Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Crescent Rolls
Description of this recipe: These adorable Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Crescent Rolls are a delightful and whimsical appetizer or snack, perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of fun. Crispy crescent roll “carrots” are filled with a creamy, herby cream cheese mixture, creating a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The parsley sprig “carrot tops” add a final flourish of freshness and visual appeal.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy and Quick: Using store-bought crescent dough makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick to prepare, perfect for busy hosts or last-minute gatherings.
- Adorable and Festive: The carrot shape and vibrant green parsley create a visually stunning appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The flaky, buttery crescent rolls paired with the creamy, tangy, and herby cream cheese filling is a match made in heaven.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings in the cream cheese filling to your liking. You can also add a touch of sweetness with a pinch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
- Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these playful carrot-shaped treats.
Introduction
As a food blogger and cookbook writer, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and visually appealing. These Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Crescent Rolls perfectly fit the bill. I love creating recipes that are easy to execute, even for novice cooks, and that also bring a smile to people’s faces. This recipe achieves just that.
Inspired by the vibrant colors of spring and the festive spirit of Easter, these carrot-shaped rolls are a creative and fun way to elevate your appetizer game. The flaky, buttery crescent dough provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy, herby filling adds a burst of flavor. The parsley sprig “carrot tops” complete the look, making these rolls almost too cute to eat (almost!).
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve these rolls as an appetizer at a party, a snack for the kids, or even a light lunch. They’re also a great addition to a brunch spread. The possibilities are endless! So, grab your crescent dough, cream cheese, and herbs, and let’s get started on creating these adorable and delicious treats.
Ingredients:
- 8 (12×4-inch) sheets of foil
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) or 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 16 small sprigs fresh parsley
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the crescent rolls will bake evenly and achieve a golden brown color. While the oven is preheating, prepare your foil molds. Roll each sheet of foil from the shorter end into a cone shape, making sure the pointed end is secure. These foil cones will serve as the molds for shaping your crescent rolls into carrots. The foil helps to maintain the carrot shape during baking.
Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface. If you’re using crescent rolls, gently press the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough. This will prevent the individual rolls from separating during baking and ensure a more uniform carrot shape. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough lengthwise into 8 (1-inch) strips. These strips will be wrapped around the foil cones to form the carrot shape.
Step 3: Wrap one strip of dough around each foil cone, starting at the pointed end and overlapping slightly as you go. Make sure to cover the entire cone with dough, leaving no foil exposed. This will create a solid and even carrot shape. Place the wrapped cones on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow for proper air circulation and even baking.
Step 4: Bake the crescent rolls for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once they are baked, transfer the cookie sheet to a cooling rack and let the crescent rolls cool completely before removing the foil molds. This will prevent the rolls from breaking or losing their shape.
Step 5: While the crescent rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, grated lemon peel, and salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The softened cream cheese will make it easier to mix the ingredients and create a creamy, spreadable filling. The parsley and chives add a fresh, herby flavor, while the lemon peel provides a bright, citrusy note. The salt enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Step 6: Once the crescent rolls have cooled completely, carefully remove the foil molds. You may need to gently wiggle the cones to release them. Once the molds are removed, you’ll have hollow crescent roll “carrots.”
Step 7: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to fill the crescent rolls. Pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each crescent roll, filling it to the top.
Step 8: Top each filled crescent roll with 2 small sprigs of fresh parsley to create the “carrot top.” These parsley sprigs add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, completing the carrot-shaped appetizer.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at Easter brunch or any spring gathering.
- Offer as a fun and festive snack for kids.
- Add to a charcuterie board for a touch of whimsy.
- Pair with a side salad for a light lunch.
- Serve alongside a platter of fresh vegetables for a healthy and delicious snack.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the crescent rolls, as they will become dry and brittle.
- Let the crescent rolls cool completely before filling them to prevent the cream cheese filling from melting.
- For a sweeter filling, add a pinch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey to the cream cheese mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a make-ahead option, bake the crescent rolls and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with the cream cheese mixture just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving – approximate)
Calories: 200
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 280mg
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Crescent Rolls are a fun, festive, and delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They’re easy to make, customizable, and visually appealing, making them the perfect addition to any spring celebration. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with these adorable and tasty treats!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can bake the crescent roll carrots and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also prepare the cream cheese filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to fill the carrots with the cream cheese mixture just before serving to prevent the crescent rolls from becoming soggy. The parsley sprigs should also be added right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
A: While cream cheese provides the classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Neufchâtel cheese is a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese that works well. You could also try a mixture of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a savory filling, consider using a blend of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q3: I don’t have fresh parsley or chives. Can I use dried herbs instead?
A: While fresh herbs are preferred for their brighter flavor and vibrant color, you can substitute dried herbs if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried chives for every 1/4 cup of fresh herbs. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. It’s also a good idea to rehydrate the dried herbs slightly by soaking them in a little warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the cream cheese mixture.
Q4: Can I freeze these carrot crescent rolls?
A: Freezing these crescent rolls is not recommended, as the cream cheese filling may become watery and the crescent rolls may lose their crispy texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the baked crescent roll carrots without the filling. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before filling with the cream cheese mixture.
Q5: How can I make these rolls even more visually appealing?
A: There are several ways to enhance the visual appeal of these carrot crescent rolls. You can use different shades of green parsley for the carrot tops to create a more natural look. You can also add a touch of orange food coloring to the cream cheese filling to make it resemble the color of carrots. For a more rustic look, you can brush the crescent rolls with an egg wash before baking to give them a shiny golden brown finish. Finally, you can sprinkle the rolls with a little everything bagel seasoning before baking for added flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 12×4-inch sheets of foil
- 1 can 8 oz refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) or 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Dough Sheet
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 16 small sprigs fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the crescent rolls will bake evenly and achieve a golden brown color. While the oven is preheating, prepare your foil molds. Roll each sheet of foil from the shorter end into a cone shape, making sure the pointed end is secure. These foil cones will serve as the molds for shaping your crescent rolls into carrots. The foil helps to maintain the carrot shape during baking.
- Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface. If you’re using crescent rolls, gently press the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough. This will prevent the individual rolls from separating during baking and ensure a more uniform carrot shape. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough lengthwise into 8 (1-inch) strips. These strips will be wrapped around the foil cones to form the carrot shape.
- Step 3: Wrap one strip of dough around each foil cone, starting at the pointed end and overlapping slightly as you go. Make sure to cover the entire cone with dough, leaving no foil exposed. This will create a solid and even carrot shape. Place the wrapped cones on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow for proper air circulation and even baking.
- Step 4: Bake the crescent rolls for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once they are baked, transfer the cookie sheet to a cooling rack and let the crescent rolls cool completely before removing the foil molds. This will prevent the rolls from breaking or losing their shape.
- Step 5: While the crescent rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, grated lemon peel, and salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. The softened cream cheese will make it easier to mix the ingredients and create a creamy, spreadable filling. The parsley and chives add a fresh, herby flavor, while the lemon peel provides a bright, citrusy note. The salt enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
- Step 6: Once the crescent rolls have cooled completely, carefully remove the foil molds. You may need to gently wiggle the cones to release them. Once the molds are removed, you’ll have hollow crescent roll “carrots.”
- Step 7: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to fill the crescent rolls. Pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each crescent roll, filling it to the top.
- Step 8: Top each filled crescent roll with 2 small sprigs of fresh parsley to create the “carrot top.” These parsley sprigs add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, completing the carrot-shaped appetizer.
