Why make this recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a wonderful treat that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and tart cranberry sauce. These little bites are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them a great choice for both beginner cooks and experienced bakers. Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
How to make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the dough and cut each triangle in half. Press the dough into the muffin cups.
- Spoon in about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling, then add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- If you want, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top for added flavor.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
How to serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Serve these tasty bites warm or at room temperature. You can arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation at your next gathering. They pair nicely with hot beverages like coffee or tea and are delightful as a snack or dessert.
How to store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
To keep your leftover bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days. When ready to eat, you can simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm again.
Tips to make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Make sure your cream cheese is very soft. This will help you mix it easily and make the filling smooth.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin, just adjust the baking time.
- Experiment with toppings! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a nice twist to the flavors.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a spoonful of orange marmalade along with the cranberry sauce for a citrusy flavor. You can also substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It may alter the taste slightly, but it will still work well.
2. What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
You can use homemade cranberry sauce or even other fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, for a different flavor.
3. Can these bites be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites. Assemble them and then freeze. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich cranberry cream cheese fillings in flaky crescent dough, perfect for parties or cozy evenings.
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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the dough and cut each triangle in half. Press the dough into the muffin cups.
- Spoon in about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling, then add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top for added flavor.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
