Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are light and fluffy treats filled with a delicious mix of tangy cranberry and smooth cream cheese. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack!
You’ll love how easy they are to make, just roll, fill, and bake. I can’t help but eat a few right out of the oven—they’re simply irresistible! 🥐❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This refrigerated dough is super convenient and gives a flaky texture. If you’re looking for healthier options, consider using puff pastry or making homemade dough with flour, butter, water, and a pinch of salt!
Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for a rich flavor. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce works great! If you prefer homemade, just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar for a quick sauce. For a lovely tartness, consider adding orange zest to the sauce.
Granulated Sugar: You can replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or try a sugar substitute if you’re cutting back on sugar.
How Do I Ensure My Crescent Rolls Are Perfectly Rolled and Baked?
Rolling these crescent rolls correctly is key to getting that perfect shape and texture. Here’s some simple advice:
- When unrolling the dough, ensure the triangles are evenly separated without tearing them apart.
- Spread the filling generously but avoid overfilling to ensure they seal properly when rolling.
- Start at the wide end of the triangle. Roll it up tightly, but make sure to keep it manageable—not too tight that it bursts when baking!
- After rolling, place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. This will help them keep their shape during baking.
- Bake them until golden brown—this usually takes 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
With these tips, your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls will come out beautifully every time! Happy baking!
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 large or 2 small cans)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or fresh/frozen cranberries (if using fresh or frozen, cook with some sugar to make a sauce)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have these delicious crescent rolls ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be just the right temperature for baking when you’re ready. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy filling. This is what makes the rolls so rich and tasty!
3. Unroll the Crescent Dough:
Next, take your crescent roll dough out of the package and carefully unroll it. You’ll want to separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the package. Be gentle so the dough doesn’t tear!
4. Fill the Dough:
For each triangle, spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture starting at the wide end. Then, add about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce over the cream cheese. This combination makes for a delicious filling!
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from the wide end, gently roll up each triangle toward the point, making sure to seal the edges as you go. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This will help keep your rolls secure during baking.
6. Add Some Flavor:
If you want extra deliciousness, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter (optional). Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar on top of each roll. This adds a lovely crispy texture!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
After taking them out of the oven, let the rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every bite of these flaky and flavorful crescent rolls!
These Crescent Rolls filled with creamy goodness and tangy cranberry are sure to be a hit. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat anytime! Happy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Rolls Instead?
Absolutely! If you have frozen crescent rolls, simply thaw them according to the package instructions before using. Follow the same filling and baking instructions for delicious results!
How Can I Store Leftover Crescent Rolls?
Store any leftovers 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) until heated through.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
Is There a Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of cream cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a plant-based cream cheese, which will keep the creamy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
