Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful little treat that blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the smooth creaminess of cheese, all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. These bite-sized snacks look fancy but come together so easily, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or just a cozy night in.
I love making these when I want something a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combo of tangy cranberry and soft cream cheese is a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the crescent dough bakes up golden and flaky, giving the perfect contrast to the creamy filling inside. I usually double the batch because no one can stop at just one!
Serving these warm straight from the oven is the best way to enjoy them. I like to pop them on a festive platter and watch as friends and family reach for seconds. They also make a great snack with a cup of tea or coffee, and I’ve caught myself sneaking a few even when no one’s around. These bites really bring a little extra joy and flavor to any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This pre-made dough makes the recipe super easy and gives a buttery, flaky texture. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry works great as a substitute and even adds extra flakiness.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the bite a rich, creamy center. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar texture.
Cranberry Sauce or Preserves: This adds the perfect tart sweetness. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, raspberry or strawberry jam can work well too, adding a fruity twist.
Powdered Sugar & Vanilla Extract: These sweeten and flavor the cream cheese filling. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste or omit vanilla if you prefer a more straightforward creamy flavor.
Brown Sugar Topping (Optional): Sprinkling brown sugar adds a little crunch and caramelized sweetness on top. You could replace it with coarse sugar or omit it for a less sweet finish.
How Do I Roll Crescent Bites Without the Filling Leaking?
Rolling the crescent triangles carefully helps keep all the filling inside and avoids messy leaks during baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread cream cheese and cranberry filling close to the wide edge, but keep a tiny gap near the sides to seal better.
- Start rolling from the wide end slowly and firmly, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Pinch the ends gently after rolling to seal the gaps.
- Place them seam side down on the baking sheet to help keep them closed while baking.
This technique keeps the bites neat, and you’ll get golden, puffed crescents with yummy filling inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I prefer a light-colored sheet to help the bites cook evenly and turn golden brown.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Small mixing bowl – for blending the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Spreading knife or small spoon – helps to evenly spread the cream cheese mixture onto the dough.
- Measuring teaspoons – for precise scoops of filling and cranberry sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use raspberry jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different fruity flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside for some crunch and texture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for warm, spicy notes.
- Wrap in strips of cooked bacon before baking for a sweet-salty combo everyone loves.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cranberry sauce or whole cranberry preserves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to bake, so you’ll have these delightful bites ready in about 20 minutes total. It’s quick enough for last-minute snacking but special enough for holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat – this helps keep your crescent bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and separate the dough into triangles along the perforations.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy – this tasty mix will make your bites extra rich and sweet.
4. Add the Filling to the Dough:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce or preserves right on top of the cream cheese.
5. Roll the Bites:
Starting at the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle towards the narrow point, enclosing the yummy filling inside. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a little apart so they bake evenly.
6. Add a Sweet Finish (Optional):
If you like a little crunch and extra sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar over the tops of the crescent bites before baking.
7. Bake and Serve:
Bake your crescent bites in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
Serve warm or at room temperature, and if you want, garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the crescent dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. It should be soft enough to unroll and shape easily without tearing.
Can I Make These Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites and place them on the baking sheet, then refrigerate them covered for up to 8 hours before baking. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Substitute the Cranberry Sauce with Another Filling?
Yes, feel free to use other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry jam, or even a bit of honey or Nutella for a different flavor twist!