Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get ready to bake!
In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and water.
1 cup fresh raspberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon water
Gently simmer over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
8 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
If using pie crust, unroll it and cut out desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using shortbread cookies, simply place them on parchment paper.
1 package refrigerated pie crust
Spoon the cream cheese filling onto each crust (or shortbread cookie).
8 ounces cream cheese, 1 package refrigerated pie crust
Top each bite with a spoonful of the cooled raspberry topping.
1 cup fresh raspberries
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden (if using pie crust) and the cream cheese filling is set.
Let the Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy! These are best served chilled or at room temperature.
