Cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls are the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory wrapped in a buttery, golden pastry. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to make and ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or even as a quick snack. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, these rolls deliver an impressive flavor punch in every bite. If you’re looking for a way to add festive flair to your table without spending hours in the kitchen, cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls are a must-try. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls Recipe
These crescent rolls are a winning combination of creamy, tart, and flaky textures that melt in your mouth. They are:
- Super easy to make with store-bought dough
- Perfectly portioned for individual servings
- Bursting with holiday flavors
- Great as a make-ahead appetizer or breakfast treat
- Loved by both kids and adults
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 rolls) pre-made crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury)
- 8 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8 heaping teaspoons cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 8 small pinches fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Carefully unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 8 triangles.
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the wider end of each triangle.
- Add a heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of fresh thyme leaves for a savory touch (optional).
- Gently roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, tucking the filling as you go.
- Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Helpful Tips
- Soften the cream cheese slightly to make spreading easier.
- Use a small spoon or piping bag for neat cranberry sauce placement.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent leakage while baking.
- For extra flavor, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary can also be used instead of thyme.
Substitutions And Variations
- Dough: Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for an extra flaky texture.
- Filling: Substitute cranberry sauce with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different fruit twist.
- Cream Cheese: Try flavored cream cheese like honey walnut or herb-infused varieties.
- Savory Twist: Add a thin slice of brie or goat cheese instead of cream cheese for an upscale version.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes to bring back the flakiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the rolls soggy.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 53 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
- Sodium: 48 mg
- Potassium: 26 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 242 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 18 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of scrambled eggs for breakfast.
- Sip alongside a cozy mug of mulled wine or warm apple cider for seasonal comfort.
- Arrange on a festive platter with fresh herbs and cranberries for a holiday party.
- Offer alongside a cheese board for an elegant appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them several hours in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze them? You can freeze the baked rolls. Reheat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F for best results.
What type of cranberry sauce works best? Both homemade and canned cranberry sauce work great. Just avoid overly watery sauces.
Can I add nuts? Definitely! Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts with the filling for an added layer of crunch and flavor.
Are these rolls suitable for kids? Absolutely! Kids love the sweet and creamy filling. You can skip the thyme for a simpler taste.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by and giving this cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls recipe a try! I truly enjoy how the tangy cranberry pairs with the velvety cream cheese, all wrapped in a warm, buttery crescent. I hope this dish brings joy and warmth to your gatherings just like it does at mine. Happy baking, and I’m excited to hear how your rolls turn out. Wishing you delicious moments and happy memories from my kitchen to yours!
Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration!
Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Breakfast
Description
Cream Cheese Cranberry Crescent Rolls are buttery, golden pastries filled with tangy cranberry sauce and creamy cheese – the perfect quick and festive treat for holidays or brunches.
Ingredients
1 package (8 rolls) crescent roll dough
8 tbsp cream cheese
8 heaping tsp cranberry sauce
8 small pinches fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet, which makes cleanup a breeze.
- Carefully unroll the crescent dough and divide it into 8 triangles.
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the wider end of each triangle.
- Add a heaping teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of fresh thyme leaves for a savory touch (optional).
- Gently roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, tucking the filling as you go.
- Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 53 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
