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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites - featured image
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These easy, festive bite-sized pastries feature flaky crescent dough filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or cozy snacks, they come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1–2 teaspoons orange zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Extra orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. Use a knife or pizza cutter if needed.
  4. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle, focusing on the wider end. Top with about 1/2 tablespoon cranberry sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or extra zest.
  5. Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each triangle toward the point. Tuck the sides in slightly to keep filling inside. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  6. Brush each crescent with beaten egg using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until crescents are puffed and golden brown. If tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.
  8. Let bites cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with orange zest or chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep crescent dough cold for easier handling. Don’t overfill to prevent leaking. Seal seams tightly and use egg wash for a golden finish. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use appropriate dough and cream cheese substitutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry, cream cheese, crescent roll, holiday, party, easy dessert, bite-sized, festive, Thanksgiving, Christmas

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/cranberry-cream-cheese-crescent-bites-easy-holiday-party-recipe/