These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! They combine sweet, tangy cranberry sauce with creamy cheese, all wrapped up in flaky crescent dough.
Baking these rolls is super easy, and they make a perfect snack or holiday appetizer. I love serving them warm, fresh from the oven, while the cream cheese is still melty! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the dish! I stick to refrigerated dough for its flakiness and ease, but you can try puff pastry for a different texture. Just roll it out to a similar thickness!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the rolls a rich and creamy base. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap it for mascarpone or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you need a vegan option.
Cranberry Sauce: I like to use homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor, but store-bought works just fine! Whole berry or jellied varieties both fit well. For a twist, try raspberry or cherry preserves instead.
Granulated Sugar: Sprinkling sugar on top adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, leave it out or use a sprinkle of cinnamon instead for a warm touch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Roll Shape?
Rolling these crescents can be tricky, but it’s key for a nice shape. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start from the wide end of the triangle and roll gently towards the point, keeping the filling inside.
- Make sure to roll tightly but not too much, or your filling might burst out while baking.
- Pinch the tips to seal them slightly, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
- Position them with the pointed end down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling!
Following these tips will help you create beautiful, tasty rolls that are sure to impress! Enjoy your baking adventure! 😊
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to create these tasty treats, perfect for a quick snack or holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough gently and separate it into 8 triangles. Make sure they are spaced out on your counter to make filling and rolling easier!
3. Add the Cream Cheese:
Take a tablespoon of softened cream cheese and spread it on the wider end of each crescent triangle. Don’t hold back on the creaminess! It’s what makes these rolls so delicious.
4. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
On top of the cream cheese, place about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce on each triangle. Feel free to adjust how much you use based on your preference for tartness!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each crescent triangle towards the pointed end, making sure to enclose the filling inside. Pinch the ends to help seal them.
6. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space as they will puff up while baking.
7. Egg Wash for Shine:
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the tops of each crescent roll for a lovely golden finish when they bake.
8. Optional Sugar Sprinkle:
If you like a sweet touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of granulated sugar on top of each roll before baking. It adds a nice sparkle too!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. They taste best warm, but be careful—they will be hot! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls!
These treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any festive occasion, and they will surely impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, you can use frozen crescent roll dough! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours before using it. Once thawed, follow the same rolling and filling steps as with refrigerated dough.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these rolls vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy crescent roll dough. For the egg wash, brush with a mixture of almond milk and a little maple syrup for that golden finish!
Can I Add More Filling?
Absolutely! If you want a richer flavor, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or cranberry sauce. Just be careful not to overfill, or the filling may ooze out while baking. Stick to about 1.5 tablespoons of each for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will help keep them crispy.
