Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and simple appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet and tangy treat. These bite-sized pastries combine creamy filling with tart cranberry sauce inside a flaky crescent roll crust.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups, forming little shells.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined cup, then add 1 teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top for added texture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the bites are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before removing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free option, skip the pecans and add more orange zest for brightness.
• Use homemade cranberry sauce or substitute with raspberry preserves for a different twist.
• Serve warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness or enjoy them cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best freshness.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened?

It’s best to use softened cream cheese to ensure the filling mixes smoothly without lumps.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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Delight in these easy-to-make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday appetizers or festive brunches, these bite-sized treats combine sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 16 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to ensure the bites don’t stick.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Crescent Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to make smaller pieces. Press each piece evenly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup to form a small crescent cup.
4. Fill Bites: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each crescent-lined muffin cup, then top with about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce.
5. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest on top of each bite to add texture and a citrus aroma.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly in the tin before removing and serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For a festive twist, try adding a small piece of brie cheese beneath the cranberry sauce.
• These bites can be served warm or cold depending on your preference.
• Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat briefly before serving.

Keywords: cranberry appetizer, cream cheese bites, crescent roll recipe, holiday snacks, party finger food