King Cake Bites Recipe
Delight in these festive King Cake Bites, bite-sized treats inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Soft crescent roll dough envelops a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet glaze and vibrant purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars, making for a fun and delicious celebration snack.
- Author: Ria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 King Cake Bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Dough
- 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze and Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 3 tablespoons sanding sugar (purple, yellow, and green)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the King Cake bites.
- Prepare Filling: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix well using the paddle attachment until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough onto a flat surface.
- Divide Dough: Tear off the dough into four rectangles and crimp the perforated lines down the middle by pinching with your fingers to seal.
- Add Cinnamon: Lightly sprinkle each rectangle with about 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Fill Dough: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of the first rectangle.
- Fold Dough: Fold the rectangle over the filling by folding one side about one-third over the filling, then fold the other side like an envelope to enclose it.
- Seal Edges: Turn the roll over and crimp all edges firmly with your fingers to seal the filling inside.
- Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into three equal pieces. Crimp any open edges and place each piece seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 3 through 9 with the remaining crescent dough and remaining cream cheese mixture. Use an additional baking sheet if necessary.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until the bites are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the King Cake bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Stir well until smooth and thick.
- Glaze & Decorate: Spoon the glaze over each King Cake bite, then sprinkle the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars evenly on top to finish the festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- If you do not have sanding sugars, coarse colored sugar or regular granulated sugar colored with food coloring can be used as a substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- These bites are best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- To enhance the festive appearance, you can drizzle additional glaze after the sanding sugar sets for extra sweetness.
Keywords: King Cake Bites, Mardi Gras dessert, cream cheese filling, crescent roll pastry, festive treats, holiday snacks