These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect mix of tart and creamy goodness. Flaky crescent dough wraps a sweet and tangy filling that will make your taste buds dance!
Looking for a fun way to impress guests? Just pop these in the oven, and soon your home will smell amazing! I love serving them warm for breakfast or dessert—super tasty and so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese adds a lovely richness. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture nicely. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, consider using honey or a sugar substitute like stevia, though the texture may differ slightly.
Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated crescent rolls are super easy and convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, use homemade puff pastry or biscuits instead for a flakier texture!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, but homemade gives a fresher taste. If you’re not a fan of cranberries, raspberry or cherry preserves are great substitutes.
Powdered Sugar: This is just for decoration, but you could skip it if you prefer, or use a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Rolled Crescent Rolls?
Rolling up the crescent dough can be tricky, but here are some tips for success! Make sure to roll from the wide base to the tip; this keeps the filling inside and creates that delightful crescent shape.
- Start with slightly room temperature dough; it’s easier to handle.
- Don’t overfill! A tablespoon of cream cheese and a teaspoon of cranberry is plenty—too much can make rolling difficult.
- Lightly pressing the dough around the filling can help seal it in.
These tips will help you create beautiful rolls that are not just tasty but look impressive too! Enjoy your baking!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25 minutes from start to enjoy! It’s a quick and easy treat that feels special.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your rolls bake evenly. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a whisk—whichever you prefer!
3. Prepare the Dough:
Next, remove the crescent roll dough from the can. Unroll it carefully, and separate it into triangles on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other.
4. Fill the Crescent Rolls:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the wider side of each triangle. On top of that, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Don’t be afraid to get a little generous with it!
5. Roll Them Up:
Now, carefully roll up each triangle starting from the wide end to the pointy tip, making sure to enclose the filling well. Curve them slightly into a crescent shape. They should look delicious already!
6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place your filled and rolled crescents evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be nicely browned.
7. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. After they are slightly cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a sweet touch.
Enjoy these delightful crescent rolls warm as a tasty breakfast treat or a sweet snack! They are sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works well. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream cheese instead!
Can I Make These Crescent Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping them in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cranberry Sauce?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can use other fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry, or even a blend of fruits for a different flavor experience!
