Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring has become one of those fall favorites I return to every year. It all started with a quiet morning in my grandmother’s kitchen the smell of cinnamon and fresh dough in the air, the kind of scent that makes you pause and breathe deeper. That’s where my love for cooking first sparked, surrounded by seasonal flavors and stories passed through generations.
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Hi, I’m Matteo, and welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte. Over the last two decades, I’ve cooked in diners, bistros, and on street corners across the globe. But no matter where I’ve been, it’s the simple, cozy recipes like this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring that bring me and those I cook for the most joy.
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is one of those humble but unforgettable dishes. It’s flaky, creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or prepping for a holiday gathering, this treat looks impressive but comes together with very little fuss. And best of all, it brings people together just like every good recipe should.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy holiday favorite, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is flaky, creamy, tangy, and beautifully festive. Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you need a quick and impressive treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: orange zest, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles. Arrange them in a sunburst circle on the baking sheet with wide ends overlapping in the center.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon cream cheese mixture in a ring shape over the wide ends of dough. Top with cranberry sauce and optional zest or cinnamon.
- Fold the pointed tips of dough over the filling and tuck underneath to seal.
- Beat egg and brush over dough for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use thick cranberry sauce to avoid sogginess. Don’t overfill. Optional: add nuts or citrus zest for extra flavor. Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring
Making this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is surprisingly easy, especially with just a few store bought ingredients. The flavor payoff? Huge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (use canned or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: orange zest, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
This ingredient list is flexible. Just like with our Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese, you can adjust sweetness or flavorings to fit your preferences.
Looking for inspiration with similar dough based recipes? Check out the sweet and savory Brie and Fig Flatbread Appetizer or the elegant Caramelized Onion and Brie Puff Pastry Tarts.
How to Make It: Step by Step Instructions
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring comes together in under 30 minutes. Here’s a clear, beginner friendly guide:
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Lay them in a circle on the baking sheet with the wide ends slightly overlapping in the center and the points facing out like a sunburst.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. You’re aiming for a spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble the Ring
Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the dough, forming a circle on the wide ends. Top with cranberry sauce. If you’re feeling bold, add a touch of orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon here it enhances the cranberry flavor.
5. Fold and Seal
Fold the pointed ends over the filling and tuck them under the center. It’s okay if some filling shows this is rustic and beautiful!
6. Egg Wash & Bake
Beat the egg and brush over the top of the dough for a glossy finish. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool & Slice
Let cool slightly before slicing. It’s best served warm!
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to make your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring even better:
- Room temp cream cheese: This makes mixing easier and smoother.
- Homemade cranberry sauce? Perfect. Just keep it thick and not too runny.
- Avoid overfilling: A little goes a long way. Too much filling may leak out during baking.
- Add crunch: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds texture.
- Holiday upgrade: Add sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs after baking for a festive wreath look.
For another crowd-pleasing bite with seasonal fruit, try our Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini it’s quick, elegant, and packed with flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe for this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring, there are so many fun ways to make it your own:
1. Gluten Free Version
Use gluten-free crescent dough (available in many grocery stores). Just like in our Zucchini Brownies, always check labels carefully.
2. Streusel Topping
Mix 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp oats, and 1 tbsp butter. Sprinkle this crumble on top before baking for a crisp, golden finish.
3. Apple Cranberry Twist
Add thin slices of apple over the cream cheese layer before topping with cranberries.
4. Festive Nut Topping
Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the ring after baking for a crunchy, colorful finish. You’ll get inspiration for topping ideas from our Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
How to Store It
Refrigerator: Wrap the leftover Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Keep for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 6–8 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
Freezing: Let the baked ring cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something heartwarming about baking this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring. It looks impressive on a holiday table, yet it’s simple enough to whip up with your morning coffee. And isn’t that the best kind of recipe the one that feels fancy, but secretly isn’t?
For more cozy ideas, check out our Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread or Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary they’re small on effort, big on taste.
Bake this once, and you’ll understand why it’s a reader favorite year after year.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ring, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
You can, but the result will be flakier and more delicate. Adjust baking time slightly.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
Try fig jam, cherry preserves, or apple butter for a fun twist on the classic.
How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
Use thick cranberry sauce and avoid overfilling. Let it cool slightly before slicing.