Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Highlighted under: Holiday & Seasonal

Elevate your Thanksgiving gathering with these delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites. Perfectly flaky and golden, these delectable appetizers combine sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with creamy, rich cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough. A festive addition to your holiday spread, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-18T14:41:07.223Z

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a holiday staple that combines the sweetness of cranberries with the richness of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Your guests will be coming back for seconds!

A Perfect Bite for the Holidays

The holiday season is a wonderful time to bring friends and family together, and these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites make for a perfect festive appetizer. Their flaky, buttery exterior combined with a creamy, tangy filling captures the essence of Thanksgiving flavors in a bite-sized treat. Easily customizable, you can adjust the filling according to your taste, adding nuts or spices for an extra twist.

Not only are these bites delicious, but they also add a visually appealing element to your holiday table. The glossy golden hue, paired with the vibrant red of the cranberry sauce, creates an enticing presentation that will tempt your guests from the moment they walk in. With their appealing taste and look, they're sure to become a staple on your holiday platter.

Easy Preparation for Stress-Free Entertaining

One of the standout features of these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites is how simple they are to prepare. Utilizing crescent roll dough as the base not only saves time but also provides a flaky texture that complements the creamy filling perfectly. This allows you to whip them up quickly, leaving you with more time to focus on other aspects of your holiday gathering.

Additionally, these bites can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the filling and assemble the bites, then store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This flexibility reduces stress during the bustling holiday season, letting you enjoy your gathering as much as your guests will enjoy the food.

Versatile and Customizable

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are not only a holiday favorite but can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of sweet cranberry and creamy cheese pairs well with various flavors, making them suitable for any occasion, from New Year’s celebrations to casual get-togethers. You can even switch up the fillings—try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different fruit preserves to make it your own.

For those who prefer a savory twist, consider adding diced chives or crumbled feta to the cream cheese mix for a unique flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe means it can adapt to different flavor combinations while still being quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you always have a crowd-pleaser on hand.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

  • 1 can crescent roll dough
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Roll Out the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Assemble the Bites

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up towards the point. Seal the edges well.

Bake the Bites

Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious appetizers at your holiday gathering!

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), storing these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites is simple. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before baking. This way, you can have them ready to bake fresh whenever a craving strikes.

To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the dough soggy and less enjoyable. These reheating methods help preserve the delightful flaky texture and flavorful filling.

Pairing Suggestions

These Crescent Bites pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a seasonal touch, serve them alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling cider that complements the tartness of the cranberry filling. For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing herbal iced tea can balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Additionally, consider serving a selection of dips to elevate the tasting experience. A sweet honey mustard or a zesty cream cheese dip can add depth to each bite, allowing your guests to explore different flavor combinations. Offering a variety of pairings enhances the overall experience and makes your gathering even more memorable.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the bites a day ahead, then bake them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Elevate your Thanksgiving gathering with these delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites. Perfectly flaky and golden, these delectable appetizers combine sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with creamy, rich cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough. A festive addition to your holiday spread, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time35.0

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Holiday & Seasonal

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24.0

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

  1. 1 can crescent roll dough
  2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  3. 1 cup cranberry sauce
  4. 1/4 cup sugar
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
  7. 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 03

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Step 04

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up towards the point. Seal the edges well.

Step 05

Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 06

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 3g