Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They combine the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the tartness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. These bites are easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a snack at home, these little treats will impress your family and friends.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Ingredients:

1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half.
Press the dough pieces into the muffin cups.
Spoon in 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can plate them on a nice serving dish for parties, or simply enjoy them straight from the muffin tin. They can be a delicious appetizer, a snack, or even a dessert!

How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3–4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the flaky texture again.

Tips to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and achieve a smoother filling.
For added flavor, you can experiment with different toppings like walnuts or cinnamon.
Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking. They should be just golden, not dark brown.

Variation

You can try using different types of fruit preserves or sauces in place of cranberry sauce, like raspberry or blueberry, for a twist on this recipe.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze these bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q: How can I make these bites vegetarian?
A: This recipe is already vegetarian, as it contains no meat products. You can enjoy them without any worries!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Delightful bites combining creamy cream cheese and tart cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, perfect for any occasion.

Dough and Filling

1 can crescent roll dough (8-count) (Use pre-packaged dough for convenience.)
4 oz cream cheese (softened) (Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.)
¼ cup powdered sugar (Adjust sweetness to taste.)
½ tsp vanilla extract (Enhances the flavor of the filling.)
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (Use homemade or store-bought.)

Optional Toppings

to taste chopped pecans (For extra crunch.)
to taste orange zest (Adds a citrusy flavor.)

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half.
Press the dough pieces into the muffin cups.
Spoon in 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm, straight from the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.

Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

American

Cranberry, Cream Cheese, Crescent Rolls, Easy Appetizer, Holiday Bites