If you are looking for a festive treat that perfectly combines creamy, fruity, and flaky textures, this Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These bite-sized delights feature the rich, buttery goodness of brie cheese nestled inside crisp puff pastry, topped with tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and fragrant herbs. Drizzled with a spiced honey glaze, they bring a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, appetizer platters, or special family moments. Each tartlet sings with warmth and seasonal charm, making them an unforgettable addition to your festive menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays an integral role, from the flaky puff pastry that offers a golden, buttery crust to the creamy brie delivering silky richness. The cranberry sauce gives a vibrant pop of color and tartness, while nuts add satisfying crunch and depth. Lastly, fresh herbs and spicy honey provide aromatic complexity to elevate the whole dish.
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The perfect base, puff pastry provides light, flaky layers that hold all the toppings beautifully.
- 2 small brie wheels (6–8 oz each), rind on and chilled: Using chilled brie allows for easier cutting and perfect melting inside each tartlet.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best): Freshness and texture come from whole berries, adding a beautiful contrast to the creamy brie.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): A crunchy element that adds nutty richness and a satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage), finely chopped: These fragrant herbs infuse seasonal warmth and an herbal touch to balance flavors.
- ¼ cup honey: Sweetens the tartlets naturally and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon in the finishing drizzle.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spiced note to the honey drizzle, completing the holiday flavor profile.
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Gives the puff pastry that irresistible golden sheen and a slight crispness when baked.
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). This high heat is essential for achieving that perfect puff pastry rise and golden color. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and gently roll them out if needed to smooth any creases. Cut each sheet into 8 even squares, giving you a total of 16 squares — the perfect size for individual tartlets that everyone can easily enjoy without utensils.
Step 3: Cube the Brie
Chill your brie before cutting. This ensures cleaner slices and manageable melting during baking. Cut the brie into 16 cubes roughly 1-inch each, ensuring each pastry square gets a generous, creamy center.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets
Place one brie cube in the middle of each puff pastry square. Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top, followed by a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a pinch of your chosen fresh herbs. This layering creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Tartlets
Carefully bring the corners of each pastry square together, forming little bundles or twisting them into tartlet shapes. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, keeping all those delicious fillings safely inside while baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Honey Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix your honey with ground cinnamon. Warm slightly, either in the microwave or in a small saucepan, just until the mixture blends smoothly. This drizzle will add a warm, sweet-spicy finish, perfectly harmonizing with the savory and tart fillings.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this lightly over each tartlet to ensure a shiny, golden crust after baking. Bake the tartlets for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are beautifully puffed, golden brown, and bubbling with melted brie inside.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm cinnamon-honey over each tartlet. The warmth helps the honey soak just a little, adding luscious sweetness and a hint of spice that completes these treats perfectly.
How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra pop of color and festive cheer by garnishing the tartlets with a few fresh herb leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a frosty, holiday look for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These tartlets shine as appetizers or party snacks but pair beautifully alongside simple green salads with vinaigrette or roasted winter vegetables. They complement savory mains and are always a welcome addition to any cheese board.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe on a rustic wooden platter or festive ceramic dish. Arrange them tightly for a lush, abundant look, and consider adding bowls of extra cranberry sauce and honey for dipping. For a fun twist, serve alongside sparkling wine or mulled cider to enhance the holiday spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen after resting, though the puff pastry may lose some crispness over time.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled tartlets by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
Reheat tartlets in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and lose that delightful flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers that creamy, mild flavor ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with camembert, triple cream cheese, or even a mild goat cheese for a different but delicious result.
Is it possible to make these tartlets vegan?
Yes, by substituting vegan puff pastry, using a plant-based cheese alternative, and swapping honey for maple syrup or agave, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare these tartlets?
You can assemble the tartlets a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake, making party day much smoother. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Homemade cranberry sauce works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just ensure it is thick and not too watery to prevent soggy pastry during baking.
What nuts work best for this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices because of their mild sweetness and crunch that complement the tartlets’ flavors beautifully. Feel free to try almonds or hazelnuts if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets Recipe is a standout that turns simple ingredients into festive magic. Every bite is a celebration of textures and flavors that warm the heart and impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or craving a cozy treat, these tartlets are sure to become a cherished tradition. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give them a try and share the joy they bring around your table.
Print
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
Description
These Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets combine flaky puff pastry with creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and aromatic herbs, finished with a sweet cinnamon-honey drizzle. Perfect as festive appetizers or elegant snacks, these tartlets bake to golden perfection and offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Cheese
- 2 small brie wheels (6–8 oz each), rind on and chilled
Filling
- 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
Finishing
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for spiced honey twist)
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out both sheets of thawed puff pastry and cut each into 8 equal squares, making 16 squares total for the tartlets.
- Cut Brie: Slice the chilled brie wheels into 16 approximately 1-inch cubes, keeping the rind intact for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble Tartlets: Place one brie cube in the center of each puff pastry square. Top each with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a small pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs.
- Shape Tartlets: Gather the corners of each pastry square up over the filling, folding or twisting them to form little bundles or tartlet shapes, and pinch the edges firmly to seal.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Honey: In a small bowl, combine the honey and ground cinnamon, then warm slightly until blended smoothly for drizzling later.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Mix the egg and water to create an egg wash and brush it evenly over each tartlet’s surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove tartlets from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm cinnamon-honey mixture over each one before serving to add a sweet and spiced finish.
Notes
- For best results, use whole berry cranberry sauce to maintain texture contrast in the filling.
- Chilling the brie before cutting helps maintain neat cubes and prevents melting during assembly.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with your preferred variety or omit for a nut-free version.
- If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute brie and honey with plant-based alternatives, though the flavor will differ.
- Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Serve these tartlets warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
