Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer. They are cute, delicious, and easy to make. With a cozy combination of cream cheese and cranberry, these bites bring the flavors of the season right to your table. They’re great for parties, family gatherings, or even as a simple treat for yourself!

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Ingredients:

1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 count, each triangle cut in half)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Cut each crescent triangle in half to make 16 smaller pieces.
Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each piece, then top it with cranberry sauce.
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
If you want, garnish with chopped nuts and rosemary before serving. They are tasty warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are best served warm or at room temperature. You can place them on a festive platter to make your holiday table look beautiful. These bites are perfect for sharing, so set them out at gatherings and watch them disappear!

How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

If you have any bites left, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy them later, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until warm.

Tips to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This makes it easier to mix and spread.
Experiment with different nuts to find your favorite topping.
Feel free to add a little orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.

Variation

For a twist, you can use different types of fruit preserves instead of cranberry sauce. Raspberry or apple butter can give a unique flavor to your crescent bites.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture might be a little different.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the bites ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them right before serving for the best texture.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can look for gluten-free crescent roll dough at your local grocery store to make a gluten-free version of this appetizer.