Description
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares are elegant, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a tangy, sweet cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these golden squares combine the citrusy brightness of orange zest with warm cinnamon spices, all baked to golden perfection and finished with melted butter and optional fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for serving)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes
Egg Wash and Finishing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes; if frozen, let it thaw for 30 minutes. This ensures easier handling and rolling.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour a cutting board, unfold one sheet of puff pastry, and roll it into a 9- x 12-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 equal squares (3 across by 4 down). Lightly score a ½-inch border around each square, taking care not to cut through the pastry, to create a frame.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream until smooth; this will be used to brush the pastry edges for a golden finish.
- Arrange Pastry Squares: Place 12 squares on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush the outer edges of each square with the egg wash to promote browning.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble Pastry Squares: Spoon 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the cranberry mixture into the center of each square. Use the back of the teaspoon to make a small well, then place a cube of Brie cheese into the well. Repeat for all squares.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the edges with melted salted butter to add richness and shine. Let the squares rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional orange zest and fresh rosemary if desired for an aromatic touch.
Notes
- Allow puff pastry to rest before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easy shaping.
- Score the pastry border carefully without cutting through to create a raised frame that holds the filling in place.
- Fresh rosemary is optional but adds a lovely fragrant garnish that complements the flavors.
- Use good quality Brie cheese for the best creamy texture and mild flavor.
- These squares can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
