Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, especially during the holiday season. And these Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls are the perfect addition to your festive table. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these rolls are soft, flaky, and bursting with the tart sweetness of cranberries. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a delicious treat to enjoy with your family, these cranberry crescent rolls are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the cranberries start to burst and release their juices. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Rolls

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place a spoonful of the cranberry filling at the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the triangles, starting from the wide end, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Brush the melted butter over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle them with ground cinnamon. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. These cranberry crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them as a side dish with your holiday feast or enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own.

Variations

While these Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls are delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste:

• Add a sprinkle of orange zest to the cranberry filling for a citrusy twist.
• Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled rolls for extra sweetness.
• Swap the cranberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
• Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the filling for added crunch.

Tips

• Make sure the cranberries are fresh and firm for the best flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries instead. Just thaw them before using.
• For a shortcut, you can use canned cranberry sauce instead of making your own filling.
• If you want to make these rolls in advance, you can prepare them up to the baking step and then refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush them with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake as directed.

Conclusion

These Easy Cranberry Crescent Rolls are a simple and delicious addition to any holiday meal or gathering. With their flaky texture and burst of tart cranberry sweetness, they are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving a homemade treat. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries are recommended for this recipe, you can certainly use dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that dried cranberries may be sweeter and less tart than fresh ones, so you may want to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

Can I freeze these cranberry crescent rolls?

Yes, you can freeze these rolls for later. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Can I make these rolls without the cinnamon?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon or simply prefer a different flavor profile, you can omit the ground cinnamon from the recipe. The rolls will still be delicious with just the cranberry filling.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for the crescent roll dough if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different, but the rolls will still be tasty.

Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?

Definitely! You can customize this recipe by using other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fruits may require different cooking times.