Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a perfect bite-sized appetizer or sweet snack, combining tangy cranberry sauce with smooth cream cheese in a flaky crescent roll shell. These easy-to-make treats are ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a quick, festive bite.

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 the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each small triangle firmly into a muffin cup, forming a little dough cup.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, then add 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest over each bite for added flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake the bites for 11–13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a festive twist, try adding a small amount of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture or swapping whole berry cranberry sauce with orange marmalade.
• Use mini muffin tins to ensure uniform size and even baking.
• To make the filling easier to spoon, chill it briefly before assembling.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can use any cranberry sauce you prefer, such as homemade or jellied cranberry sauce, although whole berry adds extra texture and flavor.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours before baking. Keep the assembled bites refrigerated until ready to bake, then add the toppings and bake as directed.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delightful mini pastries perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet and tangy treat. These easy-to-make bites combine creamy, sweetened cream cheese with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Optional toppings like chopped pecans or orange zest add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

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

Ingredients

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Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Optional Toppings

• Chopped pecans
• Orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Shape Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller triangles. Press each smaller piece firmly into the muffin cups, creating a cup shape to hold the fillings.
4. Fill the Cups: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese layer.
5. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a bit of orange zest on top of each filled cup for extra flavor and texture.
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 let the bites cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but jellied cranberry sauce can work if preferred.
• Customize toppings with chopped nuts, citrus zest, or a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking.
• These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving if desired.

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent roll appetizers, holiday snacks, mini pastries, sweet savory bites