The holiday season always calls for those little bites of joy that disappear from the platter in seconds. That’s exactly what these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites deliver. With tangy cranberries, smooth cream cheese, a touch of fresh herbs, and golden crescent dough, these appetizers are festive, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. They’re the kind of recipe that feels fancy but secretly takes minimal effort—perfect for when the kitchen is already bustling with holiday prep.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving spread, pulling together Christmas party recipes, or just need something quick for family movie night, these bites are a guaranteed win.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped or substitute parsley or green onion
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño, finely diced and seeded optional, adjust heat to preference
- 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough sheet or use crescent roll dough with seams sealed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chives, and jalapeño until smooth.
- Roll out the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
- If using crescent rolls, press and seal the perforations before shaping the rectangle.
- Cut the dough into 24 equal squares (6 rows by 4 rows).
- Place 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Bring the corners of each square up and pinch to seal, forming a small bundle.
- Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheets, seam side up or down as preferred.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bites are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve warm on a platter and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
A Holiday Party Hero
Every host needs at least one recipe in their back pocket that looks impressive but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. These bites fall right into the category of easy holiday baking—just cream cheese, cranberries, a little kick from jalapeño, and refrigerated crescent dough. Done!
Sweet Meets Savory
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flavor balance. The creaminess of cheese meets the tart sweetness of cranberries, with just enough heat from jalapeño to keep things exciting. It’s a classic cranberry appetizer that feels familiar yet modern.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of my favorite things about this recipe? Everyone loves it. These kid-friendly holiday snacks are soft, bite-sized, and mess-free. Kids happily grab them while adults enjoy pairing them with wine or cocktails.
Perfect for Any Festive Table
From Thanksgiving and Christmas appetizers to casual weekend dinners, these little bundles of flavor fit right in. They also highlight festive cranberry recipes, which bring that seasonal touch we all look forward to.
For another cozy idea, check out my Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Breast—it pairs beautifully with these bites for a full holiday spread.
Ingredients Breakdown (And Smart Substitutions)
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the creamy, rich filling base. You can swap with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Dried Cranberries (3 tbsp, chopped): Provide sweetness and chewy texture. Fresh cranberries can be used if you cook them down with a little sugar first.
- Fresh Chives (1 tbsp, chopped): Add color and mild onion flavor. Sub with parsley or green onion if that’s what you have on hand.
- Jalapeño (1 tsp, finely diced, seeded): Adds a hint of heat. Want it spicier? Keep some seeds. Prefer milder? Skip it entirely.
- Crescent Dough (8 oz can): The star shortcut ingredient! You can also use puff pastry for a flakier version or homemade crescent dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
These ingredients hit the sweet spot of cream cheese crescent ideas—a filling that’s versatile enough to experiment with, wrapped in dough that bakes golden and puffy every time.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites (Step by Step)
- Prep the Oven & Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. - Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chives, and jalapeño until smooth. - Prepare the Dough
Roll out the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Press it gently into a rectangle (12×8 inches).- Using rolls? Seal the perforations first.
- Cut into Squares
Slice the dough into 24 equal squares (6 rows by 4 rows). - Fill & Fold
Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Bring the corners up and pinch to seal, leaving small seams. - Bake
Arrange on baking sheets and bake 11–13 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. - Serve Warm
Place on a platter and watch them vanish before your eyes.
They’re as simple as it gets for holiday party recipes—ready in under 45 minutes, start to finish.
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
Creative Twists
- Savory Swap: Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes and swap chives for basil.
- Sweet Treat: Use strawberry jam instead of jalapeño for a dessert-style bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans inside each square for texture.
Storage
Keep leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.
Serving Ideas
These bites pair beautifully with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for a cozy appetizer spread. Or, serve alongside a cranberry cocktail for an elegant holiday pairing.
FAQs About Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. They’ll still be puffed and golden.
Can I freeze crescent bites?
Absolutely. Bake them, cool completely, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
How do I make them less spicy?
Skip the jalapeño or replace it with a sweet red pepper. The flavor stays festive without the heat.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier texture. Just adjust baking time by a few minutes since puff pastry may brown faster.
Wrapping Up the Holiday Magic
The holidays are busy, but recipes like these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites remind us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re festive, simple, and the kind of appetizer that sparks smiles at the table.
For more seasonal inspiration, don’t miss my collection of festive cranberry recipes or join our growing community over on Facebook.
Happy baking—and may your holiday table always have just one more bite left!