Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls
These cranberry cream cheese crescent bites are the easiest festive appetizer you can make for Thanksgiving or Christmas. With just four simple ingredients, they’re flaky, creamy, sweet-tart, and ready in half an hour—perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce and impressing guests without stress.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 (8-roll) package pre-made crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 8 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 8 heaping teaspoons cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 8 small pinches fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dough
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the filling
- On the widest end of each dough triangle, place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Top each with 1 heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of fresh thyme if using.
- Roll and shape
- Starting from the wide end, gently roll each piece of dough toward the narrow tip, forming a crescent shape.
- Keep the filling inside by rolling loosely—these won’t be as tight as plain crescent rolls.
- Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm
- These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve as an appetizer, snack, or holiday side dish.
Pro Tips
- Make-ahead option
- You can assemble the rolls up to one day ahead and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving—note that the dough may rise slightly in the fridge.
- Try different cheeses
- Brie: Pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor.
- Goat cheese: Adds a tangy, savory twist to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Add a citrus note
- A sprinkle of fresh orange zest before baking brightens the flavor and complements the cranberries perfectly.
- Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 roll | 53 | 1 g | 1 g | 5 g | 1 g | 1 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used. For specific dietary needs, consult a nutrition professional.
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Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky and creamy festive crescent rolls filled with cranberry sauce and cream cheese, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-roll) package pre-made crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 8 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 8 heaping teaspoons cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 8 small pinches fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet.
- On the widest end of each triangle, place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and top with 1 heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle thyme if using.
- Starting from the wide end, gently roll each piece of dough toward the narrow tip.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling the rolls a day in advance and refrigerating them before baking. Try different cheeses like brie or goat cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American