These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are small, irresistible pockets of creamy, tangy filling wrapped in flaky golden pastry. They smell warm and buttery as they bake, with bright cranberry notes and a light crunch from optional pecans. They make a cozy appetizer, brunch treat, or holiday snack that comes together quickly.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 bites
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 190 kcal (approximate)
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
Why Make This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
These bites are fast, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any season. The rich, smooth cream cheese balances the bright, sweet-tart cranberry filling. The crescent dough bakes up flaky and golden, giving a pleasing contrast in texture. They look festive and smell wonderful, making them ideal for holiday parties, brunch, or an easy dessert. They use pantry-friendly ingredients and take under 30 minutes from start to finish.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
This recipe is simple: mix the filling, fill triangles of crescent dough, roll, egg-wash, and bake. The hands-on time is short, and the result is a mix of creamy, sweet-tart, and buttery flavors. If you like a spreadable version of these flavors for bagels or crackers, see this cranberry cream cheese spread for inspiration: cranberry cream cheese spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the crescent roll dough, separating it into triangles.
Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cranberry sauce and the chopped pecans if using, mixing until evenly combined and slightly chunky. Taste and adjust—add a pinch of orange zest or a little cinnamon if you like.
Step 3: Cooking
Place a spoonful of the cranberry cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point to form a bite-sized roll. Arrange the rolled bites on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over each crescent bite to help them brown. Sprinkle a little sugar over the tops if you want extra sparkle and sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bites cool for 5 minutes. They should be warm, not piping hot, when served. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy the flaky crust and creamy, tangy filling.
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Serve warm for the best texture and aroma. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a light sparkling drink. For appetizers, offer a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or a drizzle of honey on the side. Garnish with a few whole cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look. These bites work well at brunch, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet snack after dinner.
How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Room temperature: Keep for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked bites in a single layer on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, or thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Don’t overfill the triangles; about 1 tablespoon of mixture is enough to avoid leaking.
- Seal edges by slightly twisting the tip under the roll to reduce filling oozing.
- Brush with egg wash for an even golden color. For a glossy finish, you can mix a teaspoon of milk into the egg.
- If the crescent dough seems soft and sticky, chill it briefly to make rolling easier.
- For less sweet bites, use whole-berry cranberry sauce rather than a sugary relish-style sauce.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so the rolls bake evenly and get crisp.
Delicious Variations
- Orange Cranberry: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the filling for a bright citrus note.
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans or substitute sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Jam Swap: Use raspberry or apricot jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different flavor.
- Savory Twist: Omit sugar, add fresh herbs and a bit of honey mustard for a savory-sweet bite.
- Glazed: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + a little milk) after cooling for extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble and refrigerate unbaked bites for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
A: You can, but fresh cranberries are tart and firm. Cook them with sugar and a splash of water until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. Let cool before mixing with cream cheese.
Q: How do I avoid soggy bottoms?
A: Bake on a preheated baking sheet or use parchment paper and don’t crowd the pan. Make sure the filling isn’t too wet—if your cranberry sauce is very runny, drain a bit of syrup or reduce it on the stove first.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free crescent or puff pastry if available. Texture will vary, but the flavor remains similar.
Q: How should I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 300–325°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: Yes. The egg wash gives a glossy, golden finish, but the bites will still bake through without it. Brush with milk or melted butter as an alternative for some color.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are quick, tasty, and perfect for sharing. They combine creamy filling, bright cranberry flavor, and flaky pastry in every bite. If you want a similar idea with a slightly different twist or inspiration for presentation, check out this recipe for Easy cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls – Rhubarbarians: Easy cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls – Rhubarbarians. Give these bites a try—you’ll love their warm, buttery smell and the sweet-tart pop of cranberry in each flaky bite.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized crescent rolls filled with creamy, tangy cranberry cream cheese and optionally topped with pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles on a lightly floured surface.
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the cranberry sauce and chopped pecans if using.
- Place a spoonful of the cranberry cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle and roll from the wide end to the point.
- Arrange the rolled bites on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a festive touch, garnish with whole cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar. These bites are best served warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
