Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Gather all ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy layer is the perfect base for the tart cranberry sauce.
Unroll crescent dough on a flat surface and press seams together to form one rectangle. This helps hold the filling and creates uniform roll-ups.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, then layer cranberry sauce on top. Sprinkle chopped pecans if using—they add a delightful crunch.
Roll dough tightly from one end to the other and slice into 1-inch rounds. Place each round on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them slightly apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor.