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
Scale
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.
