These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are just perfect for the holidays! Flaky crescent dough wraps around a creamy filling of cranberry and cheese, making each bite a delight.
They’re super easy to make, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love the fruity and tangy mix? I always keep extras on hand because they disappear fast at parties! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The base of these bites! If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat crescent dough. You can even use puff pastry if you prefer a flakier texture, just adjust the baking time.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture, but if you’re watching calories, low-fat versions work too. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought sauce is super convenient! You can also use homemade for a fresher taste. If cranberries are hard to find, a jam like raspberry or cherry can be a tasty substitute.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add great crunch! If you have nut allergies or want to keep it simple, skip them or replace with sunflower seeds for a nice crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Ensure the Crescent Bites Stay Flaky and Delicious?
Getting that perfect flaky texture comes down to a couple of key points during preparation. First, keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to use it. This helps the layers stay separate, resulting in that flaky goodness when baked.
- Roll the crescents snugly but not too tightly, as this allows steam to escape and the dough to puff up nicely.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the egg wash or sugar sprinkling! This gives the bites a shiny and sweet finish.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crescent Bites:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sprinkling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25 minutes. Just a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious holiday treat that your guests will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if you’re using them). Stir until it’s smooth and creamy, like a delightful frosting!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
Next, open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. You’ll see that it separates into 8 triangle-shaped pieces. Lay them out on your prep surface.
4. Fill the Crescents
Take about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture and spoon it onto the wider end of each crescent triangle. Then, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch!
5. Roll Them Up
Now, roll each triangle up from the wider end towards the point. Gently encase the cream cheese and cranberry filling inside as you roll. Don’t worry if some filling peeks out—it’s part of the charm!
6. Bake the Bites
Place the filled crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. You can brush the tops lightly with water or melted butter and sprinkle with sugar if you want them to have a sweet, golden finish.
7. Enjoy!
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffy. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these festive bites warm or at room temperature!
Happy baking! These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
Can I Use Different Fruit Preserves?
Absolutely! While cranberry sauce is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves such as raspberry, strawberry, or cherry. Just make sure they have a similar consistency to ensure a good filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through and flaky again.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bites. Bring it to room temperature for easier spreading.
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
If you’re out of crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry instead! Just roll it out and cut it into triangles, then follow the same filling and baking instructions. Puff pastry will give you a flakier bite.