Hey y'all! If you're looking for that perfect blend of sweet and tangy wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to appetizers. These delectable bites are creamy, zesty, and oh-so-easy to whip up—perfect for the holidays, brunches, or anytime you need a crowd-pleaser! Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Simple prep – only 10 minutes of hands-on time!
- The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite.
- Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or fun family snacks.
- Uses convenient refrigerated crescent roll dough for unbeatable ease.
- Bakes up golden and irresistible in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional but highly recommended)
Directions: Step-by-Step Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each dough triangle.
- Top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with pecans and a bit of orange zest if using.
- Carefully roll up each triangle from the wide end and tuck the edges under to help seal in the filling.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
- Cool slightly before serving—enjoy warm!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for an ultra-smooth blend.
- Avoid overfilling, or the filling may ooze out during baking.
- For more ideas about crescent dough and fillings, check out this guide from Pillsbury.
Variations on the Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Apple Spice: Swap cranberry sauce for apple pie filling and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for allergy-friendly bites.
- Savory: Use goat cheese paired with cranberry sauce and a touch of cracked black pepper for a tangy twist.
What You Need: Equipment Checklist
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or sturdy whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the filling may cause the dough to become soggy after thawing.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Serve as an appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve platters.
- Pairs wonderfully with sparkling wine, apple cider, or a holiday punch.
- Add to a brunch board with fresh fruit and cheeses for a festive spread.
Pro Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
- Don’t skip parchment paper—it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze (learn more on Food Network).
- If your dough gets too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before assembling.
- A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking adds a sweet, crunchy finish.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese works just as well and keeps it lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
What kind of cranberry sauce is best?
Whole-berry cranberry sauce offers the best texture and tang, but any thick cranberry sauce will do.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble in advance and refrigerate unbaked bites for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving for maximum flakiness.
Prep & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Unroll crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles.
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3In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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4Spread 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto each dough triangle, then top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of pecans and orange zest.
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5Carefully roll up each triangle beginning at the wide end and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter.
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6Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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