These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists are a simple, elegant appetizer you can make in under 40 minutes. Flaky puff pastry wraps warm, creamy brie and bright, sweet-tart cranberry sauce. They come out golden and crisp, with a gooey center that smells buttery and invites a bite. They are perfect for holiday snack tables, casual gatherings, or as a cozy treat with a glass of wine.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 12 twists
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (1 twist):
- Calories per serving: 165 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
(Note: Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary by brands and exact portion sizes.)
Why Make This Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
These twists are quick, impressive, and full of contrasting textures and flavors. The puff pastry bakes up light and flaky. Brie melts into a silky, creamy center. Cranberry sauce adds bright, fruity sweetness and a little tang. They look fancy but require only a few ingredients and basic hands-on time. Serve them warm for the best melt and aroma. They’re ideal for parties, last-minute guests, or a festive snack when you want something special without much fuss.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
This recipe is assembly-forward: prepare the pastry, add the filling, seal, brush with egg wash, and bake. Keep everything chilled until you need it so the pastry stays flaky and lifts nicely in the oven. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean strips. If your brie has a thick rind you don’t like, trim it lightly before cubing.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 cup of brie cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry just a little to even it. Cut the sheet into rectangular strips (about 1–1.5 inches wide for 12 twists). Keep the pastry cool while you work.
Step 2: Mixing
Place a cube of brie in the center of each strip. Add a spoonful (about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon) of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Season lightly with salt and a small pinch of pepper if you like. Fold the pastry over the filling and twist gently or fold into a twist shape, pressing edges to seal so the filling won’t leak.
Step 3: Cooking
Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Brush each twist with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. Watch them closely toward the end so they don’t overbrown.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm so the brie is gooey and the cranberry shines. Optionally garnish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few chopped fresh herbs like thyme for aroma and color.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
Serve warm on a platter for parties or as an appetizer. Pair them with red wine, sparkling wine, or a light white like Sauvignon Blanc. For a brunch, serve them with sliced apples and a simple green salad. They also work as a snack with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or fig jam for dipping.
How to Store Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
- At room temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 hours (best enjoyed warm).
- In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–10 minutes to crisp the pastry and re-melt the cheese.
- To freeze: Arrange baked, cooled twists on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12–15 minutes until heated through and crisp.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
- Keep pastry cold: Work quickly and chill the sheet if it gets too soft; cold butter in the pastry gives better lift and flakiness.
- Trim the brie rind sparingly: The rind is edible and adds flavor, but if you prefer a milder texture, trim a bit before cubing.
- Use thick cranberry sauce: A chunkier sauce holds better in the twist than very runny sauces.
- Seal edges well: Press edges and pinch to avoid leaks. A little egg wash on the edge helps glue the pastry.
- Watch oven times: Puff pastry ovens vary—remove when deep golden for the best texture.
- Make ahead tip: Assemble twists and chill on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Brush with egg and bake when ready.
Delicious Variations
- Prosciutto & Cranberry: Add a thin slice of prosciutto with the brie for savory saltiness.
- Apple & Brie Twist: Swap cranberry for a thin apple slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Honey & Walnut: Drizzle a little honey and sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts over the brie before twisting.
- Fig Jam & Goat Cheese: Replace brie with soft goat cheese and cranberry with fig jam for a tangy-sweet twist.
- Herb & Garlic Brie: Mix a pinch of dried herbs or minced garlic into softened brie for a savory version.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
Yes, thaw according to package directions but keep it cool. If it becomes too soft, chill it briefly before cutting so it holds shape and puffs well. -
How many twists will one sheet of puff pastry make?
One standard sheet usually makes about 10–12 small twists depending on strip width. Wider strips yield fewer, larger twists. -
Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
They are vegetarian as written (unless your brie uses animal rennet). For vegan, use vegan puff pastry, a plant-based cheese that melts, and a flax egg or plant milk for the wash. -
What if my cranberry sauce is very runny?
Use less sauce per twist or drain slightly. You can also cook it down on the stove briefly to thicken before using. Too much liquid can make the pastry soggy. -
How do I get the pastry extra flaky and crisp?
Keep the butter layers in the pastry cold, don’t overwork the dough, and bake on a preheated baking sheet or stone to encourage lift. Reheat baked twists in the oven (not microwave) to restore crispness. -
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and place on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours. Brush with egg and bake when you’re ready. You can also fully bake and reheat—see storage section above.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pair flaky pastry with creamy, melty brie and bright cranberry sweetness. They’re easy to customize and travel well to parties. For a similar inspiration and to see another version, check out this recipe from Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists – Farmgirl Gourmet. Give them a try — warm, golden bites are always worth it.
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Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists are a simple, elegant appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry, warm creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 cup of brie cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry. Cut into rectangular strips (about 1–1.5 inches wide for 12 twists).
- Place a cube of brie in the center of each strip, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Fold the pastry over the filling and twist to seal.
- Place the twists on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with flaky sea salt or fresh herbs.
Notes
Work quickly to keep the pastry cold for optimal flakiness. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and ensure the edges are well sealed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
