Delicious Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups For Festive Appetizers

The very moment my kitchen filled with the buttery aroma of Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups baking, I knew I’d found a winner. It was a chilly afternoon in Havana’s vibrant Mercado de San José, where I first tasted these magic nuggets at a lively holiday market. The way the tangy cranberries tangled with creamy brie cheese, all wrapped in flaky golden puff pastry cups, blew my mind. Those layers of flavor—sweet, tart, creamy, and crisp—were unforgettable.

This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups moment perfectly captures Cuba Queen’s bold flavor philosophy: unapologetically rich, packed with punch, and delivering that kind of bite that turns any snack into a celebration.

I’ve been obsessed since, tuning this recipe in my kitchen until the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups hit the perfect balance of flaky pastry, melty cheese, and bright cranberry pop. Now I’m beyond pumped to share this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups recipe with you because honestly, once you taste this, your holiday party snacks and easy finger foods game changes forever!

And trust me, these aren’t your average cranberry appetizers. The way the brie cheese recipes often take center stage gets an upgrade with this easy, crowd-wowing recipe. I’m talking puff pastry bites that steal the show — sweet, savory, flakey bites that demand second helpings.

Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a flavor playground with Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups.

Ingredients You Need for This

Raw ingredients for cranberry brie puff pastry cups arranged on marble with a modern kitchen mise en place

This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups ingredient list is SHORT but mighty. Ready for a flavor boost? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed but still cold (Pillsbury is a go-to for that flaky crunch)
  • 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes (Splurge here for ultra-creamy brie that melts like a dream)
  • ½ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, but homemade gives you that fresh tang)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for that golden, shiny crust finish)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (game-changer! Adds a surprising zesty twist)
  • 2 tablespoons crushed pecans or walnuts (toasting these adds crunch and nutty depth)

The secret to epic Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups is using fresh rosemary instead of dried herbs—trust me, it lifts everything. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups at local farmer’s markets or specialty stores where they stock fresh herbs and quality cheese.

If you’re budget conscious, sub the brie with camembert for a similar creamy vibe, and swap fresh rosemary with a pinch of dried thyme. Both still deliver bold flavor without cutting corners.

Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to assemble, that’s a power move for flaky results. And slather homemade cranberry sauce for bright, fresh pop over the canned stuff any day, but hey, we’re all about bold flavor adventures, so do you!

For a fresh twist, I sometimes toss in chopped jalapeño for heat or swap pecans for candied walnuts for holiday sparkle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? Here’s how your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups comes alive with flavor and flair:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with parchment or lightly oil it—this is where the magic happens.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth the creases. Cut into 12 equal squares. Each square becomes an individual Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups mini masterpiece.
  3. Gently press each square into the muffin tin, creating perfect little cups. Don’t stretch the dough too thin; you want sturdy puff pastry bites that hold all that brie cheese goodness.
  4. Place a small cube of brie cheese into each cup. Don’t overload—exactly one cube per cup keeps the balance perfect.
  5. Top each with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce—this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups combo brings the right sweet and tart zip.
  6. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and crushed nuts on top. This combo lights up the flavor, no doubt.
  7. Brush each puff pastry cup’s edges with beaten egg. This is your golden-time moment—watch them transform in the oven.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and golden, and the brie cheese is bubbling like a flavor volcano.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups should smell heavenly and look like bite-sized jewels.
  10. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the cups from the pan. Serve warm for melty cheese bliss.

Don’t stress—your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups is going to be incredible. Pro tip for Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups perfection: Keep everything chilled until the final bake. It makes all the difference for that flaky lift everyone raves about.

While your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups are doing their golden dance in the oven, grab your camera—these puff pastry bites are pure Instagram gold.

If your cranberry sauce feels too runny, strain it a bit so your Puff Pastry Cups don’t get soggy. This little troubleshooting move keeps every bite crisp and satisfying.

Presentation

Close up of finished delicious cranberry brie puff pastry cups on a wooden surface

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups at holiday gatherings. Why? Because it’s not just finger food—it’s a flavor bomb on a plate.

For max impact, serve these puff pastry bites on a wooden board dotted with fresh rosemary sprigs and small bowls of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. A drizzle of honey over the top brings an unexpected touch of sweetness that makes every bite pop.

Pair it with sparkling wine or a citrusy white for the perfect vibe. This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups absolutely slays at dinner parties and casual get-togethers alike.

Instagram-worthy plating tip? Arrange the cups in a circular pattern like a festive wreath and sprinkle finely chopped pistachios on top for color contrast.

Leftovers? No shame in reheating in a hot oven for 5–7 minutes; then, cut them up and toss into a salad or serve alongside roasted veggies for a flavor-packed lunch remix.

Seasonal Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups variations I’ve tested include swapping fresh cranberries and orange zest in the sauce for extra zing or adding honey-roasted pecans for crunch. Each version surprises and delights like a holiday flavor fiesta.

This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups recipe reminds me of another flavor explosion over at Cuba Queen, like the mouthwatering Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try those too!

FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups spicier?
Absolutely! Toss finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cranberry sauce. I tested this spicy version, and it adds a fiery twist without overpowering the brie cheese recipes.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary for Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups?
Dried thyme or even sage work in a pinch. Fresh herbs pack deeper aroma, but dried herbs still deliver bold flavor—your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups won’t miss a beat.

How do I know when my Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups is perfectly done?
Look for puff pastry that’s risen tall and golden brown. The edges should be crisp, and the cheese should be bubbling gently. Aroma cues? Your kitchen should smell like buttery, cheesy heaven.

Can I prepare Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups ahead of time?
You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Let them come back to room temp 15 minutes before baking for even puff and crisp.

What other nuts work in Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups?
Pecans, walnuts, pistachios—all rock. Toast them lightly for that next-level crunch.

Is it okay to use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, but fresh or homemade cranberry sauce gives that punch of tartness and texture for top-notch Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups.

Can I substitute brie cheese?
Camembert is a creamy stand-in. If you want to go bold, try a triple-cream brie for ultra-lux creaminess.

Community feedback on this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups recipe calls it a “holiday party snack hero” and “easy finger food winner.” You’re going to nail it too—bold flavors, simple steps, big wow.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups recipe embodies Cuba Queen’s flavor mission—sassy, indulgent, and flavor-bomb delicious. It’s the kind of puff pastry bites that turn ordinary moments into celebrations.

My Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups Power Tips:

  • Keep puff pastry cold for perfect lift
  • Use fresh rosemary for that bright, crunchy contrast
  • Don’t skip the beaten egg wash—golden crust is everything

I’ve played around with cranberry-orange versions, jalapeño heat-adventures, and toasted pecan swaps—all epic Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups variations. The classic cranberry and brie cheese combo still steals the show every time.

This recipe gets the biggest reactions at my holiday parties—your guests will be hooked from the first bite. Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups your signature dish, wow your crowd, and create those bold flavor memories that stick.

I can’t wait to see how your Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups turn out! Snap some pics, share the excitement, and keep those flavor adventures burning bright!

If this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups gets you craving more, jump over to check out my Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites and Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites for even more puff pastry magic.

Ready to make your kitchen legendary? Let’s do this!

For more flavor-packed inspiration:

And for a puff pastry brunch party vibe:

Happy cooking, flavor adventurer!

Print

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups

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Delight in these elegant Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups, combining flaky pastry with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce for a perfect appetizer or snack.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
  • Flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out the folds.
  3. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares large enough to fit into the muffin cups.
  4. Press each square gently into the mini muffin tin cups, forming little pastry cups.
  5. Place a small piece of brie cheese into the bottom of each pastry cup.
  6. Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of chopped fresh thyme over each cup.
  8. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to help with browning.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from the tin.
  11. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

For a festive touch, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with toasted pecans before serving.

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