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 small wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz), cut into small cubes; 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts; Fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

There’s just something magical about the mix of flaky pastry, creamy brie, and that bright burst of cranberry sweetness. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe with you—it’s a simple yet stunning appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties or any cozy night in.

The image shows seven baked pastry cups arranged on a round white marble surface. Each cup has a golden-brown flaky crust forming the base and edges, with a deep red, glossy filling inside that looks like cranberry sauce. On top of the filling, there are small pieces of light brown walnuts and a small sprig of green rosemary, adding texture and color contrast. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with bright red whole cranberries, and a few slices of toasted bread are partially visible on the left. The photo has a soft bright light that highlights the shiny texture of the cranberry filling and the flakiness of the crust. 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 combines flavors and textures that feel fancy but come together in no time. I've served this to my family and friends for years, and it always disappears fast—no one can resist those crispy little pockets of goodness.

Effortless Elegance: These bites look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you’ll be done in under an hour.
Perfect Holiday Flavor: Fresh cranberries, warm cinnamon, and melty brie are a festive match made in heaven.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the nuts, herbs, or even swap out the cheese to suit your crowd.
Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep these early and bake them just before guests arrive for a stress-free party.

A close-up view of a small tart with one main layer of golden, flaky, puffy pastry forming the base and sides, filled with a vibrant dark red roasted beetroot layer that looks soft and slightly shiny. On top of the beetroot, there are small, light brown, crunchy walnut pieces scattered around, and a small green sprig of rosemary placed in the center. The tart sits on a white marbled surface with parts of other similar tarts visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in these bites comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together for that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. Shopping fresh cranberries and quality brie is a must to really bring out the best flavors.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries, a small pile of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a few strands of orange zest, a small white bowl of clear water, a small heap of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt crystals, a sheet of golden puff pastry folded neatly, small cubes of creamy brie cheese, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of glossy homemade cranberry sauce, a small white bowl of water for egg wash, a pile of chopped walnuts, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary 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: Fresh ones add bright acidity, while frozen work fine if fresh aren't available.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Adds citrus brightness and subtle complexity.
Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs beautifully with cranberries and brie.
Vanilla extract: A surprising touch that rounds out the sauce with a gentle sweetness.
Egg (for egg wash): Gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish.
Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that brings everything together effortlessly.
Brie cheese (small wheel): Cubed for creamy, melty pockets that contrast the tart cranberries.
Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty note that complements the fruit and cheese.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Used as garnish for an herbaceous aroma and pretty presentation.

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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

One of the best things about this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste. Over the years, I’ve played around with different nuts and herbs, and each variation brings something new to the table.

Nut swap: I sometimes use pecans or sliced almonds instead of walnuts, depending on what I have on hand.
Herb twist: Fresh thyme can be a lovely alternative to rosemary if you prefer a milder herbal note.
Dairy-free option: For friends who avoid dairy, try using a vegan cream cheese in place of brie for a similar creamy texture.
Extra sweetness: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup on top after baking for a touch of natural sweetness.

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

Step 1: Whip up the cranberry sauce

Start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens—this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. You'll want a sauce that’s jammy but still has a little texture to it. I find stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry cups

While the sauce cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into the pockets of a mini muffin tin to create little cups. This step is where I get a bit playful; sometimes I trim edges for a neater look, other times I leave them rustic—it always works out deliciously either way.

Step 3: Fill and assemble

Into each pastry cup, place a small cube of brie, then a teaspoon of your homemade cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch. For that beautiful golden glow, whisk together an egg and a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, then lightly brush it over the exposed pastry edges.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Bake your cranberry brie bites for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—you don’t want the edges to burn but do want a crisp finish that holds the filling snugly. Once out of the oven, I like to let them cool just a bit so the cheese firms up slightly, making them easier to pick up without losing any filling.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finally, garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary for color and a touch of herbal aroma. Serve them warm for the best experience—you’ll get the full effect of creamy cheese and tangy cranberry mingling with that buttery crust.

Top Tip

I’ve made these cranberry brie bites many times, and a few small tweaks really up your game—here are my best tips so your batch comes out perfect every time.

Don’t skip chilling the pastry: Keeping your puff pastry cold until the last moment helps it puff up nicely instead of getting soggy.
Balance the sauce: Taste the cranberry sauce before filling. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar—this ensures the flavors won't overpower the brie.
Cut uniform squares: Using a ruler or a pizza cutter helps make evenly sized pieces which bake evenly and look polished.
Brush egg wash carefully: Avoid brushing egg wash on the filling to prevent it from drying out or curdling—just stick to the dough edges.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about those fresh rosemary sprigs—they add a lovely piney note that complements the tart cranberry and rich brie. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for an unexpected salty crunch that makes the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a vinaigrette or even a bowl of spiced nuts. For holiday spreads, I love serving them alongside honey-glazed ham or roast turkey for a true festive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

I sometimes place these bites on a wooden board lined with fresh evergreen sprigs or scatter cranberries around for a cheerful seasonal display. For New Year's parties, I arranged them on a tiered stand to make them feel extra special and easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating them briefly in the oven to bring back that lovely crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked filled bites on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag after they’re solid. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time—easy and super convenient for unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This revives the puff pastry’s flakiness without melting the brie entirely again, keeping every bite delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry sauce can be made 2 to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld, making your bites even tastier. Just let it cool completely before filling.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

If you don’t have puff pastry, phyllo dough or crescent roll dough can work as substitutes, but the texture will differ. Puff pastry gives that signature flaky and buttery crunch that pairs so well with the creamy brie and tart cranberries.

Can I prepare these bites gluten-free?

Gluten-free puff pastry is available in many grocery stores and online, so you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping that ingredient. Just make sure your other ingredients (like cranberry sauce and brie) are gluten-free certified to prevent any confusion.

How do I prevent the brie from leaking out while baking?

Cut the brie into firm cubes and chill them before assembling to keep their shape. Also, placing a small amount of cranberry sauce on top rather than mixing it with the cheese helps avoid excess moisture that can cause leakage.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want to impress without stress. Every time I take them out of the oven, the warm, melty cheese with that zesty cranberry flavor always draws everyone in. Give it a try—you’ll find that it’s an appetizer that brings smiles and easy conversation. I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!