Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a bit of orange zest on top of each filled cup for extra flavor and texture.
- 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.
- 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
