Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful, bite-sized treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet and tangy snack. These easy-to-make pastries combine creamy filling with bright cranberry flavor wrapped in flaky crescent dough.

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. 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 roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups, forming little cups with the dough.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, then add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest over the cranberry layer for added flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake the bites for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the tin and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste or swap it with raspberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before topping the bites.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for extra warmth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to maintain the crescent dough’s flakiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated crescent dough instead of canned?

Yes, refrigerated crescent dough works well as long as it’s similar in texture and can be cut into small triangles to fit the mini muffin tins.

Can these bites be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and dough assembly ahead, then refrigerate the filled cups until baking. Bake just before serving for the freshest result.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delightful, bite-sized appetizers featuring a flaky crescent roll crust filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings, they combine creamy and fruity flavors with an optional crunchy or citrusy topping for an elegant touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Roll 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 and Toppings

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
3. Prepare the Dough Cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each large triangle in half, creating 16 smaller triangles. Press each triangle gently into the cups of the prepared mini muffin tin, forming little dough cups.
4. Assemble the Bites: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or a bit of orange zest on each bite if you desire added texture and flavor.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For best results, use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling.
• These bites can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
• Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds if pecans are not available.
• Can be served as a sweet appetizer or dessert at gatherings.
• Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to taste for more or less tartness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent roll appetizers, holiday appetizers, bite-sized desserts, cranberry appetizers