These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a sweet and tangy treat! Flaky crescent dough wraps around creamy, zesty filling, making each bite a delight.
Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls are so easy to make! I love to enjoy them warm, with a cup of coffee. They really brighten up my morning! ☕️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry instead. Just roll it out and cut into triangles. It will be a bit flakier, but still delicious!
Cream Cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a twist.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce or a good quality store-bought version. If you prefer a different flavor, try using fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry for a fun twist!
Granulated Sugar: For a less sweet option, consider reducing the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Or swap in coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Roll and Bake?
Getting these rolls to bake up golden brown is key! Here’s how to ensure they turn out deliciously:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. This helps the rolls rise properly.
- Place the rolls point side down on the baking sheet so they don’t unravel while baking.
- Check the rolls towards the end of baking. If they’re browning too fast, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar—the sugar sticks better to warm rolls!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have warm, flaky rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Once the oven is preheated, unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them out on a clean surface or your parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together with a fork or a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delightful filling!
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll the dough towards the point, making sure they stay snug. Place each rolled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, point side down to keep them from unrolling.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they bake!
7. Cool and Dust:
After baking, remove the crescent rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
8. Enjoy!
Served warm or at room temperature, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Enjoy the melty, sweet flavor—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Fruit Instead of Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute cranberry sauce with fruit preserves like raspberry, cherry, or even blueberry for a different flavor twist. Just make sure it’s not too runny to prevent soggy rolls!
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the baking stage and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping them in the oven to ensure they bake evenly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. For a fresh taste, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating!
Can I Freeze These Crescent Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking! Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.