
The holiday season brings the coziest flavors of the year warm baked pastry, creamy melted cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries that sparkle like jewels on the table. These Christmas Brie and Cranberry Bites combine all the charm of festive appetizers with the comforting richness of classic winter flavors. Wrapped in buttery puff pastry and finished with a bright cranberry filling, these little bites are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing an elegant appetizer board, or planning a cozy December night at home, these bites come together quickly and always impress. They look stunning, taste luxurious, and fill the kitchen with a warm aroma that instantly feels like Christmas.
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What Are Christmas Brie and Cranberry Bites & Why They’re Special
Christmas Brie and Cranberry Bites are mini puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. They bake into golden little parcels that melt in your mouth. The magic comes from their perfect flavor contrast: the richness of warm brie paired with bright, fruity cranberries.
These bites are special because they’re elegant yet simple everyone loves a recipe that feels gourmet without requiring complicated steps. They’re holiday-ready, visually festive, and pair beautifully with sparkling drinks, cheese boards, and cozy holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (cold, thawed)
- Cooking spray or butter (for muffin pan)
Filling
- 8 oz brie cheese (rind on or off)
- ½ cup whole cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh rosemary
- Orange zest
- Pomegranate arils
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Your Puff Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
Cut puff pastry into squares (about 2 inches each). Press each square gently into the muffin tin to form mini cups.
Step 2 – Add Brie
Cut the brie into small cubes and place one piece in each pastry cup. Brie melts beautifully during baking, creating a creamy, savory base.
Step 3 – Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce on top of the brie in each cup.
For extra holiday sparkle, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Step 4 – Optional Festive Toppings
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts.
Add a rosemary leaf for aroma.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Bake 12–16 minutes, or until pastry is golden and brie is melted.
Let cool 2–3 minutes before removing.
Step 6 – Serve Warm
Plate with rosemary sprigs and orange zest for an elegant Christmas aesthetic.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
⭐ Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep puff pastry cold for the best rise.
- Don’t overfill brie expands when melted.
- Line the pan with parchment squares for ultra-clean removal.
⭐ Variations
- Almond Brie Bites → add almond slivers for a nutty crunch.
- Orange Cranberry Bites → mix cranberry sauce with orange zest.
- Savory Herb Version → use rosemary butter + brie only.
- Fig & Brie Christmas Bites → substitute fig jam for cranberries.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive elegance with minimal effort.
- Bite-size treats that impress every guest.
- Perfect balance of creamy + flaky + fruity.
- Ideal for Christmas Eve, parties, and charcuterie boards.
Holiday Memories & Cozy Kitchen Atmosphere
One of the coziest moments of the holiday season is gathering around the oven as these little bites bake. The smell of buttery pastry rising, the warm creaminess of melted brie, and the festive sweetness of cranberries create an atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia. These bites bring back memories of winter gatherings, candlelight, soft Christmas music, and joyful moments shared around the table.
Texture & Flavor Experience
These bites deliver a beautiful sensory experience: the crisp snap of flaky pastry, the velvety melt of warm brie, and the bright pop of cranberry all come together in a single, luxurious mouthful. The nuts add a subtle crunch, the rosemary adds a fragrant holiday note, and the honey creates a silky finish. Every bite feels like Christmas in its most delicious form.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble the unbaked bites, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze after baking, then reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, crescent dough creates a softer, bread-like bite.
Should I remove the brie rind?
It’s optional! It melts perfectly and tastes great.
Conclusion
These Christmas Brie and Cranberry Bites are everything a holiday appetizer should be warm, comforting, elegant, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether served at a Christmas party or enjoyed at home with your loved ones, they bring a touch of seasonal magic to every bite.