I love making these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites when I want something quick, cozy, and a little festive. The flaky crescent dough paired with creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberry filling creates a bite-sized treat that feels special without much effort. I usually make these for gatherings, but I also enjoy them as a simple dessert or snack at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses simple ingredients I often already have in my kitchen. It comes together fast, which makes it perfect for busy days or last-minute guests. I also enjoy how the flavors balance each other, with the tanginess of cranberry sauce cutting through the richness of the cream cheese and buttery dough.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
In a small bowl, I mix the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. I place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each crescent triangle, then add a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top.
I gently roll each triangle from the wide end toward the tip, tucking the filling inside as best as I can. I arrange the bites on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
I bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, until the crescents are golden brown and puffed. Once done, I let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 8 crescent bites from this recipe.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes.
Baking time is around 10 to 12 minutes.
Total time comes to roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of orange zest to the cream cheese for extra brightness. When I want a sweeter version, I drizzle powdered sugar glaze over the baked crescents. I also like swapping cranberry sauce for cherry or blueberry filling when I want a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover crescent bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat them, I warm them in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to keep the dough flaky. I avoid using the microwave because it softens the crescent dough too much.
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
I can, but I find that full-fat cream cheese gives a creamier texture and better flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I like assembling them a few hours in advance and keeping them refrigerated, then baking them fresh when needed.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce because it adds texture, but jellied sauce also works if that’s what I have.
Can I freeze these crescent bites?
I freeze them after baking and cooling completely. When ready to eat, I reheat them in the oven until warm.
Are these better served warm or cold?
I enjoy them most when they’re slightly warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites because they’re simple, comforting, and always a hit. Whether I’m making them for a holiday table or just treating myself, they’re an easy recipe I know I can rely on every time.
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are quick, cozy, and festive. With flaky crescent dough, creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, they make the perfect easy treat for holidays or any time you want something sweet and satisfying.
Total Time:22 minutes
Yield:8 crescent bites
Ingredients
1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle, then top with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking in the filling as you go.
Place the crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add orange zest to the cream cheese for a citrus twist.
Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze for a sweeter finish.
Swap cranberry sauce with cherry or blueberry filling for variation.
Reheat in oven to keep the dough flaky; avoid microwave.
