These cranberry cream cheese bites are sweet, creamy, and irresistibly flaky, ready in under 20 minutes with just five ingredients. I first made them during a busy holiday prep when I needed something fast but festive. The rich filling and tart cranberry topping tucked into golden crescent dough make them a repeat favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party or sneaking a bite with your morning coffee, these are always a win.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
These mini snacks deliver buttery crunch and tangy sweetness in every bite. Thanks to pre-made crescent dough, there’s no fuss and barely any cleanup. The creamy center melts beautifully while the cranberry topping adds brightness. Even better, they’re flexible, customize the filling or topping to match your mood or menu.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Ingredients List
Pantry & Fresh Ingredients for Cranberry Bites
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crescent roll dough (8-count) | 1 can |
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz |
| Powdered sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
| Whole berry cranberry sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest | For topping |
Substitutions for Crescent Dough or Cream Cheese
If you’re out of crescent rolls, try puff pastry for a flakier bite. For dairy-free needs, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based dough. Honey or maple syrup can sweeten the filling in place of powdered sugar. Want a different twist? Try raspberry jam or apple butter instead of cranberry sauce.
How to Make These Bites Step-by-Step
Time needed: 18 minutes
These festive crescent bites come together fast with just four steps.
- Prep the Tin and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin. This helps prevent sticking.
- Mix the Filling
Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bites
Cut crescent triangles in half and press into muffin cups. Spoon in the filling, then top with cranberry sauce.
- Bake and Cool
Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Cranberry Bites
Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Lightly flour your surface before unrolling the dough, it prevents sticking. For clean cuts, chill the dough 5 minutes beforehand. Always top with cranberry last so the cheese base holds everything together. Add pecans or orange zest after baking for extra flavor.
Festive Variations for Cranberry Crescent Bites
Make them your own by swapping in goat cheese, fig jam, or pumpkin butter. Prefer savory? Add a sliver of brie and a sprinkle of thyme. For a sweet version, dust the tops with cinnamon sugar. These bites adapt well to every season or occasion.
What to Serve With These Holiday Crescent Treats
These work well beside Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups or Garlic Bread Rolls. Want a dessert pairing? Go for Classic Pumpkin Roll or Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
How to Store These Mini Cranberry Snacks Safely
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 325°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crispness. For food safety info on dairy appetizers, check the USDA guidelines.
Nutrition Info for Crescent Cranberry Bites
Each bite has roughly 100 calories, 6g fat, 10g carbs, and 1g protein. These values vary slightly by brand and toppings. If you’re counting macros, refer to the FDA’s nutrition label guide for accurate info.
FAQs About Cranberry Cream Cheese Appetizers
It’s a quick combo of softened cream cheese and canned cranberry sauce. You can swirl and serve it cold or bake it briefly for a warm option.
Cream cheese, brie, goat cheese, and sharp white cheddar all complement cranberry’s tart flavor.
Vanilla, lemon, maple syrup, cinnamon, herbs, and nuts all pair beautifully with cream cheese.
It lasts up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. See CDC’s holiday food safety page for more info.
More Cranberry & Cream Cheese Recipes to Try
Need more festive ideas? Check out Spinach Artichoke Wonton Cups, Garlic Bread Rolls, Baked Cranberry Brie Bites, and Classic Pumpkin Roll.
Print
Cranberry Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cranberry cream cheese bites are rich, flaky, and fast to make, perfect for cozy snacking or holiday hosting.
Ingredients
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- Optional: chopped pecans or orange zest for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cut crescent triangles in half, press into muffin cups, add filling and cranberry sauce.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use room temp cream cheese for smoothness.
- Chill dough slightly before cutting for clean edges.
- Try puff pastry for extra flakiness.
- Swap cranberry for fig jam or raspberry for a twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Save These Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites for Later
Pin or print the recipe before the holidays hit. These bites are perfect for hosting, gifting, or anytime you want something cozy without stress. Your guests won’t stop at one.