Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these cranberry cream cheese crescents – they’re my secret weapon when I need something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this combo one hectic holiday morning when I had leftover cranberry sauce and a lonely package of crescent rolls staring at me from the fridge. Twenty minutes later? Magic happened. The tangy cranberry swirls into the creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in that buttery, flaky dough – it’s like Christmas morning in every bite. Now my kids beg for these crescents year-round (and honestly, so do I). The best part? You probably have everything you need to make them right now!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Recipe
Trust me, these crescents are about to become your go-to recipe for so many reasons:
- Effortless elegance – They look fancy but take just 10 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect when guests pop by unexpectedly!
- Endlessly adaptable – Swap cranberry sauce for orange marmalade or raspberry jam if that’s what’s in your fridge. No thyme? Try a sprinkle of cinnamon instead.
- Crowd-pleasing magic – The sweet-tart cranberry and creamy cheese combo makes everyone reach for seconds (I’ve seen it happen at every potluck I’ve brought these to).
- Kid-approved – My picky eaters devour these, especially when they get to help roll the dough. Bonus: no messy fingers like with traditional jelly rolls!
- Holiday or anytime – They feel festive but are simple enough for lazy Saturday breakfasts too.
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to come out of the oven – that smell is downright intoxicating!
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Here’s everything you’ll need – I bet most are already in your kitchen right now:
- 1 package crescent roll dough – The classic Pillsbury-style tubes work perfectly (don’t you love that “pop” when you open them?).
- 8 tablespoons cream cheese – Softened just enough to spread easily but still cool to the touch.
- 8 heaping teaspoons cranberry sauce – Jellied or whole berry both work – I secretly love finding little berry chunks!
- Small pinch fresh thyme leaves – Optional but adds such a pretty holiday touch (just a whisper per crescent).
That’s it! Four simple ingredients transform into something magical – my kind of recipe.
Equipment Needed for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these crescents – just a few basics:
- Baking sheet – Any standard size will do (no need to grease if using parchment!)
- Parchment paper – My lifesaver for easy cleanup and preventing any sticky situations
- Small spoon or butter knife – For spreading that dreamy cream cheese filling
- Oven mitts – Because those golden crescents will be calling your name the second they’re done!
See? I told you this was simple – now let’s get baking!
For another festive cream cheese delight, don’t miss these cranberry cottage cheese bars that pair perfectly with tea or coffee.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Ready to whip up these beauties? Let’s dive in – it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, flaky crescents in no time.
Preparing the Dough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper if you’re all about easy cleanup. Now, unroll that crescent dough – that satisfying “pop” always makes me smile. Carefully separate the dough into 8 triangles and arrange them evenly on the sheet. A little space between each one lets them puff up perfectly while baking.
Adding the Filling
Here’s where the magic happens! Take a triangle and add about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese to the widest end. Spread it gently but leave a little border so it doesn’t ooze out too much. Next, dollop a heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce right on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a tiny pinch of fresh thyme leaves over the filling. Repeat this for all 8 triangles – trust me, it’s worth every second!
Rolling and Baking
Time to roll! Start at the widest end and gently roll each triangle into a crescent shape. Don’t worry if they’re not super tight – the filling will keep them tender. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and smelling heavenly. That hint of thyme? Absolute perfection. Let them cool for a minute or two, then dig in while they’re warm and flaky!
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Irresistible Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Recipe
A simple and delicious recipe for cranberry cream cheese crescent rolls, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescents 1x
Ingredients
- 1 8-roll package pre-made crescent roll dough (like Pillsbury)
- 8 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8 heaping teaspoons cranberry sauce
- 8 small pinches fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional for easy clean-up).
- Unroll the dough and separate into 8 triangles evenly on the baking sheet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese on the widest end of each triangle. Top with 1 heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a small pinch of thyme. Repeat for the remaining rolls.
- Roll each triangle into a crescent, starting with the widest end. The rolls won’t be as tight as plain crescents due to the filling.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Thyme is optional but adds a nice touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Want to make sure your crescents turn out flawless every time? Here are my tried-and-true tips (learned from plenty of trial and error!):
- Don’t skip the parchment paper – It’s a game-changer for cleanup, and it keeps the bottoms from getting too brown.
- Keep the cream cheese cool – If it’s too soft, it’ll ooze out while baking. Let it sit out just long enough to spread easily.
- Go light on the thyme – A tiny pinch per crescent adds just enough flavor without overpowering the cranberry and cream cheese.
- Serve fresh – These crescents are at their absolute best right out of the oven when they’re warm and flaky.
- Watch the baking time – Ovens vary, so start checking around 18 minutes. You want them golden, not too dark!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have crescents that look and taste like they came from a bakery – promise!
Planning a seasonal brunch spread? Add the comforting cranberry apple bake to complement your crescent pastries.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
These crescents shine in so many ways! I love serving them warm with coffee for a cozy morning treat – the sweet-tart cranberry just sings with a hot cup of joe. They’re also perfect on brunch buffets next to scrambled eggs, or as a classy appetizer at holiday parties. Pro tip: arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs for instant festive vibes!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers are rare with these crescents! But if you somehow have some, here’s how to keep them tasty: Store cooled crescents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and flaky again – the microwave makes them soggy, so avoid that temptation!
FAQs About Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about these irresistible crescents:
“Can I use something besides cranberry sauce?”
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Orange marmalade gives a lovely citrus twist, raspberry jam makes them feel extra fancy, or even apple butter works beautifully in fall. My neighbor swears by fig jam – just keep the amount the same (about a heaping teaspoon per crescent).
“Do I really need the thyme?”
Not at all! The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that’s lovely for holidays, but these crescents shine without it too. If you’re skipping thyme, try a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest instead – or leave them plain!
“Can I prep these ahead?”
You bet! Here’s my make-ahead trick: Assemble the crescents (without baking) and freeze them on the tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen – just add 3-5 extra minutes. Perfect for holiday mornings!
“Why did my filling leak out?”
Don’t worry – mine do that sometimes too! Just don’t overfill (stick to 1 tablespoon cream cheese + 1 teaspoon jam), and leave a small border when spreading. A little oozing gives them homemade charm!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent
Just so you know, nutritional info can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But generally, one crescent has about 180 calories with that perfect balance of sweet and creamy goodness. Remember – these are treats meant to be savored, not counted! (But if you’re curious, the full nutrition breakdown’s up in the recipe details.)
Let’s Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Together
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of these dreamy crescents and watch how quickly they disappear. I’d love to hear how yours turn out – did you stick with classic cranberry or try a fun twist? Drop a comment below or snap a pic to share your baking victory. Happy rolling!
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