Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are a delicious combination of crisp, golden wrappers and a rich, creamy filling. This indulgent treat is perfect as a snack, dessert, or party appetizer. With a delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, these wontons offer an irresistible contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, velvety smooth on the inside.
While traditionally associated with Asian cuisine, this sweet version takes a delightful spin on the classic cream cheese wonton. Whether deep-fried for an ultra-crispy texture or baked for a lighter option, these little pockets of goodness are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly fried wonton, and this version with sweet cream cheese filling is no exception. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:
1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The filling is a simple yet flavorful mix of cream cheese, sugar, and a touch of seasonings. The sweetness is subtle, just enough to enhance the creamy texture, while the crispy wonton shell provides a delightful contrast.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, these wontons come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a quick snack, they don’t require much effort but deliver exceptional results.
3. Customizable for Every Taste
One of the best things about homemade wontons is their versatility. You can easily tweak the filling to add more sweetness, a hint of spice, or even an extra crunch. Some popular variations include adding honey, cinnamon, or fruit preserves to the cream cheese mixture for a fun twist.
4. Ideal for Any Occasion
These wontons are a fantastic option for parties, potlucks, or movie nights. Serve them with a dipping sauce like honey, chocolate drizzle, or fruit compote, and they’ll be the first thing to disappear from the table.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
2. Assemble the Wontons
- Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface.
- Add 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Moisten the edges with water and fold into a triangle, sealing tightly.
- (Optional) Bring the two triangle corners together and pinch for a decorative shape.
- Repeat for all wrappers.
3. Heat the Oil
- In a deep pot, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F-375°F.
4. Fry the Wontons
- Fry in small batches (4-6 wontons at a time) for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Wonton):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Total Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
Baking vs. Frying: Which One is Better?
Traditional cream cheese wontons are deep-fried for that signature crispy texture, but baking is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter version. Let’s break down the differences:
Fried Wontons
- Texture: Ultra crispy with a golden-brown finish
- Flavor: Richer, with a slight buttery taste from the frying process
- Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes per batch
- Best For: A restaurant-style experience with maximum crunch
Baked Wontons
- Texture: Crispy, but slightly drier than fried versions
- Flavor: Lighter and less oily
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 375°F
- Best For: A healthier option without compromising too much on texture
Both methods yield delicious results, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and dietary choices.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right dipping sauce or side can elevate the experience. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
1. Dipping Sauces
- Honey Drizzle: A touch of natural sweetness enhances the creamy filling.
- Chocolate Ganache: For an indulgent dessert, dip the wontons in melted chocolate.
- Strawberry or Raspberry Sauce: A fruity contrast that pairs well with the rich cream cheese.
- Caramel Sauce: Perfect for those who love a deeper, buttery sweetness.
2. As a Dessert Platter
Arrange the wontons alongside other bite-sized treats like fruit skewers, chocolate truffles, or mini cheesecakes for an elegant dessert board.
3. With Ice Cream
For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the warm wontons with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The hot-and-cold combination is irresistible.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Wontons
To ensure your wontons turn out perfect every time, keep these key tips in mind:
1. Use Fresh Wonton Wrappers
Wonton wrappers dry out quickly, making them difficult to fold and seal. If they feel stiff, cover them with a damp paper towel while assembling the wontons to keep them pliable.
2. Don’t Overfill the Wontons
A small amount of filling goes a long way. Overstuffing the wontons can cause them to burst while cooking, leading to a messy frying process.
3. Seal the Edges Properly
A proper seal prevents the filling from leaking out. Using a little water along the edges before folding will help keep them tightly closed.
4. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
For deep frying, keep the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Too hot, and the wontons will burn before the inside is warmed through; too low, and they’ll absorb excess oil, making them greasy.
5. Cook in Small Batches
Frying too many wontons at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Work in batches to keep the oil at the right heat level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the wontons in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
2. Can I freeze cream cheese wontons?
Absolutely. To freeze, arrange the assembled (but uncooked) wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Fry or bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
3. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the filling, but you can substitute it with soy sauce, tamari, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
4. How do I reheat leftover wontons?
To keep them crispy, reheat fried wontons in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
5. Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes! Substitute regular cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based or coconut-based cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
6. How can I make these spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or mix in some finely chopped jalapeños.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try These Wontons Today
Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re craving a crispy snack, a unique dessert, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers every time.
The best part? They’re incredibly easy to customize. Experiment with different fillings, play around with dipping sauces, and make them your own. Once you’ve tried homemade wontons, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again.
So grab a pack of wonton wrappers, heat up some oil, and treat yourself to the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. These wontons might just become your new favorite go-to recipe!
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Sweet Cream Cheese Wonton Dessert
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons 1x
Description
Crispy, golden, and filled with a rich, creamy center, Cream Cheese Wontons are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a delicious homemade bite, these wontons are a perfect combination of crunchy texture and creamy flavor. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a treat that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend the mixture using a handheld or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Wontons:
- Place one wonton wrapper on a clean, flat surface.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of the wrapper.
- Dip your index finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper to moisten them.
- Fold the wrapper diagonally into a triangle, pressing out any air and sealing the edges.
- For a decorative twist, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to seal.
- Repeat this process until all wontons are assembled.
- Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F to 375°F. - Fry the Wontons:
- Fry 4-6 wontons at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wontons are golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
Serve the cream cheese wontons warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or sriracha mayo.
Notes
- Sealing Tips: Ensure the wontons are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Add more or less sugar based on your preference for a sweeter or more savory filling.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, brush the wontons with oil and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian