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These (almost idiot proof) 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls are my favorite easy appetizer. They’re quick, simple, and most importantly, everyone LOVES them. Flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie cheese, dried cranberries, and a touch of sweet cinnamon sugar (promise it works). All rolled together then baked to create the perfect cheesy pastry swirls. These are the perfect, sweet and savory festive appetizers that are ideal for holiday entertaining.

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls

There are very few recipes I turn to time and time again. But these fun, slightly sweet yet still savory, pastry swirls have been my go-to Thanksgiving appetizer for years now. It’s not all that often that I repeat recipes in my kitchen, but when it comes to holiday recipes, I LOVE tradition more than anything. Some of you might recognize these from way, way back when. And for some of you, this might be a brand new recipe. Regardless of whether it’s old or new, I am SO EXCITED to be sharing these swirls today. These are one of my mom’s favorite holiday appetizers.

Originally I was going to share a completely different, very dessert-like post today. But then something on Monday morning just told me that I NEEDED to instead share another easy appetizer. I know we just talked about these goat cheese stuffed bacon wrapped dates, but with Thanksgiving next week, and all of the upcoming holiday parties, I figured we needed all of the appetizer recipes we can get our hands on.

Right? Yes, yes, certainly hoping so! Plus, these are just so fun, easy, and DELICIOUS. I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t love this recipe.

5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry before rolling and baking

Here is what you need to make these cranberry brie pastry swirls…

Store-bought puff pastry…holiday tip, always keep puff pastry in the freezer, especially during November and December.

Salted butter…just a little, but it goes a long way.

Cinnamon sugar…yes, cinnamon sugar. Again, only just a little, but it’s the secret ingredient here.

Creamy Brie cheese…for obvious reasons. It’s the most delicious ingredient here.

Dried cranberries…a pantry staple that never gets enough love that’s perfect for pairing with creamy Brie.

5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry log before baking

If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can me these swirls. Just layer the pastry with butter, cinnamon sugar, brie, and cranberries. Roll up the pastry, slice, and bake. DONE. That’s it. These take only minutes to prepare, minutes to bake, and come out of the oven looking more incredible than you could imagine.

Trust me. I make these every year and I’m still taken back every single time I pull them out of the oven. There’s just nothing not to love about bubbly melty Brie with cranberries and flaky pastry. And the addition of a little cinnamon sugar? Just two simple words…

SO GOOD.

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls on baking sheet after baking

The Secret?

Um, yes, it’s that cinnamon sugar. I know it’s odd and unusual, but let me explain. First, you should note that we are not using a lot of sugar, only a pinch and it really goes a long way.

The sweet cinnamon in combination with the cranberries, Brie, and pastry is what makes these swirls sparkle. Literally.

Whenever I’m working with cranberries I always find they need to be paired with something sweet to break up their tartness and highlight just how delicious they really are. Since I love playing with sweet and savory flavor combinations, I tested out the addition of cinnamon. At first I was nervous, but after the first bite, I knew I stumbled across something crazy delicious. The sweet cinnamon adds a nice warmth that pairs perfectly with the creamy Brie and balances out the tart cranberries.

It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and feels especially fitting for this time of year.

overhead close up photo of 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls

An import note…

These are a little messy. When you pull them out of the oven, you may worry that they’re too messy. But, just let the swirls sit on the pan for a few minutes and the cheese will set and be much easier to work with. They’re still going to be a little messy, but such a great appetizer, and so worth a few sticky fingers! They’re bite-sized and great for prepping in advance and then popping in the oven just as guests arrive.

These take only a few minutes to bake. They’ll come out of the oven just as everyone is settling in and beginning to look for apps.

My biggest tip? Double the recipe. This recipe makes about sixteen pastry swirls, but everyone eats at least two…sometimes more. Again, they’re bite-sized…and so very, very GOOD!

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls with cheese being pulled out of swirl

If you make these 5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Watch the How-To Video Here:

5 Ingredient Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 Swirls
Calories Per Serving: 206 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Unroll the puff pastry on a clean work surface. Brush the pastry with 1 tablespoon melted butter and then sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle the diced brie and cranberries evenly over the pastry.
    3. Starting at the long end, roll the pastry up as tightly as possible (like a cinnamon roll). Brush the roll with the remaining melted butter and then sprinkle the roll with cinnamon sugar to coat. Using a sharp knife, cut into 16 swirls.
    4. Place the swirls on the prepared baking sheet and bake 15-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the pastry golden, these are a little messy. Allow to sit on the pan about two minutes and before transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.

Notes

To Make Ahead: prepare through step 3. Place the swirls on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake the swirls as directed. 
Cinnamon Sugar: mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Store in an airtight container.
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Comments

  1. Hi! Do you have any tips for transporting these (about ten minutes from home) and keeping them warm and or re-heating? Baking at the final destination won’t work with timing. Thank you!

    1. Hey Emily,
      I would just cover with foil on a hot baking sheet:) Let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT

  2. 5 stars
    I made these and they are awesome! About to make them again and I noticed that your photos show them dusted in cinnamon sugar after they are rolled up. Is this a step that I missed or was it just for the photo? I have the cinnamon sugar on the inside of the roll as the recipe says. Thanks!

    1. Hey Francine,
      You are going to sprinkle with cinnamon sugar in step 3. I hope this helps! Thanks again for making this recipe! xT

    1. Hey Mary Jo,
      Happy Monday!❄️🎄 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! I probably wouldn’t freeze after baking:) xT