Flakey Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Cups Recipe – Sweet Bites

Festive gatherings sparkle with these delightful cranberry brie puff pastry cups that blend creamy richness with tangy sweetness.

Elegant appetizers can truly impress even the most discerning guests.

Buttery pastry shells cradle melted brie and vibrant cranberry sauce, creating a perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Guests will adore the complex flavors dancing on their palates.

These mini treats come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

Stunning yet uncomplicated, they promise to be the star of any holiday spread.

Serve these delectable morsels and watch your friends marvel at your culinary prowess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Cups

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky foundation that creates golden crispy vessel for the filling; choose all-butter variety for richer flavor and better texture.
• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping perfect bite-sized cups; non-stick version recommended for easy removal.

• Brie Cheese: Soft, luxurious cheese that melts beautifully; select young, mild wheel for smooth consistency and gentle flavor profile.

• Cranberry Sauce: Vibrant condiment that adds bright, festive touch; homemade or high-quality store-bought versions work best for authentic taste.

Tools to Cut and Fill Puff Pastry Neatly

• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking the pastry cups perfectly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut puff pastry sheets into precise 3-inch squares.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for cutting pastry and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps distribute cranberry sauce evenly across each pastry cup.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot muffin tin and removing pastries.

How to Bake These Festive Cranberry Bites

• Oven Warmth

Crank up the oven to a cozy 375°F, getting it ready for our delicious pastry adventure.

• Pastry Transformation

Gently unfold the puff pastry and slice it into neat little squares that will nestle perfectly into mini muffin cups.

• Cheesy Cranberry Magic

Tuck a dreamy slice of brie into each pastry pocket, then crown it with a dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce for a burst of flavor.

• Golden Baking Moment

Slide the muffin tin into the warm oven and watch as the pastry edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese starts to melt into creamy goodness.

• Resting and Savoring

Let these little flavor bombs rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing the flavors to mingle and the temperature to settle before diving into their delectable embrace.

Tips for Crisp Pastry and Melted Brie

• Perfect Pastry Prep: Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for the crispiest, flakiest results. Work quickly to keep the dough chilled and prevent sticking.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different jams or preserves like orange marmalade, fig jam, or raspberry compote to create unique flavor combinations that complement the creamy brie.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the pastry cups up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crisp texture.
• Gourmet Garnish: Elevate the appetizer by sprinkling chopped fresh thyme, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of honey just before serving to add extra depth and visual appeal.
• Cheese Swap: Replace brie with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a delightful twist on the original recipe. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

Serving Puff Cups at Brunch or Party Tables

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange these delectable bites on a festive wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a stunning presentation that screams elegance.
• Appetizer Accompaniment: Pair these pastry cups with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Champagne to complement the rich brie and tangy cranberry sauce.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme or candied pecans on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor that will impress your guests.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve these pastry cups alongside a fresh fruit salad and light mimosas for a sophisticated weekend brunch that feels both indulgent and refined.

How to Save Leftovers Without Losing Texture

• Smart Batch Prep: Make a double or triple batch of these delightful cups and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture and gooey cheese goodness.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Assemble the cups before baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Quick Serving Tip: Pull these appetizers out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to allow them to reach room temperature. This helps the cheese soften and flavors bloom, making them even more delectable for guests.
• Portion Control Magic: If you're meal prepping or hosting a party, these cups can be portioned into individual servings. Arrange them on a pretty platter, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, and watch them disappear quickly at gatherings.

Elegant Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Cups Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Cups combine elegant French cheese with tart holiday berries in a flaky pastry shell. Festive appetizers emerge crisp and golden, perfect for winter entertaining when guests crave something special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz (226 g) brie cheese
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) whole berry cranberry sauce
• Fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a perfect environment for golden, crispy pastry transformation.
2. Pastry Preparation: Unfold thawed puff pastry and slice into precise 3-inch squares, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent baking results.
3. Shaping: Gently press pastry squares into mini muffin tin wells, allowing the dough to mold smoothly into curved contours with delicate precision.
4. Cheese Layer: Position compact brie portions centrally within each pastry shell, creating a creamy foundation for the subsequent layers.
5. Cranberry Topping: Spread vibrant cranberry sauce generously over the brie, allowing the rich crimson compote to cascade across the cheese surface with elegant irregularity.
6. Baking Process: Transfer the loaded muffin tin to the preheated oven, observing the pastry’s dramatic metamorphosis as edges curl and turn golden while cheese melts and cranberry sauce bubbles enticingly.
7. Finishing Touch: After 10-12 minutes, remove cups when edges are perfectly crisp, cheese is molten, and cranberry topping displays a glossy, appetizing sheen. Allow brief resting time to stabilize temperatures and meld flavors before serving.

Notes

• Pastry Perfection: Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for the flakiest, most delicate texture that creates stunning, crispy cups.
• Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality, creamy brie that melts smoothly and complements the tangy cranberry sauce for maximum flavor impact.
• Precise Placement: Press pastry squares gently but firmly into muffin tin wells to create even, cup-shaped shells that bake uniformly and hold their shape.
• Serving Tip: Allow cups to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and let flavors meld, creating a more balanced and enjoyable appetizer experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg