Description
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a simple yet elegant dessert. Combining the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweet filling and tart cranberry sauce, these bite-sized pastries are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The contrast of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, and the simple preparation means you can whip them up in no time. These little bites are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an ideal addition to any festive table.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8-count) crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin. This ensures the crescent bites don’t stick and makes for easy removal.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates the sweet and creamy base that complements the tart cranberry sauce. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Unroll crescent dough and cut each triangle in half. Press each piece into muffin cups to form mini shells. This forms the pastry base for the filling. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed in each cup.
Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each dough cup, then top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This creates the perfect balance of flavors in each bite. Be careful not to overfill to prevent spills during baking.
Step 5: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or orange zest if using. These optional toppings add a layer of texture and aroma. Pecans provide a nutty crunch, while orange zest offers a bright citrus note.
Step 6: Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on the oven, as baking times may vary. The crescent bites are ready when they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 7: Cool slightly before serving. Allow the bites to cool slightly in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from falling apart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are loved for their simplicity, delicious flavor combination, and festive appeal. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and time, making them perfect for busy hosts. The sweet and tangy flavors are perfectly balanced, and the flaky crust adds a delightful texture. They are also highly customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch with different toppings and variations. These bites are a guaranteed hit at any gathering and a delightful treat for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. They are delicious either way!
- Arrange on a platter for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Include as part of a holiday dessert spread.
Tips:
- Try with homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a cozy twist.
- These bites are great for parties and freeze beautifully once baked. Store in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can bake these on a regular baking sheet, but they may spread out more.
- To prevent the dough from getting too sticky, work with it while it’s still cold.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per bite, approximate)
Calories: 80
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 70mg
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Conclusion
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and tangy cranberry topping, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a festive dessert, these crescent bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful treats and savor the joy they bring to your table.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: While crescent roll dough is recommended for its flaky texture and ease of use, you could experiment with puff pastry or even homemade dough. Keep in mind that baking times may vary depending on the type of dough used.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can also bake them in advance and freeze them. Reheat them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Q3: What can I use if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
A: If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use another type of fruit preserve, such as raspberry or cherry. You can also make a quick cranberry sauce by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until thickened.
Q4: Can I add other spices to the filling?
A: Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a warm and cozy flavor to the cream cheese filling. Experiment with your favorite spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Q5: How do I prevent the bottoms from burning?
A: To prevent the bottoms from burning, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven. You can also place a baking sheet underneath the muffin tin to help distribute the heat more evenly.
I hope this is exactly what you were looking for! Enjoy baking and creating this recipe!
