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 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 tablespoon chopped walnuts; fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

Nothing says festive quite like the perfect bite-sized appetizer, and this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe hits every note — flaky, creamy, sweet and tart all in one delicious package. I love how these little gems come together quickly yet taste so elegant, making them a star at any holiday gathering.

The image shows seven small puff pastry cups placed on a white marbled round plate. Each cup has a golden-brown, flaky outer layer formed in a star shape with pointed edges curling outward. Inside, there is a deep red jam-like filling topped with chopped walnuts and a small green rosemary sprig. The background is a soft white marbled surface, with some walnuts and a sprig of rosemary placed around the plate, and a white ceramic container filled with red cranberries blurred in the background. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of textures and colors highlighting the pastry. 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

I've always been a big fan of combining fruit and cheese, and cranberry with brie is just a match made in heaven. What makes these little bites truly special is how they balance richness and freshness in such a simple prep — you'll want to make these again and again!

Easy To Make: The puff pastry does most of the work, making this an effortless yet impressive appetizer.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tangy cranberries complement the creamy brie beautifully.
Elegant Presentation: These bites look fancy but are incredibly straightforward — your guests will be wowed.
Versatile For Any Occasion: Great for holiday parties, cozy dinners, or even casual get-togethers.

A close-up of a small puff pastry cup with a light golden brown, flaky crust forming the base and sides, filled with bright red, slightly glossy roasted beets that have a soft texture. On top, there are small pieces of golden toasted walnuts with rough edges, and a few fresh green rosemary sprigs add a touch of color and texture contrast. The cup sits on a white marbled surface, and the background shows a blurred second pastry cup with similar filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe plays a vital role — from the tangy cranberries balanced by gentle sweetness, to the flaky puff pastry supporting decadent brie cheese. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes on the key players and shopping tips to help you pick the best.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries, a small pile of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a small white bowl with finely grated orange zest, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fine salt, a neatly folded sheet of golden puff pastry, small cubes of creamy brie cheese, a small white bowl filled with rich homemade cranberry sauce, a whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl with clear water for egg wash, a small pile of chopped walnuts, and a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls 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 works great, but frozen can be a convenient shortcut and still pack plenty of tart flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart cranberries without overpowering.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Bright citrus notes lift this dish, making it feel vibrant and fresh rather than heavy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth — it’s that cozy little hint that brings everything together.
Vanilla extract: A soft, sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with fruit and cheese.
Puff pastry sheet: Look for a good-quality, all-butter puff pastry for best flavor and flakiness.
Brie cheese: I recommend a small wheel of creamy brie — cut it into cubes to ensure each bite gets just the right amount.
Egg (for wash): Brushed on pastry to get that perfect golden shine and a touch of extra crispness.
Chopped walnuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: A small garnish that adds lovely aroma and looks so beautiful on 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

I often tweak this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe depending on my mood or the ingredients I have on hand. The beauty is in its flexibility, so feel free to get creative!

Variation: One of my favorite takes is adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy kick — guests always ask for the recipe!
Dietary swaps: For a nut-free version, just skip the walnuts or try toasted pumpkin seeds instead.
Seasonal tweaks: Swap fresh cranberries for a mix of dried cranberries and orange zest if you’re making these off-season.

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

Step 1: Cook the Cranberries to Perfection

Start by combining cranberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. I like to stir often — this builds that vibrant, homemade cranberry sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Cups

While the cranberry sauce cools, unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares—roughly 3-inch pieces work well. Gently press each square into the cups of a mini muffin tin to form little cups. Don't press too hard; you want them to puff up around the edges for that perfect light crispiness.

Step 3: Fill and Brush for Golden Bites

Place a cube of brie cheese inside each pastry cup, followed by a teaspoon of your homemade cranberry sauce. Brush the edges of the pastry with a simple egg wash made from beaten egg mixed with water—this gives them that irresistible golden color.

Step 4: Bake and Add Final Touches

Bake the bites in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the puff pastry—they should be puffed up and golden brown when done. Right after baking, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top and garnish with a small rosemary sprig for that lovely aroma and festive look.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help these Cranberry Brie Bites turn out flawlessly every time.

Don’t rush the cranberry sauce: Letting the cranberries fully burst and the sauce thicken deepens the flavor and prevents it from being too watery in the pastry cups.
Chill the puff pastry lightly: If it’s too warm, it gets sticky and hard to maneuver. I often pop my cut squares in the fridge for 10 minutes before assembling.
Go easy on the egg wash: Brush just the edges of the pastry—too much wash can make the dough soggy or burn in the oven.
Fresh rosemary wins: Don’t skip the garnish—it adds a lovely fresh scent that complements both brie and cranberry beautifully.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always swear by a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts and a small fresh rosemary sprig on each bite. It adds a rustic, festive touch and a satisfying crunch that keeps guests reaching for more.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with simple, seasonal sides like mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette or a fig and prosciutto platter. Personally, I like adding a glass of crisp white wine alongside—it’s a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try arranging the bites on a wooden board with small bowls of additional cranberry sauce and honey for drizzling. You can even serve them on decorative mini spoons for easy, elegant finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They’re still delicious, especially when reheated gently. Just keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, these bites freeze beautifully before baking. Arrange the assembled but unbaked bites on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until heated through and the pastry crisps back up. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before cooking so they break down easily and yield a rich cranberry sauce.

What type of brie cheese is best for Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?

A creamy, mild wheel of brie works best. Avoid double or triple creams that are overly soft and gooey, as they might ooze out too much during baking. Cutting the brie into small cubes helps even distribution.

Can I prepare Cranberry Brie Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bites up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge, then bake them right before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.

How do I reheat leftovers without losing crispiness?

Reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the puff pastry soggy. This helps maintain the flaky texture and keeps the brie nicely melted.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe holds a special place on my holiday table — it’s a simple recipe that feels fancy, tastes delightful, and brings people together with every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — they truly are little bites of happiness worth savoring.