These cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are a delightful treat. They bring together a rich, creamy filling and tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a crispy crescent dough. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a simple snack, these little bites are sure to please everyone.
Why You Will Love This Dish
These bites are easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients. They offer a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep time, you can whip them up quickly. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
How to Make These Crescent Bites
Making these tasty bites is quite simple. You’ll start by preparing your ingredients and quickly putting everything together. Then, just pop them in the oven until they turn golden brown. In no time, you’ll have a warm, sweet treat to enjoy.
What You Need
- 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
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the dough and cut each triangle in half. Press into muffin cups.
- Spoon in 1 tsp cream cheese filling, then 1 tsp cranberry sauce.
- Top with nuts or zest if using.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve These Crescent Bites
These bites are great on their own or served with a side of fresh fruit. They also pair wonderfully with a warm drink or a light salad. You could even serve them at brunch or as a fun dessert for family and friends.
How to Store These Crescent Bites
To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bite tightly and place them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Recipe Tips
- Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid over-browning.
- Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- For a sweeter taste, add more powdered sugar to the filling.
- Use a mini muffin tin for perfectly shaped bites.
- Experiment with different toppings for variety—chocolate chips or dried fruits can be fun!
Variations & Swaps
- Swap cranberry sauce for orange marmalade for a citrusy twist.
- Use flavored cream cheese, like honey or berry, for added sweetness.
- For a savory bite, add cooked bacon bits to the filling.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the bites just before baking. This way, you’ll have fresh bites ready when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bites. Just allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for about a month.
How do I reheat them?
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but note that they may not stay as crispy.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you could use ricotta or cottage cheese for a different texture. Just make sure they are well-drained for the best results.
What do I do if my dough tears?
If the crescent roll dough tears, just pinch it back together. It’s quite forgiving, and the filling will hold everything nicely once baked!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count) Use refrigerated crescent roll dough.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened) Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar Adjust the amount for a sweeter filling.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract Add for flavor.
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Optional Toppings
- chopped pecans or orange zest Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the dough and cut each triangle in half. Press into muffin cups.
- Spoon in 1 tsp cream cheese filling, then 1 tsp cranberry sauce.
- Top with nuts or zest if using.
Baking
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
