If you’re looking for a sweet and quick treat to add to your dessert repertoire, Cherry Cream Crescents are the perfect choice. These delightful pastries are a combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling, all wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent dough. The simplicity of this recipe is one of its best features—it takes just a few ingredients and minimal prep time to create a treat that’s both satisfying and impressive. Perfect for a family dessert, holiday gatherings, or just a quick snack, these crescent rolls are sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature, these Cherry Cream Crescents are a crowd-pleasing dessert that anyone can make, even with limited baking experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry Cream Crescents offer the perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. The cream cheese filling is smooth and rich, while the cherry pie filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. You can bake it up in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect dessert when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients

Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz)
Cream cheese, softened (1/2 cup)
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
Cherry pie filling (1/4 cup)
Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon, for dusting)

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily change up the flavor by substituting the cherry pie filling with different fruit fillings or jams:

Berry Filling: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling for a fresh twist.
Lemon Cream: For a tangy variation, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and top with lemon curd instead of cherry pie filling.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the cream cheese mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon Roll Crescents: Skip the fruit filling and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the cream cheese mixture for a cinnamon roll-inspired version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crescents from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Unroll Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Spread Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Add Cherry Filling

Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling at the wide end of each crescent triangle, on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 6: Roll Up Crescents

Starting at the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent dough triangle, enclosing the cream cheese and cherry filling.

Step 7: Bake

Place the rolled-up crescents on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.

Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, allow the crescents to cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing; it will make the filling smoother and easier to spread.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the crescents with cream cheese or cherry pie filling, as it may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the crescents during baking. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling for easier shaping.

How to Serve

These Cherry Cream Crescents are best served warm, right out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Serve them as an indulgent breakfast treat, a snack, or a simple dessert at a holiday gathering. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an extra special touch. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they’re sure to disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

Freezing

To freeze, place the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place them directly on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra few minutes of baking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover crescents in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick snack or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes if you prefer them crispier.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade crescent dough?

Yes, you can use homemade crescent dough if you prefer, but store-bought dough is much more convenient and saves time.

2. Can I use another type of fruit filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cherry pie filling with any fruit filling, such as blueberry, apple, or even peach.

3. Can I make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before using.

4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup, though the texture may be slightly different.

5. How can I make these crescents more festive?

Top them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or sprinkle with festive colored sugar or sprinkles to make them more visually festive.

6. Can I bake these crescents in advance?

These crescents are best served fresh, but they can be baked ahead and stored. Just reheat them before serving.

7. What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

You can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, or omit it for a simpler taste.

8. Can I make these crescents gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough as a substitute for the traditional dough.

9. Can I freeze the filled crescents before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the filled crescents before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I add nuts to the filling?

For a crunchy twist, you can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the cream cheese filling.

Conclusion

Cherry Cream Crescents are a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of cherry filling, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, as an afternoon snack, or as a special breakfast. With their quick prep time and minimal ingredients, they are a breeze to make but taste as though they took hours to prepare. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and flakiness in every bite!