Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

Delightful and easy-to-make cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-05T15:34:22.342Z

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a festive and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of cranberry with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These bites are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and tangy cranberry flavor perfectly balances the creamy cheese
  • Quick to prepare, making them great for unexpected guests
  • Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a snack

Perfect for Any Occasion

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're a feast for the eyes too. Their delightful golden-brown color and the festive red of cranberry sauce make them an instant hit at any gathering. Whether it's a holiday party, a casual get-together, or a special occasion, these bites will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

These crescent bites are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a starter before a meal or as a delightful snack throughout the day. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of beverages, from sparkling cider to white wine, making them the ideal choice for any event.

Easy Preparation

One of the best things about these cranberry cream cheese crescent bites is how quick and easy they are to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes them an excellent option for those unexpected guests who drop by or last-minute gatherings.

The use of refrigerated crescent roll dough simplifies the process even further. There’s no need to make dough from scratch; simply unroll it, fill it, and bake. This ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.

Customization Options

These crescent bites are highly customizable, allowing you to adapt them to your personal taste preferences. For instance, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to add a unique flavor profile. You can also try using different fruit preserves, like raspberry or strawberry, if cranberry sauce isn't your favorite.

Additionally, if you're looking to make a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free cranberry sauce. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors without the added guilt. The possibilities are endless, making these bites a go-to recipe for any culinary explorer.

Ingredients

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Assemble the Bites

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll them up starting from the wide end.

Apply Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the rolled bites with the beaten egg.

Bake

Arrange the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious cranberry cream cheese crescent bites!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with these delicious bites!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their flaky texture and delicious flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked crescent bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your appetizer experience, consider pairing these cranberry cream cheese crescent bites with a variety of dips and sauces. A tangy balsamic glaze or a honey mustard dip can complement the flavors beautifully. You might also serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal option that balances richness with freshness.

If you're hosting a wine and cheese night, these bites pair wonderfully with a crisp Chardonnay or a fruity Pinot Noir. The tartness of the cranberry and the creaminess of the cheese harmonize beautifully with these wines, making them a fantastic addition to your cheese platter.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce will add a personal touch to your bites.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these bites?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Delightful and easy-to-make cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sweet Dessert Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 bites

What You'll Need

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Ingredients

  1. 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  3. 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  4. 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  7. Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll them up starting from the wide end.

Step 05

Brush the tops of the rolled bites with the beaten egg.

Step 06

Arrange the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 2g