These cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are perfect for the holidays! Simple to make, they’re filled with creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough.
When you pull them out of the oven, your house will smell amazing! I love serving these at get-togethers because everyone goes crazy for them. They never last long on the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of your bites. I recommend using the refrigerated kind for convenience. If you’re looking to avoid gluten, consider using a gluten-free dough or puff pastry as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for smooth filling. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese instead. It gives a similar creamy texture!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce adds texture and flavor. If you can’t find it, jellied cranberry sauce works too. You can even use homemade sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Granulated Sugar: Sprinkling sugar adds a nice touch. You can skip this or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Can I Make Sure the Filling Stays Inside the Crescent Bites?
Keeping your filling inside can be tricky, but here are some simple steps:
- Don’t overfill your crescent triangles—1 teaspoon of each filling is plenty.
- Start rolling from the wide end, gently tuck the filling in as you roll.
- Make sure to pinch the ends closed before baking to prevent any leaks.
- Keep the seam side down when placing on the baking sheet. This helps secure the filling during baking.
With these tips, your crescent bites should turn out perfectly filled and delicious!
Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe for Holidays
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (usually 8 crescent triangles)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (you can use whole berry or jellied cranberries)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. That’s quick and easy for a festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crescent bites will bake up nice and golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the bites don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Take your time to ensure you don’t tear the dough, as you’ll want nice, clean triangles for rolling.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, use a spatula or mixer to mix the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Cream cheese that’s at room temperature will be easier to work with, so don’t skip this step!
4. Fill the Crescent Rolls:
Place about 1 teaspoon of the smooth cream cheese toward the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling tricky!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent triangle toward the narrow tip. Tuck in the filling as you roll to keep it from spilling out. Make sure to pinch the seams a bit to secure the edges. This will help the filling stay inside during baking.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the filled crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one so they can puff up nicely while baking. If you’d like, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a festive touch.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent bites are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’ll be hot, so allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these warm, flaky, sweet, and tangy cranberry cream cheese crescent bites as a delicious festive appetizer or treat during the holidays! They are sure to be a hit at your gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen dough according to the package instructions before using it. If you have frozen dough, you might need to let it sit out for about 20-30 minutes until it’s pliable.
What Can I Use Instead of Cranberry Sauce?
If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you could use other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor. For a zesty twist, try using orange marmalade! Just keep the flavor profile in mind.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crescent bites and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them right into a preheated oven without needing to thaw them first!