Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. With a flaky crescent roll base, creamy sweet filling, and tangy cranberry topping, these bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a little sweet and tart combination.

The image shows a baking tray filled with nine golden brown mini croissants. Each croissant is topped with a layer of white cream cheese at the center opening, followed by a dollop of bright red cranberry sauce with a shiny texture. On top of the cranberry sauce, small pieces of chopped nuts add texture and contrast. The croissants have a flaky, crisp outer layer with visible curved folds. The tray is set on a gray cloth over a wooden surface, which is changed to a white marbled texture in the final description. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the mini muffin cups.
Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined cup, then top with 1 teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce.
Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a bit of orange zest on top of each bite for extra flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown. Allow the bites to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored cream cheese, like honey or cinnamon, to add a unique twist to the filling.
Swap whole berry cranberry sauce for a homemade cranberry relish for a fresh touch.
Top with chopped almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
For a festive look, add a small piece of fresh rosemary on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry cream cheese crescent bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore their flaky texture. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw completely and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A round wooden plate holds a stack of seven golden-brown croissants, each cut open and filled with creamy white cheese. On top of the cheese in each croissant is a dollop of bright red berry jam, creating a vivid contrast. The croissants have a shiny, flaky texture with tiny green herbs sprinkled on them. The wooden plate is placed on a dark wooden surface that is not visible in the final description due to changes requested. In the background, a white marbled texture surface and a brown bowl filled with more red berry jam are slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a minute or two if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use other types of jam instead of cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different flavor profile.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 105 reviews

Delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites combine flaky crescent roll dough with a sweet cream cheese filling and tangy cranberry sauce, making them perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet snack.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 16 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Prepare Dough Cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each of the 8 large triangles in half, creating 16 smaller triangles. Press each triangle firmly into the cups of the prepared mini muffin tin, forming a small dough cup.
Fill Dough Cups: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, then top with about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest on top of each filled dough cup to enhance flavor and texture.
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.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother filling.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a chunkier texture, or substitute with jellied cranberry sauce if preferred.
These bites can be made ahead of time and warmed slightly before serving.
For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans.
Experiment with different toppings like orange zest or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.

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