Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the delightful little treats that effortlessly blend tart and sweet, making them a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers. These bite-sized morsels feature a luscious cream cheese filling, complemented by a burst of cranberry sauce, all encased in flaky crescent roll dough. They’re not only easy to prepare but also impressively delicious, ideal for appetizer spreads or festive snacks that keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bites are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make them a standout at any occasion. They’re quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and pleasing to both kids and adults alike. Perfect for the busy holiday season or any time you want a sweet treat, these crescent bites bring a festive cheer to your table.
"These are the perfect holiday treat! So simple to make and the flavor combo is out of this world!" – Happy Home Cook
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Making these delightful bites is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you will have a dessert ready to impress your family and friends. The creamy filling paired with tangy cranberry sauce makes for an irresistible combination. Let’s jump into the ingredients you’ll need to make these scrumptious 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
Substitutions can elevate this recipe even further! Consider using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option, or substitute the cranberry sauce with a homemade berry jam for a unique twist.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with mini muffin liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller triangles. Press each triangle into the muffin cups, forming a little cup.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough cup, followed by another teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- If desired, top with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of orange zest for added flavor.
- Bake in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to ensure the filling thickens just right.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Pair them with a fresh winter salad for a light lunch or serve them as festive appetizers at your holiday parties. Their rich creaminess and the tartness of the cranberry sauce make them delightful with a side of sparkling cider or your favorite holiday punch.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your bites fresh after enjoying the initial batch, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to save them for even longer, consider freezing them. Just be sure to let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Pro Tips
For an extra special touch, try mixing in some spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, into the cream cheese mixture. This adds a lovely seasonal flavor. Prep the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making the assembly even quicker on a busy day! Don’t skip the toppings; they can really elevate the bite and add a delightful crunch.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can personalize these bites in several fantastic ways! Swap the cranberry sauce for other fruits like raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor profile. If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling. You can also experiment with flavored cream cheeses, such as chive or herb, for a savory alternative.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the bites just before baking. They can also be fully baked and then reheated when needed.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
You can substitute cranberry sauce with any berry jam, applesauce, or even a flavored yogurt for a twist!
How do I know when they are done?
Watch for the dough to turn a light golden brown color, which usually takes about 11-13 minutes in the oven.
If you’re craving more creativity in the kitchen, be sure to check out recipes for holiday appetizers or festive desserts!
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized treats featuring a creamy filling and tangy cranberry sauce, encased in flaky crescent dough, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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 your oven to 375°F and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with mini muffin liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller triangles. Press each triangle into the muffin cups, forming a little cup.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough cup, followed by another teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- If desired, top with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of orange zest.
- Bake in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg