Crescent Bites with Cream Cheese

Introduction

Crescent Bites are a delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy sweet filling, and tangy cranberry topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to impress.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to create smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the mini muffin cups to form small shells.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough-lined cup, then add 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest over the cranberry topping for extra flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus zing, add a bit of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• Substitute raspberry or strawberry jam for cranberry sauce to change the flavor profile.
• Use slivered almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling.

Storage

Store leftover Crescent Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven to regain flakiness, but they are delicious served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these crescent bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in the mini muffin tin and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh for the best texture.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, but the filling may be slightly less creamy and rich.

Crescent Bites with Cream Cheese

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

Delightful Crescent Bites featuring a buttery crescent roll base filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer and topped with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and optionally garnished with crunchy pecans or refreshing orange zest, these bite-sized treats make for a festive and easy-to-make appetizer or dessert.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 16 crescent bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crescent Dough

• 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)

Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Dough Cups: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut each triangle in half to make smaller pieces. Press each piece firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, creating a small dough cup.
4. Add Fillings: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce on top.
5. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or orange zest over each bite for added texture and flavor.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• You can substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with any fruit preserves for variety.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling mixture.
• These bites can be made ahead and warmed prior to serving.
• For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before topping.
• To make cleanup easier, line the muffin tin with mini cupcake liners.

Keywords: crescent bites, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, appetizer, holiday snack, easy recipe, bite-sized