Easy Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups Recipe for Busy Nights

Last holiday season, I was searching for a snack that would impress my family without keeping me in the kitchen all day. That’s when I created these Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups. Sweet, spicy, and creamy, each bite is a flavor explosion. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is quick, easy, and fully customizable—just like the comfortable, family-friendly dishes I love sharing on Eminent Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are the perfect choice. These bite-sized delights combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet-spicy zing of cranberry hot pepper jelly, creating a balanced flavor that excites every palate. Quick to prepare and fully customizable, this recipe is ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even casual weeknight snacks. The crisp mini cups hold the filling perfectly, making them easy to serve and impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups offer a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s both elegant and approachable. Add nuts, fresh herbs, or a twist of citrus for extra flair, or stick to the classic combination for a reliable crowd-pleaser. For anyone who loves festive, easy, and delicious appetizers, this recipe is a must-try. The sweet and spicy flavor pairing ensures it will become a staple on your party menu.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The mini phyllo or wonton cups serve as a crisp, sturdy vessel for the creamy filling, making these appetizers easy to serve and enjoy. Cream cheese, or cream cheese for a unique twist, adds smooth richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spicy cranberry hot pepper jelly. Powdered sugar and vanilla enhance the filling with subtle sweetness, while optional garnishes like fresh herbs or chopped nuts provide extra flavor, color, and texture. This combination makes Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups a quick, family-friendly recipe that works for holiday parties, busy weeknights, or any special occasion. Each bite delivers a festive, flavorful experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

🛒 Ingredients (for 24 mini cups):

For the Cups:
24 mini phyllo or wonton cups
Non-stick cooking spray (optional, to lightly coat cups)

For the Filling:
8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:
½ cup cranberry hot pepper jelly
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish, e.g., thyme or parsley)
Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish, e.g., pecans or walnuts)

How to Make This Recipe

Making Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups is simple, fun, and perfect for holiday gatherings or quick, family-friendly appetizers. The crisp mini phyllo or wonton cups hold the creamy, sweet, and spicy filling perfectly, making every bite satisfying. Cream cheese, rich base that pairs beautifully with the tangy cranberry hot pepper jelly. Powdered sugar and vanilla enhance the flavor, while optional toppings like fresh herbs or chopped nuts add texture, aroma, and a festive touch. By following these steps, you can quickly assemble these bite-sized treats and impress guests with a balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing appetizer. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday parties, or special occasions, offering a customizable, easy-to-make dish that delivers sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if using phyllo cups to crisp. Place mini cups on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray if desired. Bake 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
2. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each mini cup until nearly full.
4. Top each cup with ½ cup cranberry hot pepper jelly, spreading gently for even coverage.
5. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley and sprinkle with chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours. Assemble just before serving for crisp cups.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups is all about balancing flavors, textures, and presentation. Using mini phyllo or wonton cups ensures a crisp base that holds the creamy filling without getting soggy. Choosing the right cream cheese, whether classic, makes a big difference in smoothness and flavor. The cranberry hot pepper jelly adds a sweet-spicy punch that pairs perfectly with the rich filling. Powdered sugar and vanilla help round out the flavor, while optional toppings like fresh herbs or chopped nuts enhance texture and visual appeal. These expert tips ensure your Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups come out perfectly every time, whether for a quick family snack, holiday gathering, or elegant party appetizer. Paying attention to assembly order, ingredient temperature, and garnish presentation will make these cups as delicious as they are visually stunning.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Use crisp mini phyllo or wonton cups to prevent soggy bases.
2. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to ensure smooth filling.
3. Gently fold in powdered sugar and vanilla to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
4. Top with cranberry hot pepper jelly just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
5. Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley and chopped nuts for visual appeal and texture contrast.
6. Assemble cups close to serving time to keep them crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Honey Carrot Pie Recipe: Easy, Quick, and Delicious Dessert

Chocolate Cannoli Pizzelle Sandwiches – Easy, No-Bake Italian Dessert

Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie – Chocolate Indulgence

Beorn’s Honey Cakes Recipe for Quick and Easy Breakfast Honey Cakes

Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups are a delicious, festive, and easy-to-make appetizer that will impress family and friends. With crisp mini phyllo or wonton cups, smooth cream cheese, and the sweet-spicy punch of cranberry hot pepper jelly, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties, busy weeknights, or special occasions. Fully customizable with herbs, nuts, or citrus twists, Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups combine convenience, flavor, and visual appeal, making them a must-try recipe for anyone who loves quick, family-friendly, and unforgettable appetizers.

Cranberry Hot Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Cups

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A sweet, spicy, and creamy bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Mini cups are filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with tangy cranberry hot pepper jelly for a festive flavor punch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for 24 mini cups):

For the Cups:

• 24 mini phyllo or wonton cups

• Non-stick cooking spray (optional, to lightly coat cups)

For the Filling:

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened (or فرماج cream cheese for a Middle Eastern twist)

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup cranberry hot pepper jelly

• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish, e.g., thyme or parsley)

• Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish, e.g., pecans or walnuts)

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Cups
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if using phyllo cups to crisp. Place mini cups on a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray if desired. Bake 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups
Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into each mini cup until nearly full. Top each with a small spoonful of cranberry hot pepper jelly.

Step 4: Garnish
Optionally sprinkle with chopped nuts or fresh herbs for color and added flavor.

Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving. For best crispness, assemble just before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Prepare cream cheese filling in advance; fill cups right before serving.
• Mini Version: Perfect for a holiday appetizer platter—adjust quantity as needed.
• Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cream cheese for extra festive flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer / Holiday Snack
• Method: No-Bake / Quick Assembly
• Cuisine: American / Festive