Description
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or dessert featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfectly bite-sized and topped with optional crunchy pecans or fresh orange zest, these treats are ideal for holidays, parties, or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Dough
- 1 can crescent roll dough
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crescent dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and gently press the perforations to seal into one sheet.
- Mix the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble crescent bites: Using a small spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly spaced across the crescent dough sheet. Place a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of each cream cheese dollop.
- Shape the bites: Carefully fold the dough over each dollop to form small pockets or triangles and gently press the edges to seal them shut. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with chopped pecans or orange zest for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent bites are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive appetizer or sweet treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- You can substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with homemade cranberry relish for a fresher taste.
- Adding chopped pecans or orange zest enhances both texture and flavor but is optional.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent roll appetizers, holiday appetizers, easy party snacks, cranberry desserts