These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a fun and tasty treat! Soft crescent dough hugs a creamy filling made with sweet cranberry and rich cream cheese.
These rolls are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. I love how easy they are to whip up, plus they look nice on a plate. Who can resist a warm, gooey roll? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent roll dough: This is the star of your rolls! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture, but it may change the cooking time a bit.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re vegan, consider using a plant-based cream cheese. Greek yogurt can also work for a lighter filling, though it will be tangier.
Cranberry sauce: You can switch cranberry sauce with any berry jam, like raspberry or blueberry, for a different flavor. Leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving works great here too!
Granulated sugar: If you want to cut down on sugar, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to the brand instructions.
How Do You Roll These Crescent Rolls Perfectly?
Rolling the crescent rolls is simple, but it’s key to ensure none of the filling leaks out. Follow these steps to make it easier:
- Start with the wide end of the dough triangle, place the cream cheese, and cranberry filling at around the base.
- Gently and tightly roll the dough up towards the point. Pinch the edges slightly to seal them.
- Curl the ends a bit inward towards the center to create a nice crescent shape.
Take your time with the rolling to avoid any spills! Enjoy your tasty treats! 😊
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roll Filling:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry jam
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is fairly quick! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and roll them up, and then around 12-15 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to warm, delicious rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your rolls don’t stick.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and optional vanilla extract. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will make a delicious filling!
3. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Open the cans of crescent roll dough and carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. You should have 16 triangles total from two cans!
4. Add the Filling:
At the wide end of each triangle, place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Then, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry sauce or jam on top of the cream cheese. Yum!
5. Roll Them Up:
Now, starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle up towards the point. If you like, you can curl the edges in to help enclose the filling. This ensures no deliciousness leaks out while baking!
6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the rolled-up crescent rolls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up and expand.
7. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg together with the water to create an egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the top of each roll, which will give them a lovely golden color once baked.
8. Sprinkle with Sugar:
For that extra touch, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the tops of the rolls. This will give a nice crunch and sweetness!
9. Bake!
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the rolls cool for just a few minutes on a rack or the baking sheet. This will help the filling set a little, making them easier to handle without spillage.
Enjoy these warm Crescent Rolls for a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with creamy, tart filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just because! 😊
Can I Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Leftover cranberry sauce, especially after Thanksgiving, is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not too chunky; if it is, give it a quick blend for a smoother consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftover Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls! Just prepare them up to the point of baking, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
