Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delightful mini treats that combine the tangy flavor of cranberry with the smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect as appetizers or festive finger foods, these bites are easy to make and sure to impress guests at any gathering. From holiday parties to casual get-togethers, they make a wonderful addition to any table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Servings: 8 bites
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 130
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
Why Make This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The creamy filling complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. They are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Additionally, their small size makes them ideal for serving at parties, as guests can enjoy them without needing utensils. Whether it’s the holidays or just a cozy family gathering, these bites are always a hit.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
Step 3: Assembling
Unroll the crescent roll dough on a flat surface. Cut each triangle in half, creating smaller pieces. Press one piece of dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, forming a small cup shape.
Step 4: Filling
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup. Then add a teaspoon of the whole berry cranberry sauce on top. If you wish, sprinkle some chopped pecans or a dash of orange zest over the tops for added flavor and texture.
Step 5: Baking
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
These bites are perfect served warm or at room temperature. They can be a delightful addition to any appetizer spread, paired with cheese and crackers or enjoyed alongside a selection of dips. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter and garnish with extra cranberries or some fresh mint leaves.
How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to warm them up.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing, which will result in a smoother filling.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the cups with the cream cheese and cranberry sauce, as this can cause them to overflow while baking.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced-Up Version: Add a little chopped jalapeño to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
- Fruit Swap: Replace the cranberry sauce with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different fruity flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free variation that still adds some crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or even dairy-free cream cheese options work well in this recipe without significantly affecting the texture or flavor. -
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bites (not baked). Just cover them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. -
What can I serve these with?
They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or appetizer. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake them just before serving for the best taste and texture. -
Can I use another type of dough?
Certainly! Puff pastry or phyllo dough can also create delicious bites with a different texture.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a delightful treat, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Their sweet-tart filling and flaky crust create a harmonious combination that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday feast or simply looking for a charming snack, give this recipe a try. Enjoy the process of making these tasty bites, and watch as they disappear from the plate!
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful mini treats that combine the tangy flavor of cranberry with the smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough.
Ingredients
- 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. Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with muffin liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half. Press one piece into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a small cup shape.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, then add a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans or orange zest.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
