Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a tasty treat! Flaky crescent dough wraps around creamy cheese and sweet cranberry sauce for a delightful bite.
These rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. I love making them for holiday gatherings—they disappear so fast, it’s like magic! 🎩✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the backbone of the rolls. I like using refrigerated dough for convenience. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free crescent dough can work well too!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter substitute if you want something lower in fat, and it works just as well in this recipe.
Cranberry Sauce: Use your favorite type—whole berry or jellied. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with fruit preserves like raspberry or even apple sauce for a different twist.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the rolls. You can swap it for brown sugar for a richer flavor, or even use a sugar substitute if you want to cut calories.
Cinnamon: I find that adding cinnamon enhances the flavors beautifully, but it’s totally optional. You could also use nutmeg or pumpkin spice to give it a different vibe!
How Do You Properly Roll Crescent Dough?
Rolling the crescent dough carefully is key to ensuring the filling stays inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start at the wide end of the triangle. Place the cranberry cream cheese filling just below the tip.
- Gently roll the dough over the filling, tucking it in as you go towards the point.
- Make sure to roll snugly but not too tight, allowing the dough to expand as it bakes.
- Press the seams to seal them, this will help keep all that goodness inside while baking.
These steps ensure your rolls are filled evenly, and they stay tender and flaky as they bake. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing tops)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes making these delicious rolls. They’re quick and easy, perfect for surprising family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough carefully and separate it into triangles. Lay them flat on a clean surface, ready for filling.
3. Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and cranberry sauce together until they’re well combined. This mixture will be sweet and creamy!
4. Fill the Triangles:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese and cranberry mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.
5. Roll the Dough:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle, making sure to encase the filling inside. Roll tightly but gently, allowing some space for the rolls to expand while baking.
6. Place on Baking Sheet:
Place the rolls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space apart so they don’t stick together as they puff up.
7. Add Topping (Optional):
If you want an extra tasty touch, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle them with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
8. Bake the Rolls:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and deliciously puffed up.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. These rolls are best enjoyed warm but are also yummy at room temperature. Dive in and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
These cranberry cream cheese crescent rolls are perfect for festive gatherings or simply as a delicious treat any time of the year! Happy baking! 🎉
Can I Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce Instead?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s not too runny, as that could make the filling soggy. Let it cool completely before mixing with cream cheese for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftover Crescent Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to maintain their flaky goodness.
Can I Freeze These Rolls Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls! Just assemble them and place them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment! Other berry preserves, chocolate chips, or even savory fillings like spinach and feta would be delicious alternatives to try in these crescent rolls. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly!
