If you are looking for a festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy appetizer, then the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These little squares combine the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the sweet-tart burst of cranberry sauce and the creamy, decadent richness of Brie cheese. Each bite offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, brightened with a hint of orange zest and warmth from cinnamon. Whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or impressing guests at your next party, this recipe is pure magic and so much fun to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet carefully chosen ingredients is key to making your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe sing. Each component plays an essential role in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color.
- 2 sheets puff pastry: Provides that light, flaky, golden-brown base that is crucial for an irresistible crunch and structure.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a juicy, tart sweetness with a beautiful vibrant red color.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Brightens the cranberry flavor and adds fresh citrus aroma; plus extra for garnish keeps things festive.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that complement the fruit and cheese beautifully.
- A pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors and keeps everything balanced.
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes: The star of creamy, gooey richness at the heart of each square.
- 1 large egg: For the egg wash, ensuring a shiny, golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Mixed with egg for a silky wash that helps the puff pastry puff perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter: Brushed on after baking to add extra buttery flavor and glossy finish.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Adds an aromatic, herbal touch for garnish that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature is just right to make the puff pastry rise and brown beautifully. Meanwhile, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Get Your Puff Pastry Ready
If you are using refrigerated puff pastry, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes at room temperature so it becomes easier to handle. Frozen puff pastry needs a longer rest—around 30 minutes—to thaw properly without becoming sticky.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your cutting board with flour to prevent sticking and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. With a rolling pin, gently roll it into a 9- x 12-inch rectangle. This gives the puff pastry an even thickness perfect for cutting and baking.
Step 4: Cut and Score the Pastry Squares
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 squares—3 across the short side and 4 across the long side. Then, carefully score a ½-inch border inside each square to create a defined frame, but be careful not to cut all the way through; this will help the edges puff up around the filling.
Step 5: Make the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. This mixture will give your pastry a stunning golden color and a slight sheen once baked.
Step 6: Prepare the Pastry Squares on Baking Sheets
Arrange your 12 pastry squares on each lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them so they can puff properly. Gently brush the outer edges of each square with your egg wash—this helps create that beautiful crust edge.
Step 7: Mix the Cranberry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce with orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Stir it all together until every bit looks evenly blended. This mixture will burst with flavor and balance that creamy Brie perfectly.
Step 8: Assemble the Squares
Spoon about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the cranberry mixture into the center of each pastry square. Use the back of the spoon to slightly create a small well in the sauce, then place a cube of Brie right in the middle of that well. Repeat this for all your squares on both baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake and Finish
Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden, flaky, and cooked through. Once out of the oven, quickly brush the melted salted butter around the edges of each square for added gloss and buttery flavor. Let the squares rest a few minutes before serving, then sprinkle with more orange zest and fresh rosemary if you like.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra orange zest or a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top brightens both the appearance and aroma of these puff pastry squares. These little touches elevate the appetizer, making it feel special and inviting at any gathering.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or alongside a charcuterie board with assorted nuts and dried fruits. These sides add freshness and variety to complement the rich cheese and flaky pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these squares on elegant platters lined with fresh rosemary branches or colorful napkins for a festive look. Arrange them in neat rows or a circle for easy grabbing. You can also offer little skewers or toothpicks to make them perfect finger food for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover puff pastry squares in an airtight container once they have completely cooled. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. This makes them perfect for enjoying the day after your gathering without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled squares on the baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to one month and can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover or frozen Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the pastry to crisp back up while warming the cheese and filling beautifully. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is creamy and mild, you can try Camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well and is not too crumbly.
Is it necessary to remove the rind from the Brie?
Removing the rind is recommended for a smoother, creamier bite and better texture inside the puff pastry. However, if you like the flavor and texture of the rind, you can leave it on—it will bake nicely.
Can I make these squares vegan or dairy-free?
To veganize this recipe, use dairy-free puff pastry, substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese that melts well, and swap the egg wash for a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for browning.
How early can I assemble these before baking?
You can assemble the squares a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. For best results, bake them within 4 hours to keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy.
What should I serve these with at a holiday party?
These puff pastry squares are perfect alongside sparkling wine, a light white wine, or even a festive cocktail. Pairing them with a fresh salad or charcuterie board creates a well-rounded and impressive spread.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels fancy but is genuinely easy to make. Its combination of buttery pastry, creamy cheese, and tangy-sweet cranberry filling is sure to wow friends and family alike. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your signature crowd-pleaser for every special occasion!
Print
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares are elegant yet easy-to-make appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Flaky puff pastry is layered with tangy cranberry sauce infused with orange zest and warming spices, topped with creamy Brie cheese cubes, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a buttery glaze and fresh rosemary for a burst of aroma, these bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrus flavors that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for serving)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Rest Puff Pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. For frozen pastry, allow it to thaw for 30 minutes to become pliable and easier to work with.
- Roll Out Pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 9 by 12-inch rectangle to prepare for cutting.
- Cut and Score Pastry Squares: Cut the rolled pastry into 12 equal squares (3 across the 9-inch side and 4 across the 12-inch side). Lightly score a ½-inch border around each square’s edges creating a frame, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth to use for brushing the pastry edges.
- Arrange and Brush Pastry: Place 12 pastry squares on each lined baking sheet with space between them. Brush the outer edges of each square lightly with the egg wash to help create a golden crust.
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to blend the flavors evenly.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the cranberry sauce into the center of each square. Use the back of the teaspoon to make a small well in the sauce, then place a cube of Brie cheese in the center of each well. Repeat for all squares.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the edges of each square with melted butter for richness and shine. Allow them to rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional orange zest and fresh rosemary, if desired, for extra aroma and presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the squares ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the Brie with a vegan cream cheese or soft cheese of choice and use a dairy-free butter or margarine for brushing.
- Be careful when scoring the pastry squares not to cut all the way through to maintain the puffing effect around the edges.
- Fresh rosemary is optional but adds an aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberry and Brie.
- If you want more citrus flavor, sprinkle additional orange zest over the pastries just before serving.
