Cherry Cream Crescents

Looking for a quick and easy dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these Cherry Cream Crescents. This simple yet delicious treat combines the flaky goodness of crescent roll dough with a creamy, tangy filling and a sweet cherry topping. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a brunch, or a cozy family gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a warm, comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone.

These Cherry Cream Crescents are not only visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and vibrant cherry filling, but they also deliver a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The rich, creamy filling paired with the tartness of the cherry pie filling makes every bite irresistible. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and come together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Cream Crescents are the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. The crescent roll dough takes all the effort out of making a flaky, buttery pastry, and the cream cheese filling adds a luscious, rich texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart cherry topping. It’s a great way to enjoy a dessert that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re customizable—you can swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry if you prefer. These crescents are not only tasty but also a visual treat, with the vibrant cherry topping and powdered sugar dusting making them look as good as they taste.

Ingredients:

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cherry pie filling
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations:

• Different Pie Fillings: While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can easily swap it with other pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a different twist.
• Add Almond Extract: For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use Puff Pastry: If you prefer a flakier texture, puff pastry can be substituted for crescent roll dough. It will result in a more delicate and airy pastry.

How to Make the Recipe:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

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

Step 3: Unroll Crescent Dough

1. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles on a clean surface.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto each triangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Cherry Filling

1. Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling at the wide end of each dough triangle.

Step 6: Roll Up the Crescents

1. Starting from the wide end, roll up each crescent, enclosing the cream cheese filling and cherry topping inside the dough.

Step 7: Bake the Crescents

1. Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky.

Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Allow the crescents to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve these warm, flaky crescents as a delicious dessert or breakfast treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe:

• Make Sure the Cream Cheese is Softened: Softened cream cheese blends much easier and creates a smooth filling. Let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before using it.
• Use Fresh Crescent Dough: For the best results, ensure the dough is fresh and hasn’t been sitting in the fridge for too long. Older dough can become difficult to roll and bake evenly.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much cherry filling as it can overflow during baking. A spoonful in the center of each triangle is just the right amount.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the crescents from sticking and make cleanup easier.

How to Serve:

Serve these Cherry Cream Crescents warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert. They are perfect for a holiday brunch, a Sunday morning treat, or as a sweet snack any time of day. For an extra indulgent touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage:

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Cherry Cream Crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be tasty the next day.

Freezing:

To freeze these crescents, place the cooled crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating:

Reheat leftover crescents in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds to warm them up.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Yes, you can swap the cherry pie filling for any other fruit pie filling, such as blueberry, strawberry, or apple, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make these crescents ahead of time?

You can prepare the crescents and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for dusting?

It’s best to use powdered sugar for the dusting, as it will give the cookies a light, smooth finish. Regular sugar may not provide the same effect.

4. How do I keep the crescents from becoming soggy?

Allow the crescents to cool slightly before serving, which will help the filling set and prevent them from becoming soggy.

5. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry for a flakier texture, or even phyllo dough if you prefer a lighter, crispier pastry.

6. How can I make these crescents more festive?

For a more festive touch, add some colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of icing over the top before serving.

7. Can I make these crescents gluten-free?

To make these crescents gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is available at many grocery stores.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared dough. Roll the crescents, then freeze them before baking. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

9. How do I get the cream cheese filling smooth?

Be sure to fully soften the cream cheese before mixing. This will make it much easier to blend with the sugar and vanilla, creating a smooth filling.

10. Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

You can use a lower-fat or whipped cream cheese if you prefer, though full-fat cream cheese will give the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

These Cherry Cream Crescents are a quick and easy dessert that combines buttery, flaky dough with a creamy filling and a pop of fruity sweetness. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday breakfast or as a simple dessert after dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. With their festive appearance and delicious taste, these crescents are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season—or any time you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat.

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