If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, this Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe is exactly what your holiday celebrations need. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry cradling soft, creamy brie, paired perfectly with tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and a subtle hint of fresh herbs—all finished with a warm drizzle of spiced honey that brings every flavor together in a cozy, irresistible way. These tartlets are the ultimate crowd-pleasers that strike just the right balance between fancy and approachable, making them your go-to appetizer for any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for something truly special. Each component works harmoniously: the puff pastry creates that satisfyingly flaky texture, the brie offers richness, the cranberry sauce adds a bright, fruity punch, and the nuts bring crunch and depth. The fresh herbs and cinnamon-honey glaze elevate everything with a fragrant holiday aroma and a touch of sweetness.
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The flaky base that turns every bite into a crispy, buttery delight.
- 2 small brie wheels (6–8 oz each), rind on and chilled: Creamy and mild, the star cheese that melts beautifully inside the pastry.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best): Adds a tart-sweet burst that’s classic for the holidays.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Provides crunch and a toasty flavor that complements both cheese and fruit.
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage), finely chopped: Freshness and a hint of earthiness to brighten each bite.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance tartness and richness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for spiced honey twist): Infuses the dish with warming holiday spice.
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Gives the pastry that beautiful golden shine.
How to Make Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This step is key for even baking and golden crusts that will impress your guests.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry into Squares
Roll out each sheet of puff pastry gently just to smooth it out, if needed. Then, cut each sheet into 8 equal squares, giving you a total of 16 tartlets. Perfectly portioned, these squares will cradle our flavorful filling beautifully and bake evenly.
Step 3: Cube the Brie
Cut the chilled brie wheels into 16 roughly 1-inch cubes. Keeping the rind on adds a lovely texture contrast and helps the cheese maintain its shape as it melts inside the pastry pockets.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets
Place one brie cube right in the center of every puff pastry square. Spoon about a teaspoon of the cranberry sauce on top, sprinkle with chopped nuts and a pinch of fresh herbs. Layering these flavors here ensures every bite has a delightful balance.
Step 5: Shape the Tartlets
Gently bring the corners of each pastry square up around the filling, folding or twisting into mini bundles. Pinch the edges firmly to seal in all the deliciousness so nothing leaks out when baking.
Step 6: Prepare Spiced Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, combine honey and ground cinnamon. Warm it slightly either in a microwave or in a small saucepan just until it’s thin and pourable. This glaze is your secret finishing touch, bringing warmth and gloss to the final tartlets.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg with water and brush it generously over each tartlet. This egg wash gives the pastry a stunning golden hue once baked. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Right out of the oven, drizzle the warm spiced honey over each tartlet for that final shine and hint of sweetness. Serve them immediately so your guests experience the full sensory delight of warm, melty brie, crisp pastry, and vibrant cranberry.
How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs are perfect as simple garnishes that reinforce those inviting herbal notes. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with a few coarse sea salt flakes or a pinch of finely chopped pistachios for color and contrast.
Side Dishes
These tartlets shine as an appetizer but also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through their richness. They also complement savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham, tying a holiday meal together seamlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties on rustic wooden boards or elegant platters surrounded by fresh cranberries and herb sprigs to amp up the holiday vibe. For a fun twist, offer a variety of herb and nut toppings on the side so guests can customize their tartlets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep well but are best enjoyed warm to bring back their flaky texture and melty cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked tartlets by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat the tartlets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through and the pastry regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like camembert or a mild goat cheese, keeping in mind their melting properties and flavor profiles.
Is fresh cranberry sauce necessary?
Whole berry cranberry sauce really shines here for its bright tartness and texture. You could substitute with a high-quality jarred sauce, but fresh or homemade cranberry sauce will deliver the best taste and appearance.
Can these tartlets be made vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry, plant-based cheese alternatives, and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly version that still captures the spirit of the recipe.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans both offer lovely crunch and subtle bitterness that complement the tartlets. Feel free to try toasted almonds for a different flavor note, but keep nuts chopped for easy eating.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs are preferred for their vibrant flavor and aroma, but if you only have dried, use half the amount and sprinkle them lightly for a subtler effect.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like the perfect mix of warm, melty cheese, tart cranberry, crunchy nuts, and buttery pastry all in a delightful bite. This Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe is one of those special dishes that bring friends and family together, sparking smiles and conversation all around. I can’t wait for you to try making them and watch how quickly they disappear at your next celebration!
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Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 tartlets
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your guests with these festive Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets. Featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and fragrant fresh herbs, finished with a sweet cinnamon-honey drizzle, these tartlets make an elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Pastry and Cheese
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 small brie wheels (6–8 oz each), rind on and chilled
Fillings and Toppings
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage), finely chopped
Glaze
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for spiced honey twist)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out both sheets of thawed puff pastry and cut each into 8 equal squares, making 16 squares total.
- Prepare Brie: Cut the chilled brie wheels into 16 cubes about 1 inch each to fit perfectly on the pastry squares.
- Assemble Tartlets: Place one brie cube in the center of each pastry square. Top each with one teaspoon of cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs to layer flavors.
- Shape Pastry: Fold up the corners of each pastry square to create small bundles or twist into tartlet shapes, pinching the edges tightly to seal in the filling.
- Prepare Spiced Honey: In a small bowl, combine honey and ground cinnamon, then warm slightly to blend the flavors together smoothly.
- Egg Wash & Bake: Mix the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pastry tartlet with the egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the brie is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, drizzle the warm cinnamon-honey mixture over each tartlet just before serving to add a sweet and aromatic glaze.
Notes
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and a burst of flavor.
- Chilling the brie before cutting helps it hold its shape while assembling.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage add a festive aroma but can be adjusted to preference.
- Egg wash is essential for a golden and shiny pastry finish.
- Serve warm for the best melty brie experience and drizzle honey just before serving to prevent sogginess.
