Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful, bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion. These easy-to-make pastries combine creamy sweetness with a tangy cranberry punch, wrapped in flaky crescent dough. They are sure to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease or line a mini muffin tin to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling is smooth.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups to form a small cup shape.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest over the top for added flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown. Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them as a topping.
• Try using marmalade or another fruit preserve if you prefer a different fruity flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth filling that spreads easily.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and the dough regains some crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?

It’s best to use softened cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth filling. If it’s too cold, it may be lumpy and harder to mix.

Can these bites be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites and store the unbaked cups in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes them convenient for parties or gatherings.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 91 reviews

Delightfully bite-sized cranberry cream cheese crescent rolls that combine a flaky, buttery crescent dough with a sweet cream cheese filling and tangy cranberry sauce. These easy-to-make mini treats are perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or anytime you want a delicious, festive snack.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 16 mini bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Crescent Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Filling & Toppings

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and either grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangular piece in half, creating smaller triangles perfect for mini bites. Press each small triangle firmly into the muffin cups, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides to form little cups.
4. Assemble Bites: Into each dough cup, spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture, then add 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top, layering the flavors.
5. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest over each bite for added texture and flavor notes.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and flaky textures.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth filling.
• Using whole berry cranberry sauce adds a burst of texture and tang, but you can substitute with jellied cranberry sauce if preferred.
• Mini muffin tins create perfectly bite-sized portions, but a standard muffin tin can be used for larger servings, adjusting baking time accordingly.
• Optional toppings like chopped pecans or orange zest add extra flavor and crunch, but can be omitted for a simpler bite.
• Ensure the crescent dough is well pressed into the muffin cups to avoid leakage during baking.

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent roll appetizers, holiday finger food, mini crescent bites, cream cheese cranberry appetizers