Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and creamy. I always make sure there are no lumps so the filling bakes evenly and looks professional.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it carefully. Place the pieces on a lined baking sheet, gently pressing them slightly flat. This helps create enough space to hold the filling without overflowing.
Spoon a small amount of cream cheese mixture onto each piece of dough. Add a teaspoon of raspberry preserves on top, gently swirling it into the cream cheese. This creates that beautiful marbled look after baking.
Place the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the edges are golden and the centers are set. I usually watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, I like to dust them with powdered sugar or top with fresh raspberries for an elegant finish before serving.