These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are super cute and tasty! Filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, they make the perfect appetizer for any gathering.
They’re so easy to make, too! Just cut the pastry, add the filling, and pop them in the oven. You’ll impress everyone with these little stars—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is a lifesaver! Make sure to thaw it properly to avoid cracks. If you prefer, you can use homemade puff pastry, but it requires more time and effort.
Brie Cheese: The creamy texture of brie is perfect here. If you can’t find brie, camembert or even cream cheese can be a good alternative, though they will have different flavors.
Cranberry Sauce: I love using homemade cranberry sauce when I have it, but store-bought works just as well. For a twist, try adding orange zest to your sauce for extra flavor!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but are optional. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds for some texture.
How Do You Shape and Seal Puff Pastry Stars?
Shaping the stars can be a bit tricky, but with some practice, you’ll get the hang of it! The key is to create a nice seal to keep the filling inside while it’s baking.
- When cutting out the stars, make sure you have a top and a bottom for each.
- Press gently but firmly around the edges of the top pastry star to seal it. You want to keep that yummy filling locked in!
- Press the corners gently inward to create a traditional star shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just fun and inviting!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
For the Filling:
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (smooth or chunky)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes to have these delightful treats ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking.
2. Rolling Out the Puff Pastry:
Take the thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter—about 3-4 inches—to cut out star shapes. Make sure to cut enough for both the bottom and top of each star.
3. Assembling the Stars:
Lay half of the star cutouts on your prepared baking sheet. In the center of each star, place a small slice of brie cheese. Then, add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce.
4. Creating the Top Layer:
Take the remaining star shapes and place one on top of each filled star. Press the edges gently to seal them together. Make sure to create a good seal so the filling doesn’t leak out!
5. Shaping and Brushing:
With a knife, gently press the points of each top star inward to enhance the star shape and keep the center open. Brush the tops of the stars with the beaten egg to give them a lovely golden color when baked.
6. Baking the Stars:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
7. Serving:
Once done, remove the stars from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, garnish them with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy these delicious, festive treats!
This recipe perfectly highlights the combination of creamy melted brie and sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry—ideal for any festive occasion!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! If brie isn’t available, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like camembert or even cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare These Stars in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stars a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
How Should I Store Leftover Puff Pastry Stars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Puff Pastry Stars?
You can freeze assembled but unbaked stars! Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
