These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Skewer Bites are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet designed to bring a touch of holiday magic to any gathering. With tangy cranberries, buttery pecans, and luscious cream cheese infused with honey and warm vanilla, each bite feels like a festive celebration. They’re incredibly simple to assemble, visually charming, and ideal for entertaining when you want impressive flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 package of 6-inch skewers
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Use a small scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into 1-inch bite-sized balls.
- Thread each cream cheese ball onto a skewer, adding whole dried cranberries and pecan halves between them for color and texture.
- Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint, if desired.
- Chill the skewers for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Variation
- Orange Zest Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries. The natural oils in the zest bring added aroma and depth.
- Spiced Holiday Upgrade: Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon. These warm spices create a richer holiday flavor profile without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
- Maple Pecan Edition: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. This version adds a rustic, cozy taste that complements the toasted pecans perfectly.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing cold cream cheese leads to lumps and uneven texture.
- Chop the cranberries and pecans finely enough that they blend seamlessly but still provide crunch.
- If the mixture feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to firm it up before shaping the balls.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Appetizer Board: Arrange the skewers alongside fresh fruits, cheeses, and crackers for a colorful, festive grazing board that feels curated and abundant.
- Single-Serve Treats: Present each skewer in a mini shot glass or appetizer cup for an elegant grab-and-go option guests will love.
- Holiday Brunch Pairing: Serve these alongside mimosas, spiced tea, or warm cider. The creamy sweetness balances beautifully with fruity or aromatic beverages.
Tips
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before chopping enhances their natural flavor and adds a deeper nutty note to each bite.
- Uniform Size: Keeping the cream cheese balls roughly the same size ensures even presentation and consistent portioning for guests.
- Make Ahead: These skewers can be prepped up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: Approx. 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are not ideal for this recipe because they are very tart and release moisture, which can water down the cream cheese mixture. Dried cranberries provide the perfect chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. If you want to use fresh cranberries, chop them very finely and mix them with a teaspoon of sugar to soften their sharpness but the flavor and texture will be noticeably different. - How long do the skewers keep in the refrigerator?
These skewers keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling. Just avoid storing them uncovered, as the cream cheese may dry out on the surface. - Can I substitute another nut for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or even cashews work well here. Choose nuts that offer a similar crunch and mild flavor. For extra depth, you can lightly toast whichever nuts you choose this enhances both aroma and taste. - Are these skewers freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese tends to become grainy and crumbly once frozen and thawed, which affects the smooth, creamy texture that makes these bites so appealing. For best results, enjoy them fresh or well-chilled from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These festive Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Skewer Bites make holiday hosting effortless and delicious. Easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and bursting with seasonal flavors, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for parties, potlucks, and cozy gatherings alike. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, sweet bite!
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Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Skewer Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Skewer Bites are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet designed to bring a touch of holiday magic to any gathering. With tangy cranberries, buttery pecans, and luscious cream cheese infused with honey and warm vanilla, each bite feels like a festive celebration. They’re incredibly simple to assemble, visually charming, and ideal for entertaining when you want impressive flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 package of 6-inch skewers
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Use a small scoop or spoon to shape the mixture into 1-inch bite-sized balls.
- Thread each cream cheese ball onto a skewer, adding whole dried cranberries and pecan halves between them for color and texture.
- Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint, if desired.
- Chill the skewers for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing cold cream cheese leads to lumps and uneven texture.
- Chop the cranberries and pecans finely enough that they blend seamlessly but still provide crunch.
- If the mixture feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to firm it up before shaping the balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Holiday Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cranberry pecan skewers, cream cheese appetizer, holiday party bites, no-cook appetizers, festive finger foods