Description
These Holiday Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tartlets are festive, elegant appetizers perfect for any holiday gathering. Featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs, then drizzled with a warm cinnamon-honey glaze, these tartlets combine sweet, savory, and nutty flavors for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 small brie wheels (6–8 oz each), rind on and chilled
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry works best)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage), finely chopped
Glaze and Finishing
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out both sheets of thawed puff pastry and cut each into 8 equal squares to make a total of 16 squares for the tartlets.
- Prepare Brie: Cut the chilled brie wheels into 16 approximately 1-inch cubes, ensuring each tartlet gets a creamy cheese center.
- Assemble Tartlets: Place a cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce, sprinkle with chopped nuts, and add a pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs for aroma and flavor.
- Shape Pastry Bundles: Fold up the corners of each pastry square to form little bundles or twist them into small tartlet shapes, pinching the edges firmly to close and hold the filling inside during baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey with ground cinnamon and warm gently to blend the flavors and make it easier to drizzle over the tartlets later.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush each pastry bundle generously with the egg wash made from egg and water to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake the tartlets for 18–22 minutes or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and bubbly with melted brie.
- Finish with Glaze: Once baked, immediately drizzle the warm cinnamon-honey glaze over each tartlet to add a sweet, spiced finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and the best flavor contrast.
- Ensure the brie is chilled to make cutting and handling easier.
- Fresh herbs can be varied depending on preference or availability; rosemary adds a piney note, thyme a subtle earthiness, and sage a warm depth.
- Be careful not to overfill the tartlets to avoid leakage during baking.
- The cinnamon in the honey glaze adds a festive touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve these tartlets warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
