These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are a fun and tasty treat! Flaky pastry hugs creamy Brie cheese and sweet, tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for impressing guests!
Making these stars is like crafting little gifts of deliciousness. They’re so easy, I often whip them up just to make my snack time extra special. Who doesn’t love cheese and cranberry together? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Purchasing frozen puff pastry is super convenient and works beautifully for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making homemade pastry. However, for ease and speed, I recommend sticking with the store-bought version.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds that creamy richness we love. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. Both will melt well and provide a lovely flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce is perfectly fine here, but homemade can make these stars extra special. If you’re looking for a twist, try a different fruit preserve like apricot or cherry!
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary gives a nice aromatic touch, but feel free to swap it with thyme or omit it altogether if you prefer just the cheese and cranberry flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Puff Pastry?
Working with puff pastry can be tricky if you don’t know the basics. You’ll want to keep it cold for the best results, so only thaw it until it’s workable. If it starts to get warm, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.
- When rolling out, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Treat it gently; don’t overwork the dough to keep those layers intact.
- Always seal the edges well so the filling doesn’t leak while baking.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh whole cranberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need approximately 40-45 minutes to create these scrumptious puff pastry stars. Great for a quick appetizer before the main feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pastry cooks perfectly. While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Next, roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This helps it to relax and smooths out any creases for a nicer finish. Don’t worry if it rips a little; you can press it back together!
3. Cut Out the Stars:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars from the pastry. Aim for about 8-10 stars, depending on the size of your cutter. You’ll need two stars for each treat, so make sure to cut out enough!
4. Assemble the Stars:
Take half of your star cutouts and place them on the baking sheet. In the center of each star, add a small piece of Brie cheese followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese. It’s like creating mini flavor celebrations!
5. Seal the Stars:
Brush the outer edges of the stars with the beaten egg to help them stick together. Then, take the remaining puff pastry stars and carefully place them on top, pressing down gently around the edges to seal them tight. You want to avoid any leaks!
6. Get Them Golden:
Brush the tops of the stars with more beaten egg. This will give them that beautiful golden color while baking—even more appetizing!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown, puffed-up finish. The aroma will be irresistible!
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Once they’re golden and fabulous, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries for a festive touch before serving!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm as a delightful appetizer or snack. Everyone will love the combination of flaky pastry, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry!
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars! They’re sure to be a hit at your gathering.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry is perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start working with it.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you can’t find Brie, Camembert works wonderfully as an alternative. You can also try a mild cream cheese or even goat cheese, which will give a different but delightful flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Stars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stars ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in directly from the fridge!
