruit Rolls**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add the yeast mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the fruit filling. In a bowl, combine the dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well and set aside.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 14×10 inches.
7. Spread the fruit filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal.
8. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake the Christmas Fruit Rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fruit rolls once they are done baking.
11. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful Christmas Fruit Rolls with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat!

These Christmas Fruit Rolls are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, combining the flavors of the season into a comforting treat that everyone will love. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and let the aroma of warm spices and sweet fruit fill your home with Christmas magic. Happy baking and happy holidays!