Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry Recipe – Tiny Pockets of Sweet & Savory Joy

Introduction
That warm, buttery smell that fills the kitchen when puff pastry meets oven always takes me back to holiday afternoons. These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry are tiny, golden pillows that pop with creamy brie and a bright spoonful of cranberry. They’re quick, charming, and perfect for passing around at a cozy get-together. Plus, they remind me of family dinners on Sundays when everyone lingered over the table. If you love simple appetizers, you’ll find these comforting and easy to make — and they pair beautifully with a crisp salad or roasted chicken like this cranberry brie stuffed chicken.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make — ready in about 30 minutes.
• Comforting homemade flavor with gooey brie and bright cranberry.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion, from a cozy night in to holiday parties.
• Always a crowd-pleaser with a golden, flaky pastry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 4 oz Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into cubes) — note: softer brie melts faster, so chill slightly if very soft.
• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) — chef note: warm, fresh cranberry sauce adds brightness.
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash) — use it to get that beautiful golden shine.
• 1 pinch salt and fresh ground pepper
• fresh thyme leaves or chopped pistachios (for garnish) — pistachios add a lovely crunch.
  (If you like baked brie, try this savory baked brie with garlic and herbs for another party option.)

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners. You’ll smell the warm oven and feel excited.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed. The dough feels silky and delicate under your fingers.
3. Press each pastry circle into the muffin tin wells to form small cups. Make sure each cup sits snugly, because filled pastry puffs up beautifully while baking.
4. Place a cube of Brie in each cup. Top with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. The tart cranberry cuts through the creamy brie so well.
5. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish. This step gives a glossy, inviting crust.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown. You’ll hear a soft sizzle and see the edges turn amber — that’s when they’re just right.
7. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tin. Garnish with thyme or pistachios if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear.

(For another handheld treat, these cranberry cream cheese crescent bites use a similar approach and are great when you want a creamier filling.)

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Use store-bought cranberry sauce and pre-cut brie cubes to speed things up. Then you can focus on plating and company.
• Fix for soggy bottoms: If your pastry feels soft in the middle, bake 1–2 minutes longer on the bottom rack so heat crisps the base.
• Flavor twist: Swap thyme for rosemary, or sprinkle chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory finish. You can also add a tiny sliver of roasted pear for extra depth, inspired by my love for seasonal fruit. For something different, try serving with a hearty sandwich like this 30-minute falafel sandwich with sweet potato for a full spread.

Serving Ideas
These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry shine on a holiday table, at a brunch, or during a cozy night in. Serve them warm on a wooden board so guests can grab a few. Pair with:

• Mixed greens tossed with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
• A tray of cured meats and olives for an easy charcuterie vibe.
• Sparkling wine or a crisp white — the bubbles balance the creamy brie.
  Garnish with thyme for an herbaceous note, or chopped pistachios for crunch and color.

  

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp.
• Freezer: Freeze baked bites on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.
• Leftover idea: Chop leftovers and toss into a warm grain bowl or on top of roasted veggies — a sweet-savory pop every time. For baking tips on small loaves and reheating, see this air fryer banana bread mini loaf guide for small-batch reheating tricks.

FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! You can assemble the cups and refrigerate for a few hours, then brush with egg and bake just before guests arrive. Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry hold up well to short prep-ahead plans.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use fig jam instead of cranberry, or swap brie for camembert. The recipe is forgiving and welcomes substitutions.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. The contrast of hot cheese and cool garnish is heavenly.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges, puffed pastry, and that fragrant, buttery smell — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts
I love how such a small bite can feel so indulgent. These Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry bring together flaky pastry, melty cheese, and a bright spoonful of cranberry that always makes me smile. They’re simple, fast, and carry a little bit of comfort in every mouthful — perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give them a try, add your own twist, and let them become a warm little tradition in your kitchen. Mini Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry.

Conclusion

If you want more inspiration or a slightly different take, check out this classic Brie Bites {Easy Puff Pastry Appetizer} – WellPlated.com for another quick appetizer idea. Also, for a cranberry-forward version with pretty photos and tips, see Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen.

Mini Cranberry Brie Bites

Deliciously quick and easy mini bites of creamy brie and tangy cranberry wrapped in golden puff pastry, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bites

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 4 oz Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into cubes) Softer brie melts faster, so chill slightly if very soft.
• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) Warm, fresh cranberry sauce adds brightness.
• 1 ea egg (beaten, for egg wash) Use it to get that beautiful golden shine.
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch fresh ground pepper

For the Pastry and Garnish

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• to taste fresh thyme leaves or chopped pistachios (for garnish) Pistachios add a lovely crunch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out 24 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.
3. Press each pastry circle into the muffin tin wells to form small cups.
4. Place a cube of Brie in each cup. Top with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a glossy finish.

Baking

1. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
2. Let cool for 2 minutes before removing from the tin. Garnish with thyme or pistachios if desired.
3. Serve warm.

Notes

Use store-bought cranberry sauce and pre-cut brie cubes to save time. If your pastry feels soft in the middle, bake 1–2 minutes longer on the bottom rack. To vary flavors, swap thyme for rosemary, add pistachios, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.