Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delightful little treats perfect for holidays or any gathering. These bite-sized pastries combine creamy, tangy filling with sweet cranberry sauce wrapped in flaky crescent dough.

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is 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 small cups.
4. Step 4: Into each dough cup, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling, followed by 1 teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top of each bite for added flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest for a bright citrus note or substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry or blueberry preserves for different flavors.
• For extra crunch, toast pecans lightly before topping the bites.
• If you prefer, add a drizzle of white chocolate over cooled bites for an elegant finish.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness before serving.

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. Just bake them fresh to maintain the best texture.

Can I use refrigerated pie crust instead of crescent dough?

Pie crust can be used, but crescent dough is preferred for its flakiness and easy shaping. If using pie crust, cut into small rounds and press into muffin cups carefully.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 16 bite-sized crescent bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites combine flaky crescent roll dough with a luscious cream cheese filling and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties or anytime you crave a sweet and tangy snack with a buttery crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crescent Bites

• 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 Toppings

• Chopped pecans
• Orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with non-stick spray or parchment liners to ensure the bites don’t stick.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.
3. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Cut each of the 8 triangles in half to make 16 smaller triangles. Press each small triangle firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups to form a small dough cup.
4. Fill the Cups: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, spreading it evenly. Then top each with approximately 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce.
5. Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest on top of each filled crescent bite for added texture and flavor, if desired.
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 and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to easily mix with powdered sugar and vanilla without lumps.
• If you don’t have mini muffin tins, you can bake these in regular muffin tins but increase baking time slightly and expect larger bites.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture and flavor; however, you can substitute with homemade cranberry relish for a fresher flavor.
• Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
• To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the pecans or replace with a nut-free topping option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent roll appetizers, holiday snacks, mini crescent bites, cream cheese cranberry recipe