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 cup homemade cranberry sauce (prepared above); 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 tablespoon chopped walnuts; Fresh rosemary sprigs (to garnish)

There’s something irresistibly cozy about bite-sized treats that burst with flavor, and this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe hits all the right notes. Buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, and a tangy homemade cranberry sauce make these little gems perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering or casual get-together.

The image shows six small puff pastry tarts arranged on a round white marbled surface. Each tart has a golden-brown, flaky crust forming an open cup with four folded corners. Inside each cup is a deep red layer of cranberry filling, topped with small chunks of chopped walnuts and a fresh dark green sprig of rosemary. Near the tarts, some whole walnuts are placed on the surface. In the background, there is a square white bowl filled with bright red cranberries, and a partially visible baguette. The lighting is bright, highlighting the texture of the crust and the glossy cranberry topping. 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

Honestly, these Cranberry Brie Bites quickly became one of my favorite go-to appetizers because they’re simple but feel so special. Once you nail the balance between the sweet cranberries and the rich brie, you’ll see why they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Effortless Elegance: They look fancy but come together in under 40 minutes.
Flavor Combo: The tartness of cranberries perfectly complements the creamy, mellow brie.
Versatility: Great for holiday parties, game days, or just a fun snack with friends.
Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and bake fresh when guests arrive.

A close-up view of a small tart with a golden, flaky puff pastry shell forming the base and edges, holding a rich, deep red jelly layer topped with brown, crunchy walnut pieces scattered unevenly, and finished with a small sprig of fresh green rosemary placed in the center. The tart sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting its textures and colors vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here lies in combining fresh, bright ingredients with rich, creamy textures. Each element plays a role in creating those perfectly balanced mini bites you’ll want to make again and again.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl filled with bright orange juice, a few strands of orange zest, a small white bowl of clear water, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of golden vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, a neatly folded sheet of thawed puff pastry on a white ceramic plate, small cubes of creamy brie cheese arranged artfully, a small white bowl of deep red homemade cranberry sauce, a single whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of water for egg wash, a handful of chopped walnuts, and a sprig of fresh rosemary, all placed symmetrically 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: The star ingredient for that tart punch; frozen works great and saves time.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries just right to mellow the tartness.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Adds a sunny, citrusy brightness that pairs wonderfully with the berries.
Water: Helps cook the cranberry sauce smoothly without it becoming too thick.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice note that adds cozy depth.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch brings out the natural flavors in the sauce.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings all flavors together.
Puff pastry sheet: Provides that flaky, buttery base everyone loves.
Brie cheese: Creamy, soft, and mild — the perfect cheese to melt inside flaky pastry.
Homemade cranberry sauce: Adds a luscious layer and intensifies the cranberry flavor.
Egg and water (for egg wash): Gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine.
Chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty tone.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: A fragrant garnishing touch that looks stunning on the finished bites.

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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 love mixing this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a drizzle of honey for a sweeter touch or swap walnuts for pecans when I want a slightly different crunch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of ground cloves to the cranberry sauce — it adds a nice holiday warmth without overpowering.
Dietary swap: Use dairy-free brie for a vegan-friendly version, and olive oil-based puff pastry if you find one.
Spice it up: A little finely chopped fresh jalapeño mixed into the cranberry sauce can give you a surprising but delightful bite of heat.

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

Step 1: Simmer the Cranberry Sauce

Start by combining cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, water, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens slightly. This homemade sauce is the heart of the flavor — don’t rush it! Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin cup to form little pastry cups. This helps them hold all the filling without spilling over during baking.

Step 3: Layer Brie and Cranberry Sauce

Place a small cube of brie inside each puff pastry cup. Top the cheese with a teaspoon of your homemade cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts to add crunch and texture.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and give each pastry bite a gentle brush of the egg wash. This ensures a gorgeous golden crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the cheese is melty.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish each bite with a small rosemary sprig for that lovely aroma and festive look. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Top Tip

Over the years making this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe, I’ve learned that timing and temperature make all the difference to the perfect final result. These tips will save you some trial and error!

Chill the Puff Pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to shape it, so it puffs up nicely instead of getting soggy.
Don’t Overfill: A small cube of brie and a teaspoon of sauce per cup is enough — too much filling can cause spillover and uneven baking.
Watch the Oven: Puff pastry can turn from perfect to burnt quickly; start checking at 13 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Allow Cranberry Sauce to Cool: Hot sauce can make the pastry soggy right from the start, so give it time to cool before assembling.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

cranberry brie bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh rosemary sprigs on top — they’re easy and add the perfect herbaceous scent that pairs beautifully with cranberries and brie. Sometimes I dot a few bites with a little honey drizzle for extra sweetness, especially if I know guests like that touch.

Side Dishes

These bites shine on their own, but I often serve them alongside simple mixed greens dressed with vinaigrette, or a bowl of roasted nuts. For holiday affairs, a cheese board with assorted crackers and slices of apple is always a lovely combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, I like arranging these bites on a rustic wooden board surrounded by clusters of cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, creating a woodland vibe that’s both inviting and beautiful. You can also serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Cranberry Brie Bites wrapped tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. They tend to stay fresh for up to 3 days, though I’d be surprised if you have leftovers that long!

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing the assembled but unbaked bites on a tray first, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them straight into a hot oven and add a few extra minutes baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bites gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to revive the puff pastry’s crispness without overcooking the cheese. Microwave tends to make the pastry tough, so I avoid that method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones for the cranberry sauce. Just thaw slightly or cook them directly as per the recipe instructions.

What type of brie cheese is best for these bites?

I recommend a mild, creamy brie that’s easy to cube and melts well. Avoid very aged or extra strong bries as their flavor can overpower the balance.

Can I make this Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just add the egg wash and bake them fresh right before serving for the best puff and color.

What should I serve with these Cranberry Brie Bites?

They’re lovely on their own as an appetizer but also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, a cheese and charcuterie board, or alongside warm spiced nuts for a festive spread.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a little celebration on a plate. Every time I make them, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients and a bit of love can turn into something magical. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do sharing them with friends — they truly bring a special spark to any gathering.