Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites | Easy Fall Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and easy fall appetizer perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings. Combining the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with a creamy vanilla-infused filling wrapped in golden crescent dough, these bites are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until creamy and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Open the can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it onto a lightly floured surface or clean countertop. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Top the cream cheese with ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Carefully roll the crescent triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking the filling inside.
5. Step 5: Place each filled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to puff up. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter. Pair with coffee, tea, or a festive mocktail for the perfect seasonal snack.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier twist, use fresh cranberries cooked down with orange zest instead of canned cranberry sauce.
• If you prefer a crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside before rolling the crescents.
• Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled bites for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep the crescent dough flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the crescent bites and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready, adding a minute or two to the baking time if chilled.

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

Absolutely! Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam all work well and offer different flavor profiles. Just be sure to use a thicker jam to prevent the crescents from getting soggy.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites | Easy Fall Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings (one crescent roll per serving) 1x

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Description

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and easy fall appetizer featuring flaky crescent roll dough filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacks, these bite-sized treats bake up golden and are lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

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

Other Ingredients

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Unroll the Crescent Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it onto a lightly floured surface or clean countertop. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
4. Fill the Crescents: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Top the cream cheese with ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking the filling inside to form crescent rolls.
5. Arrange and Bake: Place each filled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow puffing during baking. Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on top.
6. Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescents cool slightly on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a festive touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crescent bites warm or at room temperature on a serving platter. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a seasonal mocktail for a perfect fall snack or appetizer.

Notes

• For best results, use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce provides a nice texture contrast, but smooth cranberry sauce can be used if preferred.
• These bites can be made ahead; simply reheat gently before serving.
• Make sure to seal the dough well when rolling to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice visual and slight sweetness finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cream cheese bites, crescent rolls appetizer, fall appetizer, holiday snack, easy appetizer recipe, cream cheese crescent rolls