There’s something about crispy, golden wontons filled with sweet, creamy goodness that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether served as a dessert, a snack, or even a party appetizer, these Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of crispy wonton wrappers and a rich, slightly tangy cream cheese filling creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, they can be fried, baked, or air-fried, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
I still remember the first time I had sweet wontons. I was at a small family gathering, and someone brought out a plate of golden, crunchy treats. expecting something savory, but after one bite, I was hooked—the crispy exterior gave way to a luscious, slightly sweet, and tangy cream cheese filling that melted in my mouth. Since then, these wontons have become a staple at our family get-togethers. Whether served with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or a drizzle of honey, they never fail to impress.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples, and you’ll have a batch of delicious wontons ready in no time. Plus, they’re easy to customize! Want to add fruit? Go for it. Prefer a hint of spice? A dash of cinnamon works wonders. No matter how you tweak them, they always turn out amazing.
If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, you’re in the right place. These Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and absolutely impossible to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons! They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are endlessly customizable. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Quick and simple – With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have these ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly crispy – The wonton wrappers crisp up beautifully, creating a golden shell that shatters with every bite.
- Creamy and luscious filling – The combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar gives the filling a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Multiple cooking methods – You can deep-fry for the crispiest results, bake for a healthier option, or air-fry for a quick and easy alternative.
- Customizable flavors – Add Nutella, fresh fruit, cinnamon, or even a hint of citrus zest to switch up the flavor.
- Great for any occasion – Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a snack, or as a dessert, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Dipping fun! – Pair them with sweet and sour sauce, chocolate, honey, or fruit preserves for an extra burst of flavor.
Health Benefits
While these sweet cream cheese wontons are an indulgent treat, they also have a few surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
- Portion control – Since they’re small and individually portioned, they allow you to enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
- Dairy benefits – Cream cheese is a good source of calcium, which supports bone health. It also contains small amounts of protein.
- Alternative cooking methods – Baking or air-frying these wontons significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making them a lighter option compared to deep-frying.
- Customization for a healthier version – You can swap the powdered sugar for honey or a sugar substitute to reduce refined sugar intake. Adding fresh fruit to the filling also boosts the nutritional content.
- Crispy satisfaction without excessive calories – Baked or air-fried versions can satisfy a craving for something crispy without the excess calories that come from deep-frying.
While these wontons are best enjoyed as an occasional treat, choosing healthier variations and cooking methods can make them a more balanced part of your diet.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 wontons
Nutritional information per serving (2 wontons):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
Ingredients List
The Wontons:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, whisked with a splash of water (for sealing)
Frying:
- 3 cups canola oil (or any neutral frying oil)
Baking:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Filling Variations:
- Cream cheese + 2 tbsp Nutella
- Cream cheese + ¼ cup finely diced pineapple
- Cream cheese + 2 tbsp strawberry or blueberry jelly
- Cream cheese + 1 tsp orange zest
- Cream cheese + ¼ tsp cinnamon
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Wontons
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If using any flavor variations, mix them in at this stage.
- Lay out 4 wonton wrappers at a time, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Place ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Use your fingers or a brush to lightly brush the edges of each wrapper with the whisked egg wash.
- Fold the wontons diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- (Optional) For a more traditional wonton shape, fold the left and right corners inward to the center.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method
Frying (For the Crispiest Wontons)
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan or Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wonton wrapper—it should bubble and sizzle immediately.
- Fry 4–5 wontons at a time for 45–60 seconds or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Baking (For a Lighter Version)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange wontons in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping.
Air Frying (For a Quick and Easy Method)
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Lightly brush each wonton with oil or spray them with cooking spray.
- Air fry in a single layer for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve
- With Dips: Serve with sweet and sour sauce, chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or honey.
- As a Dessert Platter: Arrange with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an elegant dessert board.
- With Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: Pair with herbal tea, coffee, or a fruit smoothie.
- Sides: Enjoy with fresh berries or a light fruit salad.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store cooked wontons in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked wontons on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 300°F for 5–10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the wontons – Too much filling can cause them to burst.
- Not sealing properly – Ensure the edges are pressed tightly to avoid leaks.
- Frying at the wrong temperature – Oil that’s too hot burns the wontons; oil that’s too cool makes them greasy.
Creative Toppings and Garnishes
While these sweet wontons are perfect on their own, adding a few thoughtful garnishes can take them to the next level. A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives them a bakery-style finish, while a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel adds richness. If you want a contrast of textures, try toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, adds a refreshing balance to the creamy filling. You can also experiment with a light honey drizzle for a natural sweetness. For a more elegant presentation, plate the wontons with a side of whipped cream or ice cream, allowing the warm, crispy shells to complement the cold, creamy dessert. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, these wontons are guaranteed to impress.
2. Fun Ways to Serve for Different Occasions
These wontons aren’t just a great dessert—they can be styled for various occasions. For a casual gathering, serve them in a bowl with toothpicks alongside multiple dipping sauces like chocolate, fruit compote, or honey for a fun, interactive snack. If you’re hosting a formal dinner, plate them beautifully with an artistic drizzle of raspberry coulis and a dusting of powdered sugar. They also make a fantastic holiday dessert—for example, during winter months, serve them with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or a side of hot cocoa. For a kid-friendly treat, place them on a platter with colorful sprinkles and chocolate sauce, letting children dip and decorate their own. No matter the occasion, these crispy wontons will fit right in.
3. How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free
If you need a gluten-free version, swap regular wonton wrappers with gluten-free rice paper wrappers, which will still crisp up when fried or baked. Another option is to use homemade gluten-free dough rolled thin and cut into squares. For a dairy-free alternative, replace cream cheese with coconut cream cheese or blended cashews mixed with maple syrup for a smooth and slightly sweet filling. If you want to cut back on refined sugar, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of powdered sugar. These small tweaks allow you to enjoy the same delicious crispy texture and creamy filling while accommodating dietary restrictions.
4. How to Make Mini Wontons for Bite-Sized Treats
For a fun, bite-sized twist, you can make mini wontons by cutting regular wonton wrappers into smaller squares or using round dumpling wrappers folded into tiny pockets. Since these are smaller, adjust the filling to about ¼ teaspoon per wonton to prevent them from bursting. Cooking time will also be slightly shorter—about 30-45 seconds for frying, 8 minutes for baking, and 5-6 minutes for air frying. These mini wontons are perfect for party platters, snack trays, or elegant dessert buffets. Serve them in a bowl with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. Their small size makes them extra crispy, and they’re absolutely addictive!
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you fry them for the crispiest bite, bake them for a lighter treat, or air-fry them for a quick fix, you really can’t go wrong. I can’t wait for you to try them—let me know how they turn out!
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Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons: Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Delicious
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Cream Cheese Wontons are a delightful, crispy treat with a creamy and slightly sweet filling. They can be deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, making them a versatile snack or dessert. Pair them with sweet and sour sauce, chocolate drizzle, or fruit preserves for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz wonton wrappers (about 24-30)
- 1 egg, whisked with water (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Lay out wonton wrappers and place ½ teaspoon of filling in the center.
- Brush edges with egg wash and fold diagonally to seal.
- Fry in hot oil at 350°F for 45-60 seconds until golden.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F, spray wontons lightly with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- For air-frying: Air-fry at 370°F for 7-8 minutes until crisp.
Notes
- Customize the filling with Nutella, fruit preserves, or cinnamon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked wontons for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired