If you’re dreaming of a holiday appetizer that’s festive, sweet, spicy, creamy, and delightfully flaky all at once, these Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls are about to become your new seasonal obsession. I’m genuinely so grateful you’re here—because this recipe is one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” moments. Anything but boring!!

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Overview of Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls

These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls are the perfect blend of creamy tang, sweet cranberries, warm spice from pepper jelly, and buttery crescent dough twisted into golden swirls. They’re festive, shockingly easy, and exactly the kind of appetizer that gets devoured within minutes.

I promised you festive and fast, and here’s proof!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

10 minutes of prep — seriously.
They bake into gorgeous swirled pastries that look fancy with zero effort.
Perfect for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving, brunches, potlucks, or charcuterie boards.
Sweet + spicy + creamy + buttery—the dream flavor combo.
Portable, finger-friendly, and mess-free.
Make-ahead friendly

What These Crescent Twirls Taste Like

Imagine warm, buttery crescent dough hugging a creamy layer of tangy cream cheese, swirled with ruby-red pepper jelly and little pops of tart cranberries. You get sweetness, gentle heat, creamy richness, and flaky pastry in every bite.

The smell when these are in the oven?
INCREDIBLE. A little fruity, a little savory, all holiday magic.

Benefits of the Recipe

Beginner-friendly
Quick enough for last-minute guests
Eye-catching presentation
A festive twist on a classic cream cheese + pepper jelly combo
Works as an appetizer OR a brunch pastry
Easily scaled for large groups

Ingredients for Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls

1 (8 oz) can crescent roll dough or crescent dough sheet
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4–1/3 cup pepper jelly (mild or hot)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional but amazing!)
1 egg + 1 tsp water for egg wash
Optional: chopped pecans for topping

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spatula
Rolling pin (optional, to gently flatten the dough)
Knife or pizza cutter
Small bowl for egg wash
Cooling rack

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Use raspberry or apricot pepper jelly for a different sweetness.
Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries for bigger pops of flavor.
Add chopped pecans or pistachios to make them more festive.
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier version.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier finish.

How to Make Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Unroll the crescent dough and gently pinch the seams together, or use a crescent dough sheet.

Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese

Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 3: Add Pepper Jelly & Cranberries

Dollop the pepper jelly over the cream cheese and gently spread it. Scatter dried cranberries over the top. Add honey or orange zest if using.

Step 4: Roll It Up

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log, cinnamon roll-style. Place seam-side down.

Step 5: Slice

Using a sharp knife or dental floss (my favorite trick!), slice into 1/2–1-inch twirls. Carefully transfer each swirl to your baking sheet.

Step 6: Brush the Tops

Brush lightly with egg wash for golden shine.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed, swirled, and beautifully golden.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Let cool for 5 minutes on a rack before serving—the filling will be warm, gooey, and perfect.

What to Serve with Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls

Serve these with:

A charcuterie board
Sharp cheddar cubes
Brie or goat cheese
Fresh grapes or sliced apples
A holiday brunch spread
Mulled cider, sparkling wine, or hot tea

I’m still kicking myself for not shooting these alongside a festive charcuterie board—the colors POP!

Tips for Making the Best Crescent Twirls

Use cold dough so it’s easier to roll.
Don’t overfill—just enough filling to swirl without overflowing.
Freeze the rolled dough for 10 minutes for cleaner cuts.
Use a serrated knife or floss to prevent squishing.
Add nuts for extra crunch and holiday flair.
Serve warm—they’re mind-blowing straight from the oven.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 2–4 extra minutes.
Leftovers: Delicious reheated with eggs for breakfast!

General Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12–16 twirls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! Assemble, slice, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh for best results.

Can I use puff pastry?

Absolutely! It creates an even more bakery-style pastry.

Are they spicy?

The spice level depends entirely on the pepper jelly. Use mild or hot.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes, but chop them finely and sprinkle lightly—they’re much more tart than dried.

Can I skip the egg wash?

Yes, but the twirls won’t be as golden.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Crescent Twirls are festive, flaky, creamy, sweet, spicy, and unbelievably easy—truly the perfect holiday appetizer. They bring color, flavor, and charm to any table and never last long. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, bringing something to Thanksgiving, or prepping a holiday brunch, these twirls absolutely shine.