These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a tasty treat! They’re soft, flaky, and filled with a sweet and tangy cranberry cream cheese mixture that makes your taste buds dance.
Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, I love how easy they are to whip up. Just roll, fill, and bake! Do I sneak a few while they cool? Absolutely! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the rolls a rich, creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It works well and keeps that creamy goodness!
Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a chunky texture, or opt for jellied sauce if you prefer smoothness. If you want something different, try a fruit jam like raspberry or cherry for a twist.
Crescent Roll Dough: The canned version is the easiest, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough can make these even more special. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough for easy shaping.
Coarse Sugar: This adds a nice sparkle and crunch. If you don’t have any, just skip it! Regular sugar will work too, or cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
How Do I Properly Roll Crescent Dough Without Losing My Filling?
Rolling crescent dough can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Start by placing the cream cheese and cranberry filling towards the wide end of the triangle.
- Gently lift the side of the dough as you start rolling to keep the filling snug inside.
- Lightly pinch the edges together after rolling to prevent any filling from escaping.
- Be careful not to roll too tightly; you want the rolls to puff up nicely in the oven.
Remember, the key is to be gentle but firm. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first batch isn’t flawless! Enjoy making these delicious treats!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry jam
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you can have these delicious rolls ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, you’ll have time to prepare your ingredients!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or mixer to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This filling is going to be so yummy!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Open your can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Separate it into triangles according to the package instructions. Arrange them on your counter nicely, ready for filling.
4. Fill the Dough:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each triangle of dough. Then, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce or jam right on top of the cream cheese.
5. Roll the Crescents:
Now it’s time to roll! Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle towards the point. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you go. Pinch the ends if you like to seal them a bit.
6. Arrange and Brush:
Place your filled rolls on the lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one. Brush the tops with melted butter, and if you want, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for that extra sparkle!
7. Bake:
Pop those lovely rolls into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, serve them up and enjoy every bite! These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just to satisfy that sweet craving!
Happy baking! Enjoy these delightful Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just as well in this recipe. Just be aware that it might be slightly thinner, so ensure it’s well mixed to avoid any runny filling.
Can I Prepare These Rolls in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the rolls as directed, but keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I Freeze Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Freeze the unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to enjoy!
