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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the epitome of a delightful bite-sized treat that combines a flaky pastry with creamy, tangy flavors and a touch of sweetness. These little delights are fantastic for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual family brunches. What makes them truly special is how effortlessly they come together, making you look like a star in the kitchen without breaking a sweat.
What Makes This Recipe Special
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this recipe deserves a spot on your table. The blend of cream cheese and cranberry adds a burst of flavor that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday spirit or satisfying afternoon snack cravings. Not to mention, they’re quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!
“These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites were a hit at my holiday party! Everyone kept coming back for more. I loved how simple they were to make.” – Sarah J.
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Making Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites is a straightforward process that involves mixing, filling, and baking—all in less than 30 minutes! This guide will take you through each step, ensuring you know exactly what to expect in the kitchen.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- Gather your ingredients and get ready to mix the creamy filling.
What You’ll Need
- 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
Feel free to use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option or swap out the cranberry sauce for any jam of your liking!
Step-by-Step Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare your mini muffin tin with grease or liners.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough. Cut each triangle in half. This will allow you to fit them into the muffin cups more easily.
- Press each piece of dough into the muffin cups to form a base.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough cup, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- If you’re using pecans or orange zest, sprinkle some on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the bites are golden brown.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.
Best Way to Serve
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites shine on their own, but you can elevate them even further with some creative serving ideas. Consider serving them alongside a warm apple cider for a cozy treat or a charcuterie board filled with assorted cheeses and nuts. They also pair beautifully with a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage Tips
To keep your leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them before baking. Just cover the filled muffin tin with plastic wrap and freeze until solid, then transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Chef Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened; this ensures a smooth filling that blends well with the powdered sugar.
- For an extra flaky texture, don’t overwork the crescent roll dough. Gently press it into the muffin cups.
- Play with flavors! Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm spice that complements the cranberry beautifully.
Creative Twists
You can easily put a spin on these Crescent Bites by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Try using apple butter in place of cranberry sauce for a sweeter twist or replacing the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor. You could even mix in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!
FAQ
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is around 10 minutes, and bake time is 11-13 minutes, making this a quick and easy recipe.
Can I use other fruits instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Any fruit preserves or even fresh fruits can work well in this recipe to match your taste preferences.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, they can last in the freezer for about two months.
With these easy steps and helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating festive and delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized treats that combine flaky pastry with creamy, tangy flavors and a touch of sweetness, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough. Cut each triangle in half.
- Press each piece of dough into the muffin cups to form a base.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into each dough cup, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
- If using pecans or orange zest, sprinkle on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Cream Cheese, Crescent, Bites, Appetizer, Holiday
