Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful appetizer combining flaky crescent dough with a creamy, sweet-tart filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a tasty finger food with a burst of flavor.

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 bowl, blend 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 these pieces firmly into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form little cups.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of the cranberry sauce on top.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of orange zest over each bite for extra texture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the bites to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option without compromising flavor.
• Swap whole berry cranberry sauce with homemade chutney or raspberry preserves for a different twist.
• Adding orange zest brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
• For a nut-free version, skip the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to regain crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated crescent dough instead of canned dough?

Yes, refrigerated crescent dough works well as long as it’s rolled out and cut into the appropriate size to fit the mini muffin tin.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake fresh before your event to ensure the dough stays flaky.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful holiday appetizer or sweet snack, combining flaky crescent roll dough with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and vibrant whole berry cranberry sauce. Topped optionally with chopped pecans or orange zest, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and a crisp, golden finish.

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

Ingredients

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Crescent Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Filling and Toppings

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Optional: chopped pecans for topping
• Optional: orange zest for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Dough Cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to make smaller pieces. Press each half-triangle into the wells of the mini muffin tin, forming small dough cups.
4. Fill the Cups: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of each dough cup. Then, add 1 teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese filling.
5. Add Toppings: If desired, top each filled cup with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of orange zest to add texture and enhance flavor.
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: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
• For a sharper citrus flavor, use fresh orange zest rather than dried.
• These bites can be prepared a few hours ahead and warmed up slightly before serving.
• Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cranberry, cream cheese, crescent roll, appetizer, holiday snack, mini bites, baked, crescent dough