Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delightful little treats perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet and tangy snack. These bite-sized pastries combine creamy filling with festive cranberry sauce in a flaky crescent roll shell.

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 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 piece firmly into the mini muffin cups, forming little crusts.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each crust, followed by 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 for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown. Allow the bites to cool slightly before removing from the tin and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different twist, swap the cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves or apricot jam.
• Use low-fat cream cheese to lighten these bites without sacrificing creaminess.
• Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture enhances the warm flavor profile.
• If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, standard muffin tins can work—just press the dough thinner to avoid overfilling.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I freeze the bites?

Yes, freeze the unbaked bites in the muffin tin on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion. Combining the flaky texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, these little treats balance flavors beautifully. Optional toppings like chopped pecans or orange zest add a lovely crunch and a citrusy aroma that elevate the snack further.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Fruit Topping

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Optional Toppings

• Chopped pecans
• Orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini liners to prevent sticking.
2. Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
3. Prepare crescent dough cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Cut each triangle in half to create smaller triangles suitable for mini muffin cups. Press each small triangle firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup, forming a little dough cup.
4. Fill dough cups: Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough-lined cup, spreading it evenly.
5. Add cranberry topping: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer in each cup.
6. Add optional toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest on top of each filled cup for added texture and flavor.
7. 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.
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing them to serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture; jellied cranberry sauce may not yield the same consistency.
• Customize toppings with chopped nuts or zest to add complementary flavors.
• Serve as a festive appetizer or sweet snack.
• If mini muffin tins are unavailable, standard muffin tins may be used but increase dough portion sizes accordingly.

Keywords: cranberry bites, cream cheese appetizers, crescent roll recipes, holiday appetizers, easy party snacks