Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are little pockets of happiness filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese center and a burst of tart cranberry flavor. Wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough, these bites are simple to make but taste like a special treat.
I love making these when I want an easy snack that feels fancy without a lot of fuss. The cream cheese mixture is smooth and slightly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the cranberries’ sharpness. The best part is how the crescent dough bakes up golden and flaky, giving each bite a delightful crunch.
These bites are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. I like to serve them warm, right out of the oven, so the cream cheese is soft and the cranberries are juicy. They’re always a hit, and honestly, I find myself going back for one more—and maybe a few more after that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star for that flaky, buttery crust. If you want a homemade touch, puff pastry works too. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan crescent dough.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess and tang. Softened full-fat cream cheese is best for smooth mixing. Light cream cheese works but can be less rich. For a non-dairy choice, try vegan cream cheese blends.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a nice tart pop. Frozen works well too and is easier to find year-round. You can replace cranberries with dried cherries or raspberries for a twist.
Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, while brown sugar on top adds a caramelized crunch. You can swap brown sugar for turbinado or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
How Do You Roll and Bake the Perfect Crescent Bites Without Leaking Filling?
Rolling the crescent bites just right keeps the filling inside and the dough flaky. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread cream cheese and cranberries only near the wide end of the triangle to avoid overfilling.
- Roll tightly but gently, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point.
- Tuck the narrow tip under the crescent on the baking tray to seal it well.
- Brush with melted butter for a golden crust and sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden, about 12-15 minutes, watching closely at the end.
This method keeps your bites neat, delicious, and beautifully golden every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crispy edges.
- Mixing bowl – for blending the cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Small spoon or knife – to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on each triangle.
- Pastry brush – to lightly coat the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberries for dried cherries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for extra crunch.
- Mix a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese for warm spice notes.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze after baking for added sweetness or tang.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped small
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. That’s roughly 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your crescent bites don’t stick and clean-up is easy.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, sweet filling for your bites.
3. Assemble the Crescent Bites
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Spread about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle, then sprinkle chopped cranberries over the cream cheese.
4. Roll and Bake
Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, rolling toward the narrow tip to form a crescent shape. Place the rolled crescents on your baking sheet with the tip tucked underneath. Brush each one with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool a bit on the baking sheet before serving. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar just before you serve.
Enjoy these warm, flaky bites as a perfect sweet snack or a special treat for parties or holidays!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great! Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before chopping to avoid soggy dough.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to refresh the flakiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the crescent bites and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry is a great alternative if you want extra flakiness. Just cut it into triangles and follow the same filling and rolling steps.