Cranberry Brie Tarts (Holiday-Perfect!)

These cranberry brie tarts are the ultimate holiday appetizer buttery puff pastry, melty brie, and tart cranberry sauce baked into the perfect bite. Whether you need holiday dinner tart ideas, want to learn how to make cranberry brie tart, or love beautiful puff pastry creations like a brie and cranberry pastry wreath, this recipe brings elegance to your table with almost zero effort. These are ideal for brie tarts holiday appetizers, easy hosting nights, or as part of the best appetizer recipes collection. With simple ingredients and a 20-minute bake time, they make excellent appetizers easy finger food, festive party bites, and a must-have option for anyone who loves brie cheese cranberries puff pastry combos.

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Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Servings: 12 tarts

Ingredients List

For the Cranberry Brie Tarts

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz), cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Optional Add-Ons

  • Chopped pecans
  • Orange zest
  • Toasted walnuts
  • Hot honey drizzle

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.

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking tray
  • Spoon for filling

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the puff pastry
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 12 equal squares.
  2. Fill tart cups
    • Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin.
    • Add a cube of brie into each cup.
  3. Add cranberry sauce
    • Spoon about 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top of each piece of brie.
    • Add maple syrup or honey for a sweet holiday touch.
  4. Brush edges
    • Lightly brush exposed pastry with egg wash for golden color.
  5. Bake
    • Bake 10–12 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden and brie is melted.
  6. Finish and garnish
    • Top with rosemary or thyme.
    • Add optional hot honey, nuts, or citrus zest for a gourmet twist.
  7. Serve warm
    • Enjoy immediately they’re gooey, melty, and irresistible!

Pro Tips

  1. No puff pastry?
    Use crescent dough or phyllo cups.
  2. Make it into a wreath:
    Shape pastry around the brie for a brie and cranberry pastry wreath.
  3. Add crunch:
    Pecans or walnuts add incredible texture.
  4. Make ahead:
    Assemble and refrigerate; bake right before serving.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 tart1203g10g7g1g5g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This recipe is provided for general informational purposes only. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

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Cranberry Brie Tarts

These cranberry brie tarts are perfect holiday dinner tart ideas. Flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and sweet cranberries create one of the best appetizer recipes for the season. Ideal for brie tarts holiday appetizers, puff pastry bites, and easy finger foods.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme (optional)

Equipment

  • mini muffin tin
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • spoon
  • oven
  • baking tray (optional for regular size)

Method
 

  1. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and press into greased mini muffin tin.
  2. Add a cube of brie and spoonful of cranberry sauce to each.
  3. Brush edges of pastry with egg wash if desired.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and garnish with herbs. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use phyllo cups instead of puff pastry for mini bites.
Top with pecans or crushed pistachios for crunch.
Best served warm but also tasty at room temp.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

These cranberry brie tarts are everything a holiday appetizer should be — simple, elegant, melty, flaky, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re searching for easy finger food, beautiful puff pastry bites, or the best appetizer recipes for gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd favorite and pairs beautifully with any holiday menu.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Yes! Fresh or store-bought both work perfectly.

Can I make these ahead?

Assemble them in advance and bake just before serving.

Do they reheat well?

Yes — reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Can I use different cheese?

Goat cheese or camembert are delicious swaps.