Close-up of mini brie cranberry tarts with golden puff pastry and glossy cranberry topping

Mini Brie and Cranberry Tarts

by

Elegant, festive & unbelievably easy to make

These Mini Brie and Cranberry Tarts are an elegant holiday appetizer that look stunning but take only minutes to make! Creamy, melty Brie paired with sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors all nestled inside a golden, flaky puff pastry or phyllo cup. They’re bite-sized, beautiful, and ideal for holiday parties, Christmas dinner starters, Thanksgiving, New Year’s gatherings, or last-minute entertaining. With no bacon and no alcohol, this Emma’s Cake Studio classic is family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear in seconds. They’re festive, rich, and irresistibly delicious the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients List

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (or 12 phyllo cups)
  • 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into 12 small cubes
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Muffin tin or baking sheet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small spoon
  • Pastry cutter (optional)
  • Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the pastry:
    Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and press each into a muffin tin, OR place phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
  2. Add the Brie:
    Place a cube of Brie into each tart cup.
  3. Add cranberry:
    Spoon ½–1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie.
  4. Top it:
    Add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped nuts if using.
  5. Bake:
    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden and melty.
  6. Finish:
    Add a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme for a festive look.
  7. Serve:
    Serve warm they’re irresistible straight from the oven!

Pro Tips

  • Use cold Brie: It holds its shape better when cutting.
  • No puff pastry? Phyllo shells make this even easier.
  • Make ahead: Prep tarts in the muffin tin, refrigerate, and bake right before guests arrive.
  • Add crunch: Pecans or walnuts add amazing texture.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 tart1103g10g7g0g5g