Quick & Zesty Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crisp autumn nights call for a delightful cranberry brie mini tarts that promise pure culinary magic.

Creamy cheese and tart berries dance together in these bite-sized delicacies.

Small pastry shells become perfect vessels for rich, melted brie and zesty cranberry.

Each morsel delivers a symphony of flavors that spark conversation and delight.

Elegant yet simple, these mini tarts work beautifully as party appetizers or unexpected weekend treats.

Guests will savor every delicate, buttery bite of this irresistible combination.

You can whip up these stunning little tarts in less than thirty minutes, making them a go-to recipe for impromptu gatherings.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a gourmet playground with this mouthwatering creation!

Mini Tarts That Marry Cranberry, Brie, and Flaky Crust

• Easily Elevate Gatherings: Create stunning appetizers that wow guests with minimal cooking skills needed.
• Quickly Impress Loved Ones: Transform simple ingredients into elegant party bites that look professionally prepared.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for holiday events, game nights, or unexpected company, these mini tarts adapt to any social setting.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine just a few ingredients to produce bite-sized treats bursting with rich, sweet-savory combinations.

Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Ingredient List

• Puff Pastry Sheet: Flaky and light base for the tarts.
• Flour: Helps prevent pastry from sticking.

• Cranberries: Tart and festive holiday fruit.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cranberry sauce.
• Water: Helps create the cranberry sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

• Brie Cheese: Creamy and rich cheese that melts beautifully.

• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny pastry crust.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Optional herb garnish for extra flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.

Baking Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts with a Festive Touch

Step 1: Cook Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let cranberries burst and sauce thicken for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Dust a clean surface with flour. Gently roll out puff pastry sheet to eliminate any wrinkles. Slice into neat 3×3 inch squares. Carefully press each square into mini muffin tin cavities, creating delicate pastry shells.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Nestle a small chunk of creamy Brie cheese into each pastry shell. Generously spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the cheese, filling each tart about three-quarters full.

Step 4: Add Golden Shine

Whisk an egg until smooth. Using a pastry brush, delicately paint the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash. This will create a stunning golden-brown finish during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry transforms into a puffy, golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 6: Final Touches

Allow tarts to rest and cool slightly. Gently remove from the tin. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary. Serve these little bites of joy warm or at room temperature as a stunning holiday appetizer.

Tart Tips That Balance Brie, Cranberry, and Crunch

• Boost Flavor Profile: Add a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the Brie before adding cranberry sauce for extra sweetness and depth.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Lightly dust the pastry squares with flour before placing in the muffin tin to absorb excess moisture and ensure crispy crusts.
• Make Ahead Strategically: Prepare cranberry sauce and cut pastry squares up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during holiday prep.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap regular Brie for dairy-free cheese alternatives and use gluten-free puff pastry to create inclusive appetizers for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Control Portion Size: Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to ensure consistent and neat filling of each mini tart for professional-looking results.

Keep Cranberry Brie Tarts Fresh Until You Serve Them

• Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the pastry crisp and flavors intact.
• Wrap individual tarts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicious taste and texture.
• Warm tarts at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and melt the Brie cheese perfectly.
• Heat tarts for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but note this method may slightly soften the pastry's crisp texture.

Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Flavor Pairings

• Pair with Bubbly Prosecco: Light, crisp sparkling wine that cuts through the rich Brie and complements the tart cranberry sauce with its effervescent sweetness.
• Elevate with Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm, aromatic red wine infused with cinnamon and cloves that matches the holiday flavors and provides a cozy drinking experience.
• Serve Alongside Candied Nuts: Crunchy, sweet pecans or almonds add textural contrast and enhance the nutty undertones of the Brie cheese.
• Match with Herbal Gin Cocktail: Botanical gin-based drink that echoes the fresh thyme garnish and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the rich appetizer.

Cranberry Brie Mini Tart Appetizer Mixes

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free pie crust or almond flour pastry, ensuring the same crispy texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive guests.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Swap traditional Brie with plant-based soft cheese like cashew-based brie or almond cream cheese, maintaining the creamy element for dairy-free diets.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar in cranberry sauce, reducing overall sugar content for health-conscious individuals.
• Savory Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh chopped sage or rosemary directly into the cranberry filling for an enhanced herbal flavor profile that complements the cheese and pastry.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing, and they’ll cook down beautifully.

• Is there a substitute for Brie cheese?

Camembert or goat cheese are excellent alternatives with similar creamy textures that will complement the cranberry filling nicely.

• How far in advance can I make the cranberry sauce?

You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to 5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Do I need special baking equipment for these mini tarts?

A standard mini muffin tin works perfectly. If you don’t have one, silicone mini muffin molds are also a great option.

Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry brie mini tarts dance with festive flavors, blending sweet and tangy notes in a delightful bite-sized pastry. Guests will savor each elegant morsel, experiencing a perfect holiday appetizer that promises culinary elegance at your next gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries

Sauce/Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a tangy cranberry compote by simmering cranberries, sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat until berries burst and mixture transforms into a luscious, slightly thickened sauce.
2. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to set while preparing the pastry.
3. Heat the oven to 400°F, ensuring an optimal temperature for achieving golden, crispy pastry shells.
4. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted surface, gently smoothing out any visible creases or wrinkles.
5. Slice the pastry into precise 3×3 inch squares, carefully positioning each piece into mini muffin tin cavities, delicately pressing to create elegant tart shells.
6. Nestle a small, creamy chunk of Brie cheese into each pastry-lined cavity, creating a rich, melting center.
7. Delicately spoon the cooled cranberry compote over the Brie, filling each tart approximately three-quarters full to prevent overflow.
8. Enhance the pastry’s appearance by tenderly brushing the exposed edges with beaten egg, which will yield a lustrous, golden-brown finish during baking.
9. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry achieves a puffy, amber-hued transformation.
10. Remove tarts from the oven and allow them to rest briefly, helping the filling stabilize and preventing potential burns.
11. Carefully extract the tarts from the tin, optionally adorning with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for an aromatic garnish.
12. Serve these delectable mini tarts warm or at ambient temperature, perfect for elegant holiday entertaining.

Notes

• Make the cranberry filling and cut pastry squares in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during holiday entertaining.
• Replace Brie with goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles, accommodating various taste preferences.
• Use gluten-free puff pastry for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful mini tarts.
• Leftover cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe, reducing food waste and adding extra convenience to your holiday cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg