Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for holiday parties or a tasty snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

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 the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each small piece firmly into the muffin cups, forming a little cup.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
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 in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier bite, try substituting the cranberry sauce with a raspberry or strawberry jam.
• Add a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Use mini chocolate chips as a topping for a sweeter twist.
• Make sure the cream cheese is well softened for easy mixing and smooth filling.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly until just warmed through. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?

Yes, frozen crescent roll dough works perfectly. Just thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated before baking, but for best texture, bake them just before serving.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites Recipe

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are deliciously flaky, buttery mini pastries filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or snack time. These bite-sized treats combine the richness of cream cheese with the bright, fruity flavor of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in golden crescent roll dough.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crescent Roll Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Filling

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
3. Prepare dough cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups, forming a small dough cup to hold the fillings.
4. Add fillings: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese layer.
5. Add toppings (optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or a small pinch of orange zest over the cranberry sauce for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake: Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
• You can swap out whole berry cranberry sauce for homemade cranberry relish if preferred.
• Optional nuts and orange zest add complimentary crunch and citrus brightness but can be omitted for a simpler bite.
• These bites can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then warmed before serving.
• Use a non-stick mini muffin tin or line with mini paper liners to prevent sticking.

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