Ingredients:

  • 4 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese, very soft (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest (optional)
  • 1/3 cup Dried Sweetened Cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 tube (8 count, 8 oz) Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 Tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream (for glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Create the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat briefly until the mixture is smooth and completely lump-free.
  3. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  4. Unroll the Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto your prepared baking sheet or a clean work surface. Crucially, do not separate the dough into the pre-cut triangles; keep it as one large rectangular sheet.
  5. Seal Seams: Gently pinch together any perforations or seams where the triangles meet to create a more solid, unified sheet.
  6. Spread the Filling: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a thin 1/2-inch border along the edges.
  7. Roll into Log: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough (like a Swiss roll) into a snug log.
  8. Slice the Bites: Using a very sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the log into 16 even-sized pinwheels, approximately 3/4-inch thick.
  9. Arrange and Bake: Place the sliced bites flat onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bites are puffed, deeply golden brown, and the filling is set.
  10. Cool: Transfer the sheet to a wire rack immediately. Let the bites cool completely—at least 15 minutes—before glazing.
  11. Prepare the Glaze (Optional): Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Add the second tablespoon slowly until you reach a thick, pourable consistency.
  12. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bites and serve immediately.