There’s something magical about the combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry, creamy melted Brie, and the sweet-tart burst of cranberry jam. It’s the kind of flavor mix that feels both indulgent and elegant, making it perfect for the holiday season. But what if we took that deliciousness and made it even more fun? Enter Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops—adorable, handheld bites that are basically fancy grown-up lollipops.
These little pastries are ridiculously easy to make, yet they look like something straight out of a gourmet bakery. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and the contrast of flavors is simply chef’s kiss. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering, a holiday party, or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, these pastry pops will not disappoint.
I remember the first time I made these—it was for a family Christmas party, and they disappeared within minutes. I had barely set them on the table before everyone was reaching for them, commenting on how cute they looked and then immediately going back for seconds (or thirds). From that moment on, they became a holiday staple in our house, and I’m pretty sure they’ll become one in yours too!
Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Pops
- Super easy to make – With store-bought puff pastry and just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Perfect for entertaining – These make a stunning appetizer that looks way fancier than the effort required to make them.
- Incredible flavor combo – The richness of Brie pairs beautifully with the tart-sweet cranberry jam, and the flaky pastry just takes it over the top.
- Kid-friendly & fun to eat – The stick makes them extra fun, and even kids who aren’t big on Brie love these little hand pies.
Prep Time, Servings, and Nutrition
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Servings: Makes 9 puff pastry pops
- Calories per serving: ~464 kcal
- Key Nutrients: 28g fat, 43g carbohydrates, 10g protein, 17g sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 heaping cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie, cut into 9 chunks
- 9 cookie-pop or ice-pop sticks
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons flaky salt (such as Maldon)
Puff pastry is the secret weapon here—it makes everything taste bakery-level amazing without any of the work of making dough from scratch. Brie, of course, is the star; its creamy, melty texture is just heavenly when baked. And the cranberry jam? That’s what gives these pops their holiday magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Then, cut each sheet into 9 equal squares. The easiest way to do this is by slicing it into thirds vertically and then horizontally.
2. Assemble the Pops
Place about 2 tablespoons of cranberry jam in the center of each square. Then, place a chunk of Brie right on top of the jam.
Now comes the fun part—take a cookie-pop stick (or an ice-pop stick) and gently press it into the Brie, ensuring it goes far enough into the filling to hold everything together.
3. Seal Everything Up
Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with a little egg wash (this helps the pastry stick together). Then, grab another puff pastry square and place it directly on top, pressing down gently to seal the filling inside.
Use a fork to crimp the edges all around, ensuring a good seal so none of that delicious filling leaks out. Be extra careful around the stick to make sure it’s secure.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
Once all your pastry pops are assembled, brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. This will help them turn beautifully golden brown in the oven. Sprinkle a little flaky salt over each pop for an added touch of flavor and crunch.
5. Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Transfer your assembled pastry pops to the lined baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overbrown.
6. Let Them Cool (Just a Little!) and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pops cool for about 5 minutes before serving. The Brie inside will be super hot, and giving them a moment to set will make them easier to eat.
How to Serve These Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry
These are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, but here are a few fun ways to present them:
- Arrange them in a glass jar or cup for a fun lollipop-style display.
- Serve them on a platter with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality puff pastry – The better the pastry, the flakier and tastier these will be.
- Keep the pastry cold – If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before assembling. Cold pastry puffs up better in the oven.
- Don’t overfill – Too much cranberry jam can make the pastries hard to seal and cause leaks.
- Seal well around the stick – This ensures that everything stays in place when you pick up the pops.
- Bake on parchment paper – It prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Variations to Try
- Savory twist – Swap cranberry jam for fig jam or caramelized onions for a more savory version.
- Nutty version – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for extra crunch.
- Spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for some heat.
- Vegan option – Use a dairy-free Brie alternative and a vegan puff pastry.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
These are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry straight from the freezer?
No, let it thaw in the fridge for about 30 minutes before using. This makes it easier to work with.
What’s the best Brie for this recipe?
A mild, creamy Brie works best. Avoid extra-aged Brie, as it can be too strong.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If using a chunky cranberry sauce, give it a quick stir to smooth it out.
Do I have to use sticks?
Nope! You can make these as mini hand pies instead—just follow the same steps without the stick.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops are a holiday must-have. They’re easy to make, look stunning on a platter, and taste absolutely divine. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving gathering, or just want a festive treat, these will be a guaranteed hit.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your creations. Happy baking!
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Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops: A Festive and Irresistible Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 puff pastry pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops are a fun and elegant holiday appetizer! Featuring flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie, and tart cranberry jam, they’re the perfect festive bite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any party. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 heaping cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie, cut into 9 chunks
- 9 cookie-pop or ice-pop sticks
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp flaky salt (e.g., Maldon)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry to ¼-inch thick and cut each sheet into 9 squares.
- Place 2 tbsp cranberry jam in the center of a square, add a Brie chunk on top, and insert a stick.
- Brush edges with egg wash, place another pastry square on top, and seal with a fork.
- Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle flaky salt, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold for the best texture.
- Try fig jam or hot honey for a flavor twist.
- Serve warm for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French