I still remember the first time I whipped up these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups during a late-night kitchen experiment! It started as a simple goal to mix sweet, tangy cranberries with ooey-gooey brie, all wrapped in that flaky, buttery puff pastry magic. After a little chopping, baking, and a whole lot of anticipation, I pulled these little cups out of the oven, and oh—my kitchen smelled like a holiday party in the best way possible. The moment I bit into one, I knew I had stumbled onto a happy accident that’s quickly become my favorite appetizer and comfort food with a twist.
What makes these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups so exciting isn’t only their mouthwatering flavors but how they turn any meal or snack time into a mini celebration. Whether I’m serving them at game night or sneaking one as an easy party snack during a hectic week, they always bring a burst of bold flavor and cozy vibes to the table. The combination of tart cranberries, rich brie, and buttery puff pastry is what makes these cranberry brie appetizers a standout crowd-pleaser.
In fact, these bite-sized brie cups have joined my roster of go-to puff pastry recipes that make entertaining feel effortless. If you’ve ever struggled finding holiday finger foods that are both impressive and easy to assemble, these cups hit the mark every time. They’re perfect for all my fellow food lovers craving simple but show-stopping dishes!
I’m so thrilled to share this recipe with you because Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups have truly changed how I approach holiday gatherings and weeknight wins alike. Trust me, once you get these in your oven, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them. So cozy up in your kitchen with me, and let’s make some magic with this irresistible treat!
Ingredients You Need

For these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups, the ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together and make every bite pop! Here’s what I use to make these cranberry brie appetizers unforgettable:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed) — You can find this at any grocery store near the frozen desserts or bread section.
- 4 ounces of brie cheese — I usually go with a wedge that has the rind on for that perfect earthy flavor.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied) — Fresh is awesome, but canned cranberry sauce works great for this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary — This flavor booster makes the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups stand out with a hint of piney freshness.
- 1 egg (for egg wash) — This helps the puff pastry cups turn that gorgeous golden brown.
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts (about 2 tablespoons) — I love adding nuts for crunch and a little Thanksgiving vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste
No worries if you don’t have fresh rosemary—I use dried rosemary in a pinch, and it still sings! If you want to switch things up for quick weeknight versions, premade cranberry relish or even a splash of balsamic glaze adds serious flavor without extra effort.
For storage, keep any leftover Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm them slightly in the oven or an air fryer (shoutout to this great air fryer cranberry brie bites recipe) for near-fresh magic again.
This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups ingredient list makes busy nights shine—grab these simple gems on your usual grocery run, prep fast, and get ready for flavor that steals the show.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, it’s time to jump into delicious magic and make your own Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups! This recipe is a great mix of easy and impressive, perfect for weeknight winners or holiday finger foods that get everyone talking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. That’s the heat that gets this puff pastry golden and flaky, ready to deliver flakey goodness.
- Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches square. I like to gently press it to even thickness so every bite cooks evenly.
- Cut the rolled pastry into 12 equal squares—you want enough for these bite-sized brie cups! I use a knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.
- Press each square gently into a mini muffin tin cup, forming a shallow well. This is where the magic starts happening because this shape keeps your filling contained and the pastry crisp.
- Cube or slice the brie into small chunks—no need to remove the rind unless you want a milder bite. Place about a tablespoon of brie into each pastry cup.
- Spoon a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. If you want to toss in some chopped nuts, sprinkle them on now for extra texture.
- Add a few chopped rosemary leaves over each cup. You will love how this herb brightens the whole flavor!
- Whisk your egg and brush the edges of each puff pastry cup with egg wash — this gives those crusts a beautiful golden finish.
- Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible right now… that mix of buttery pastry and melting brie is everything.
- When done, let the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups cool for a few minutes before gently popping them out. They’re fragile when hot, but so worth the wait!
If you want a shortcut, frozen puff pastry comes pre-rolled in sheets, so keep those in the freezer as a secret weapon for a quick Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups fix. Also, I’ve found a little extra cranberry sauce on the side keeps these bites even more crave-worthy for your guests.
If this recipe reminds you of another bold flavor favorite, check out my Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites for a similarly cozy-inspired puff pastry recipe!
How to Serve Up This!

When it comes to serving my Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups, I’m all about making them the star of any get-together or cozy night in. People literally do happy dances when this cranberry brie appetizer lands on the table with bright cranberry notes and melty brie bursting through crisp pastry.
I love pairing these cups with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar or a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw for contrast. Fresh herbs sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and flavor that guests appreciate.
This appetizer is a definite crowd-pleaser during the holidays, but it’s equally fantastic for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or as bite-sized party snacks. For a little presentation wow, arrange the cups on a wooden board and scatter some fresh rosemary sprigs and extra nuts around—the rustic look matches the cozy comfort food vibes perfectly.
When I’ve had leftovers (which is rare!), I’ll chop the cups, toss them over mixed greens for an easy salad, or crumble some pieces into scrambled eggs for a flavor mashup. For fun fusion takes, I’ve mixed these with a splash of spicy fig jam or swapped fresh thyme for rosemary to vary the herbal punch.
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites too, which offer additional ideas for turn-every-meal-into-something-special snacks!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups?
Absolutely! The steps are simple, and the puff pastry does most of the work baking itself into flaky perfection. Even if your shapes aren’t perfect, the flavors shine through every bite.
What if I mess up my Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups?
Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible! Bite-sized brie cups are forgiving. The best discovery was when I overfilled a batch and ended up with some gooey, delicious mess that my family devoured anyway.
Can I prep Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups ahead?
Totally! You can assemble the cups and refrigerate them up to a day before baking. This saves prep stress for easy party snacks that come together fast.
What’s the best cranberry sauce for these cups?
Whole berry cranberry sauce provides a nice texture contrast, but jellied styles give a smooth, sweet layer. I’ve tested both and loved each in different ways.
Can I freeze these puff pastry cups?
Yes! Bake them, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a tasty snack any time.
Is there a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free twist, swap brie with a melty plant-based cheese, though it changes the flavor profile and richness. Still tasty if you’re up for experimenting!
How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from cranberry sauce or use a thicker option. Also, brushing the pastry with egg wash creates a moisture barrier. Perfect crispy Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups every time!
For more delicious puff pastry recipes that turn appetizers into party highlights, check out these gems: Puff Pastry Brie Bites, Brie Bites {Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer} – WellPlated.com, and this luscious Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites from The Cozy Apron!
Conclusion:
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups bring me so much joy because they combine comforting flavors with exciting pops of tang and crunch that turn every meal into something special. They’re one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress without fuss—bold, cozy, and easy on the kitchen time.
My Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups Flavor Secrets are:
- Fresh rosemary adds a fresh, piney brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Adding chopped nuts gives just the right crunch and a hint of warmth.
- Don’t skip the egg wash—it gives the perfect golden, flaky finish that makes these cups pop.
I’ve experimented with versions swapping cranberry sauce for spicy fig jam, adding fresh thyme, or topping with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each changes the vibe, and I use the fig jam version for parties, the thyme one for weeknight dinners, and classic cranberry brie for holiday celebrations.
I want you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this one, fellow food lovers. The best part about Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups? They’re adaptable, satisfying, and always a reason to do a happy dance around the kitchen!
I cannot wait to hear about your delicious adventures with this recipe. When you try these bite-sized brie cups, you’re not just making food—you’re creating flavor moments that make life sweeter. Ready to turn your next gathering into a bold, cozy flavor win? Let’s get baking!
If you loved this, don’t miss out on my other crave-worthy bites like Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites and Puff Pastry Brie Bites for more ways to treat your taste buds!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Cups
Delightful cranberry and melted brie nestled in golden puff pastry cups, perfect as a festive appetizer or elegant snack. These easy-to-make bites combine sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal squares.
- Gently press each pastry square into the mini muffin tin cups.
- Place a cube of Brie cheese in the bottom of each pastry cup.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking or serve with a drizzle of honey.

