Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are delicious little bites that mix creamy brie cheese with tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They look as good as they taste!
These cute stars are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Trust me, one is never enough—they disappear quickly! I love serving them warm with a bit of extra cranberry sauce on the side.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is what gives your stars their flaky texture. You can find it in the frozen section of your grocery store. If you’re looking for a healthier option, puff pastry made with whole grains is available, though the texture may differ slightly.
Brie Cheese: The star of the show! I like to use a creamy brie for a rich flavor. If brie isn’t available, you could easily substitute camembert or even a mild cream cheese for a different but still tasty experience.
Cranberry Sauce: I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for its texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, homemade cranberry sauce or even a fruit chutney can add a unique twist. You might also try lingonberry sauce for a Scandinavian flair!
Chopped Nuts: Adding pecans or walnuts gives a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to skip this ingredient or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Golden Puff Pastry?
Getting your puff pastry just right can make all the difference! Here are some tips to ensure a golden finish:
- Thaw the pastry properly—let it sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30 minutes. Don’t rush this!
- Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking, which can prevent puffing.
- Make sure to cut clean edges with your cookie cutter for better puffing.
- Brush the tops with egg wash—this helps with that beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step!
- Keep an eye on them while baking. If they start to get too dark, you can cover them with foil.
With these tips, your cranberry brie puff pastry stars will be golden and delightful every time!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stars:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and 15–18 minutes for baking, so you can get these deliciously flaky pastry stars ready in approximately 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your pastry puffs up nicely. While that’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your stars from sticking.
2. Rolling Out The Puff Pastry:
Next, take your sheet of puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. This helps to smooth out any creases and makes it easier to cut out shapes. Try to get it about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cutting Out The Stars:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter (about 3 inches wide), cut out as many stars as you can from the pastry. Feel free to re-roll the scraps to create more stars!
4. Assembling The Stars:
Place half of your star cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Then, in the center of each star, place a small piece of brie cheese. Now, add about 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce over the brie for that sweet and tangy flavor boost!
5. Adding Nuts (Optional):
If you’d like an extra crunch, sprinkle a few chopped nuts over the cranberry sauce. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely texture!
6. Sealing the Stars:
Now, take a little water and moisten the edges of the stars. This helps the top pieces stick. Carefully place another star cutout on top of each filled star and gently press the edges down to seal.
7. Brushing with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently brush the tops of your stars with this mixture. This is what gives them that beautiful golden color when they bake!
8. Baking Time:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is nicely puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the stars from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They can be quite hot right out of the oven! Serve them warm and enjoy the crispy, flaky goodness filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or just a cozy snack! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can substitute with camembert, cream cheese, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just be sure the cheese melts well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the puff pastry stars in advance and keep them assembled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for best results, so they stay crispy!
Can I Freeze Assembled Puff Pastry Stars?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked stars. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
