Looking for a show-stopping holiday bite that’s buttery, cheesy, and ready in minutes? These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Trees are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and sparkle with sweet cranberry flavor. They’re the kind of Christmas Eve appetizers everyone reaches for first — pretty, festive, and secretly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just a few ingredients , perfect for busy holiday prep.
- Looks fancy but takes under 30 minutes to make.
- Freezer-friendly, making it one of the easiest make ahead appetizers for any party.
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a small but delicious part in creating that perfect balance of creamy, flaky, and sweet.
- Puff pastry sheets : the light, golden base that turns beautifully flaky once baked.
- Brie cheese : gives that creamy, rich center that melts perfectly.
- Cranberry sauce : adds a bright, tart sweetness that balances the cheese.
- Egg wash : helps the trees turn shiny and golden in the oven.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs : not just for looks; they give a cozy, herby aroma that smells like the holidays.
For a similar flavor combo, you’ll love the Rosemary Fig Baked Brie it’s another creamy cheese appetizer that feels fancy but is simple enough for weeknights.
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s turn those simple ingredients into adorable edible Christmas trees!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into even strips about one inch wide. Stack them in a zig-zag shape to create small tree shapes.
- Place a small cube of brie and a spoon of cranberry sauce between each fold before stacking the next layer.
- Insert a small rosemary sprig or wooden stick at the base for the “tree trunk.” Brush the tops with egg wash for that glossy bakery finish.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until puffed and golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving the cheese will be perfectly gooey inside.
If you like this style, check out my Cranberry and Brie Tartlets they share the same holiday charm in bite-size form!
Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes like Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Trees can go sideways if you rush.
- Don’t overfill with brie or cranberry it can leak out during baking.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it makes the pastry shiny and golden.
- Don’t bake at low heat; puff pastry needs that hot blast to rise properly.
- Always chill the shaped pastries before baking for best flaky layers.
Serving Suggestions
These mini trees are a perfect part of your holiday party food spread. Pair them with savory bites like Pinecone Cheese Ball or the colorful Antipasto Christmas Wreath for a full festive platter. Serve warm, with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Trees
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 6 oz Brie cheese cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 12 rosemary sprigs or wooden sticks, for tree trunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut into 1-inch wide strips.
- Stack the strips in a zig-zag shape to form trees. Place a cube of brie and a small spoon of cranberry sauce between each fold.
- Insert a rosemary sprig or wooden stick at the base of each tree. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overfill with brie or cranberry it can leak out. Chill trees before baking for flakier layers.
- Perfect for make-ahead holiday prep just brush with egg wash right before baking.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Trees ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours before baking, place them on a tray, and keep covered in the fridge. Just brush with egg wash before baking. These are perfect make ahead appetizers for busy holidays.
Can I use another cheese instead of brie?
You can swap brie for camembert or even cream cheese. Brie melts into a smooth, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce, but these substitutes still taste amazing.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent dough or filo pastry, but the texture will differ. Puff pastry gives that signature buttery crispness that makes these festive puff pastry trees so irresistible.
Conclusion
Light, flaky, and festive, these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Trees are everything you want in a Christmas Eve snack. Save or pin this recipe now and let it sparkle on your holiday table!
