These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a fun treat perfect for breakfast or snacks. They are made with flaky crescent dough, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries.
They’re super easy to make, and the warm, gooey filling is so good! I love to serve them fresh out of the oven. You won’t be able to eat just one! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the show! For a flakier roll, you can substitute with puff pastry if you prefer, but keep in mind it may need a longer cooking time.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese works great! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese. Vegan cream cheese is another good substitute for a dairy-free option.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience or make your own by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water. If cranberries aren’t your favorite, any berry jam or sauce will work too!
Vanilla Extract: This adds flavor, but if you need a quick substitute, almond extract can give a nice twist to it.
What’s the Best Way to Roll Crescent Dough for Filling?
Rolling the crescent dough properly is important for keeping your filling inside and ensuring a delicious treat! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by placing your filling at the wide end of the triangle.
- Gently roll towards the point, keeping it tight but not too tight that it tears. This helps hold in the filling.
- Make sure to tuck the point under the roll when you finish for a neat look!
With these tips, your rolls should come out beautifully and filled just right! Enjoy your baking! 🍽️
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- Optional: melted butter for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes for warm, gooey rolls right out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your rolls bake evenly. While it’s heating up, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients!
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough gently on a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into triangles according to the package instructions. Make sure to handle it gently to avoid tearing!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a hand mixer until the mixture is nice and creamy. This is the delicious filling that will go inside your rolls!
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Take each crescent triangle and place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture at the wide end. Top with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This combo is where the magic happens!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the crescent up towards the point, wrapping the filling inside snugly. Make sure to tuck the point under the roll to hold everything in place. Place the rolled crescents on the lined baking sheet, point side down, to avoid them unrolling.
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
If you like a little extra sweetness, brush the tops lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar for a delightful golden crust.
7. Bake the Rolls:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is nice and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm—go ahead and dig in while they’re still gooey!
Can I Use Different Fruit Fillings?
Absolutely! While cranberry sauce is delicious, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves or jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or even apple pie filling for a fun twist!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also work, but it may be a little tangier!
How Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking. Just assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge—they might need an extra minute or two to bake through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge 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 a few minutes until heated through.
