Name: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; ⅓ cup water; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt; 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 1 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes; 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce; 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts; Fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

There's something truly irresistible about the blend of warm, flaky pastry, creamy brie, and that vibrant burst of cranberry sweetness—all wrapped up in mini bites. This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe perfectly balances tart and rich flavors, making it my go-to festive appetizer that always wows a crowd.

This image shows seven small puff pastry cups arranged on a round white marble surface. Each cup has a crispy golden-brown outer layer with flaky edges folded upwards, creating a flower-like shape. Inside each cup, there is a layer of bright red jam, topped with roughly chopped light brown walnuts and small green rosemary sprigs for decoration. In the background, there is a white square bowl filled with fresh red cranberries and a slice of bread on the white marbled surface. A single walnut piece is placed near the front edge of the round surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has a special place in my heart because it mixes simplicity with elegance and bursts with holiday flavors in every bite. Every time I bring these out, they disappear fast, and that's always a great feeling!

Effortless yet impressive: You can whip these up in under 40 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Flavor balance: The tart cranberries paired with creamy brie and buttery puff pastry create an unbeatable combo.
Versatility: They make perfect party finger food or a charming appetizer for holiday dinners.
Addictive texture: Crispy pastry, melty cheese, and crunchy walnuts make every bite memorable.

A close-up of a small tart with a golden flaky crust that is puffed and slightly browned on the edges. Inside the tart, there is a layer of deep red roasted beet pieces with a slightly wrinkled and shiny texture. On top of the beets, there are crushed walnuts adding a rough, crunchy look in light brown shades. A small sprig of fresh green rosemary stands upright in the center, adding contrast and color. The tart is placed on a white marbled surface, and part of another similar tart is visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create those irresistible sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Here’s why I suggest these specific ingredients and a few tips for picking the best:

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries, a small mound of granulated sugar on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with fresh orange juice, thin strips of bright orange zest on a white dish, a small white bowl of clear water, a pinch of ground cinnamon carefully poured on a white plate, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a tiny sprinkle of salt on a white dish, a sheet of pale golden puff pastry folded slightly on a white ceramic plate, small cubes of creamy pale brie cheese on a white dish, a small white bowl of deep red homemade cranberry sauce, a whole brown egg with a clean uncracked shell, a small white bowl with clear water for egg wash, roughly chopped walnuts scattered neatly on a white plate, and sprigs of fresh green rosemary arranged artfully on a white ceramic dish placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh or frozen cranberries: They bring that signature tartness and vibrant color—it’s best to use fresh during cranberry season, but frozen works fine any time.
Granulated sugar: Balances the cranberries' tartness perfectly without overpowering.
Fresh orange juice: Adds brightness and a subtle citrus kick to complement the cranberries.
Orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor—don’t skip it if you can help it!
Water: Helps the cranberries cook down smoothly without burning.
Ground cinnamon: Provides warm herbal depth to the cranberry sauce.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the fruitiness with a subtle sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Puff pastry sheet: Choose a good quality sheet for that flaky, buttery base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Brie cheese: The star here—a rich, creamy cheese that melts perfectly; opt for a small wheel for the best texture and flavor.
Homemade cranberry sauce: Adding this on top amplifies the tart-sweet combo and gives a glossy finish.
Egg and water for egg wash: To get that beautiful golden, glossy crust.
Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness, really lifting the texture profile.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: The perfect aromatic garnish, adding a piney freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is. I sometimes swap out walnuts for pecans or add a touch of honey drizzle on top for extra sweetness—you should definitely make these yours.

Variation: One holiday, I sprinkled a bit of crushed red pepper flakes in with the cranberry sauce for a surprising kick that guests loved.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and sauce thickens—about 10-12 minutes. This gives you that fresh, vibrant sweet-tart sauce that defines the recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Cups

Roll out your thawed puff pastry and cut into squares large enough to fit your mini muffin tin. Gently press squares into each muffin cup, forming little bowls. This step is key for shaping neat bites. Don’t stretch the dough too thin—keep it even for perfect flakiness.

Step 3: Fill & Bake

Add a cube of brie cheese in each pastry cup, top with a spoonful of your homemade cranberry sauce, and sprinkle chopped walnuts for that crunch element. Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the edges of the pastry cups with this egg wash for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown and cheese is melted.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Once out of the oven, let the bites cool just a bit and garnish each with a sprig of rosemary. That fresh herbal aroma adds a festive touch both visually and flavor-wise!

Top Tip

Through many batches of this recipe, I’ve learned that the details really matter—especially the dough handling and sauce consistency. These tips make sure your Cranberry Brie Bites come out perfect every time.

Don't overfill the pastry: Leaving some space lets the cheese melt properly without overflowing and keeps everything neat.
Cranberry sauce thickness: Make sure your sauce isn’t too watery; simmer just until it coats the back of a spoon for best texture.
Keep puff pastry cold: This ensures it puffs nicely; work quickly and return it to the fridge if it warms up.
Watch the bake time closely: Puff pastry can burn fast; check around 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary—it elevates the aroma and looks charming on a festive platter. Sometimes, a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds a lovely contrast too.

Side Dishes

These bites go wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or alongside a cheese board with assorted crackers. For a heartier spread, pair with roasted nuts, olives, and a light white wine for a cozy gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

I like to serve these Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries scattered around. For holiday parties, placing them in decorative mini muffin liners adds a festive flair that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bites keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find they’re still delicious cold but warming them slightly revives the pastry’s crispiness and melty brie charm.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen fully baked bites, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked bites on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. This is a great way to prep ahead for holiday chaos!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that flaky crunch and warm, gooey brie without sogginess—microwaving tends to make the pastry chewy, which I try to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries in the Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine and might even be more convenient if fresh cranberries aren't available. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to help the sauce come together smoothly.

What type of brie cheese is best for this recipe?

A small wheel of good quality, soft brie with a creamy interior works best. Avoid aged brie that's too firm or crumbly, as it won't melt as nicely. You'll want it to soften and ooze in the bite for that luxurious texture.

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Making the cranberry sauce a day or two in advance is actually a great idea. It gives the flavors time to deepen, and you can just spoon it onto the brie bites right before baking or serving.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

To keep that perfect flaky texture, make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients. Brushing the edges with egg wash also helps seal the dough. Bake as soon as possible after assembling for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to share because it’s quick, elegant, and reliably delicious. The moment you bite in and get that flaky crust with melted brie and zingy cranberry, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it every holiday season—and why you will, too. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your festive entertaining!