Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or sweet treat. With a flaky crescent roll shell, creamy filling, and tangy cranberry topping, they bring festive flavors to any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 can (8-count) crescent roll dough
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract 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 muffin cups, forming mini dough shells.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough shell. Then add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese filling.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a little orange zest over each bite for added texture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or use toasted coconut flakes instead.
• Try using a dollop of orange marmalade instead of cranberry sauce for a citrus twist.
• Chill the cream cheese mixture beforehand to help it hold its shape better when baking.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

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 covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh before serving.

Can I use other types of jam instead of cranberry sauce?

Absolutely, feel free to use your favorite jam or preserves like raspberry, apricot, or fig for a different flavor profile.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 16 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully easy and festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites perfect for holiday gatherings or snacks. Flaky crescent dough cups filled with smooth, sweet cream cheese filling and topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, optionally garnished with chopped pecans or zesty orange peel for an extra burst of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Dough

• 1 can (8-count) crescent roll dough

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Make the 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. Shape Crescent Cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each smaller triangle firmly into the muffin cups to form miniature dough shells that will hold the filling.
4. Fill the Cups: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each crescent dough cup, spreading gently but leaving room on top for the cranberry sauce.
5. Add Cranberry Sauce and Toppings: Top each filled cup with about one teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle with chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest if desired.
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: Allow the cranberry cream cheese bites to cool slightly in the pan before removing and serving, ensuring the filling sets and makes them easier to handle.

Notes

• You can make these a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; warm slightly before serving.
• For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans.
• Orange zest adds a bright citrus note that complements the sweetness and tartness.
• Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Mini muffin tins are perfect for shaping and portioning these bites.

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

Keywords: cranberry bite, cream cheese appetizer, crescent roll recipe, holiday appetizer, mini bites, festive snacks