Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls are a simple, delicious, and festive treat perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a quick sweet snack. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these flaky, buttery crescent rolls filled with a sweet and tart cranberry filling. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened, optional)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a flat surface. Separate the dough into 8 individual triangles.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Spread a small amount of softened cream cheese (if using) onto each triangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce onto the wider end of each triangle. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest over the cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Step 4: Roll the Crescent Rolls
- Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each triangle up towards the narrow end, forming a crescent shape.
- Place the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
- Bake the crescent rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: Make the Optional Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
Step 7: Serve
- Once the crescent rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the warm rolls, or simply dust with powdered sugar if you prefer.
- Serve the cranberry crescent rolls warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds extra texture, while jellied cranberry sauce creates a smoother filling.
- Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the filling gives a creamy texture and balances the tartness of the cranberries. You can skip it if you prefer just cranberry filling.
- Cinnamon and Orange Zest: These optional ingredients enhance the holiday flavors, making the rolls even more festive and fragrant.
Variations
Cranberry Walnut Crescent Rolls
Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Cranberry Brie Crescent Rolls
Swap the cream cheese for brie cheese. The combination of creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce creates a rich and indulgent filling.
Spiced Cranberry Rolls
Mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice into the cranberry sauce before spreading it on the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to 1 day in advance. Store them unbaked in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crescent roll dough recipe, you can use that in place of the refrigerated dough. Just follow the same steps for filling and rolling.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
Yes, you can freeze baked crescent rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw and reheat in the oven.
Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls are a quick and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a sweet glaze, these buttery, flaky crescent rolls filled with tangy cranberry sauce are sure to be a hit
