Cranberry Brie Bites

Name: Cranberry Brie Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 sheets puff pastry (thawed in refrigerator); 1 cup fresh cranberries; 6 tbsp water; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1/3 cup sugar; ½ tsp orange zest; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 stick of cinnamon; 8 ounces Brie (one wheel); 1 egg beat with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash); 1/3 cup candied pecans (some crushed and some whole)

By Katherine

5 from 1 vote

Nov 09, 2023, Updated Sep 17, 2025

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Cranberry brie bites made with puff pastry present a delightful harmony of flaky, buttery layers, complemented by the creamy richness of brie cheese. The tartness of the cranberry sauce beautifully cuts through the decadence, while candied walnuts add a sweet crunch, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

I love a good puff pastry wrapped baked brie especially with tart cranberry sauce but I wanted something a little less messy. My cranberry brie tarts are always a hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas and you get all the cream, sweetness, and tart cranberry sauce in one neat packet!

Cranberry pecan tarts and cranberry brie bites on a wooden cutting board.

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Cheesy Tart Bites
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Cranberry Cheese Bites
More Christmas Recipes
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

How to Make Cheesy Tart Bites

First you will need to assemble the following ingredients:

Puff pastry (3 sheets) – With its delicate, flaky layers, puff pastry provides a buttery and crisp foundation for these tart bites.
Fresh cranberries (1 cup) – Tart and vibrant, fresh cranberries lend a burst of fruity acidity. Making fresh cranberry sauce sets off the bites.
Orange juice (2 tbsp) – Fresh orange juice adds a sweet and tangy citrus flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile in the cranberry sauce.
Sugar (1/3 cup) – Sugar brings sweetness and balance, working to mellow out the tartness of fruits like cranberries and amplify the overall flavor.
Orange zest (½ tsp) – The zest of an orange provides an aromatic and zesty kick, infusing recipes with a bright and citrusy note.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp) – A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic sweetness, contributing to the depth of flavor to the cranberry sauce.
Cinnamon (1 stick) – cinnamon offers a sweet, warm spiciness, perfect for adding complexity and warmth, I like to use a whole cinnamon stick for a fresh flavor.
Brie (8 ounces) – Brie cheese boasts a rich, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor, making it a luxurious addition.
Egg Wash – an egg beaten with some water will help the puff pastry brown nicely.
Candied pecans – Sweet, crunchy, and slightly spiced, candied pecans add a delightful textural contrast

After gathering your ingredients, we will use this method:

A table with cranberry brie bites, oranges, eggs and other ingredients.

Prep

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone nonstick baking sheet. Set aside.

Make Cranberry Sauce

Add 1/3 of the cranberries, water, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick to a pot together. Set on medium heat and bring to a simmer. Let simmer until the cranberries have burst. Add the remaining cranberries (for texture) and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Four cranberry brie bites squares of dough on a cutting board.

Cut Pastry

Cut the puff pastry into squares. Use a knife, cut an L shape on the bottom and right hand side. Cut another upside down L shape on the other side of each piece.

Four cranberry brie bites on a cutting board.

Assemble Tart

Gently place the cut corner over the pastry so it rests on the opposite side. Do the same with the other side. This should have a boat-like effect where each tart now has an outer edge to hold the filling in. In a small bowl whisk the egg with about 1 tsp of water till frothy. Brush each pastry square with the egg wash.

Cranberry cream puffs and cranberry brie bites on a cutting board.

Add Cheese

Place a piece of brie into each tart square.

Cranberry pecan tarts with cranberry brie bites on a wooden cutting board.

Add Sauce and Nuts

Add some cranberry on top of the cheese. Top with some crushed candied pecans.

Bake and Enjoy

Place the tarts on the prepared baking sheet then bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the tarts from the oven, some cheese may leak out during cooking which is fine. Place a whole candied pecan on each tart to garnish. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Cranberry Cheese Bites

Keep pastry cold – Work quickly with puff pastry or phyllo; cold dough puffs and flakes better when baked.

Cut pastry evenly – Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make uniform squares so the tarts bake evenly.

Remove rind if desired – Leaving the rind on adds texture and complexity, but removing it gives a smoother melt.

Homemade cranberry sauce shines – Fresh or leftover cranberry sauce with orange zest and spices adds depth compared to store-bought.

Add a flavor twist – Try mixing in chopped rosemary, thyme, or toasted nuts for an herby or crunchy finish.

Watch the bake time – Brie melts fast, so bake just until the pastry is golden and cheese is bubbling, about 12–15 minutes.

Cool slightly before serving – Let tarts sit 5 minutes so the cheese sets a little and doesn’t ooze out completely.

Serve warm – These are best fresh from the oven; if making ahead, reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Homemade cranberry sauce shines – Fresh or leftover cranberry sauce with orange zest and spices adds depth compared to store-bought.

Add a flavor twist – Try mixing in chopped rosemary, thyme, or toasted nuts for an herby or crunchy finish.

Watch the bake time – Brie melts fast, so bake just until the pastry is golden and cheese is bubbling, about 12–15 minutes.

Cool slightly before serving – Let tarts sit 5 minutes so the cheese sets a little and doesn’t ooze out completely.

Serve warm – These are best fresh from the oven; if making ahead, reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Garnish for presentation – Top with a sprig of rosemary, candied pecans, or a drizzle of honey for a festive look.

Make mini versions – Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized party appetizers that are easy to serve.

Freeze ahead – Assemble tarts (unbaked), freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry brie bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze cranberry brie bites?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

What type of puff pastry should I use?

For the best flavor and texture, use a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry. Avoid puff pastries made with shortening or other fats, as they won’t have the same rich flavor and flakiness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While brie is traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with other creamy, melt-able cheeses like Camembert or a mild blue cheese.

Can I add any other ingredients?

Yes, feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor. You could also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of black pepper for a different twist.

What’s the best way to serve cranberry brie bites?

These bites are best served warm from the oven, when the cheese is melted and gooey. You can serve them on their own or with additional cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Can I make my own candied walnuts?

Yes, making your own candied walnuts is quite simple and allows you to control the level of sweetness. There are many recipes available that involve coating the walnuts in a sugar mixture and baking them until caramelized.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, you will need to use a gluten-free puff pastry. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the cranberry sauce and candied walnuts, are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Making this recipe vegan would require a few substitutions, including using a vegan puff pastry, a vegan cheese alternative, and ensuring that your cranberry sauce and candied walnuts are vegan-friendly.