Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites

Soft, buttery, and bursting with festive flavor, Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings. Flaky crescent roll dough envelops a creamy, sweet-tart filling made from cream cheese, cranberries, and fresh orange zest, creating bite-sized pockets of irresistible goodness. A light glaze and sprinkle of coarse sugar on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making these treats as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz / 225 g each)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large (40 g)
• 2 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (30 ml)
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp butter, melted (30 g)
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar or granulated sugar (30 g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Extra dried cranberries for garnish

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice (30–45 ml)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (15 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles according to the package instructions.

3. Fill the Crescent Bites

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape. Place each bite on the prepared baking sheet, tip side down to prevent unrolling.

4. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Brush the mixture lightly over each crescent bite. Optionally, sprinkle with extra dried cranberries for a festive touch.

5. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent bites are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.

6. Glaze the Bites

While the crescent bites are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Drizzle over the warm bites for a sweet, citrusy finish.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Bites

• Use cold cream cheese: Softened but still slightly firm ensures the filling stays in place while baking.
• Chop cranberries finely: This helps distribute them evenly and prevents large pieces from breaking through the dough.
• Don’t overfill: A small amount of filling prevents the crescents from leaking during baking.
• Make ahead: Assemble the crescent bites and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking if needed.

Storage

Store leftover crescent bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen crescent dough?
Yes, just thaw it according to package instructions before assembling.

Q: Can I substitute fresh cranberries?
You can, but they may be more tart and release more moisture. Consider lightly cooking them with sugar before adding to the filling.

Q: Can these be made vegan?
Yes — use plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy butter, and a vegan crescent dough alternative.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Avoid overfilling and make sure to seal the dough firmly by pressing the edges gently before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these?
Yes. Freeze unbaked crescent bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Print

Flaky, sweet, and bursting with cranberry-orange flavor, Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfectly sized for snacking, brunch spreads, or holiday platters, these bites are sure to disappear as quickly as they come out of the oven.