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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 6 ounces Brie cheese, rind mostly removed and finely diced
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2-4 tablespoons cinnamon sugar, using more or less to taste
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.
These did NOT turn out! Parchment paper?! I think not. Cheese melted right into paper, still doughy after 25 min. Tried to make these for work, so disappointed ☹️
Hi Colleen! I am really sorry these did not work for you. Are there any questions I could help you with? Let me know! XxTieghan
These were a HUGE hit tonight at Thanksgiving! Definitely will become a new Holiday staple for us. So easy, and the flavor pairings were perfect. Thanks again for another winner!
Thank you Robin! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
These were so simple to make and so good! Glad I made double because a few didn’t make it to the serving platter! Made a Cranberry Mustard sipping sauce (leftover homemade cranberry jam and Dijon). So yummy!!!
Yes! I am so glad you loved this so much Hadley! xTieghan
Sorry I made these for thanksgiving and actually turned out like turkey turds haha my family thought it was funny though
Hi Jess! Haha really sorry these did not work.. Are there any questions I could help you with? xTieghan
Hi, do you mean unsweetened dried cranberries?
Hi! Yes unsweetened! I hope you love this! xTieghan
Hi Mary! You can either or, whatever your prefer! Just adjust the sugar amount depending on what you buy. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
Made these last night for the first time and they are DELICIOUS! I used a little less brie because I only had roughly 5 oz of cheese & used significantly less craisins & about half the recommended amount of cinnamon sugar (I eyeballed it) but for me it was all the perfect amount. They turned out not as pretty as the picture due to mediocre wrapping & cutting technique – be sure to wrap them up snugly, and maybe try using flavorless floss to cut them instead of a knife so they don’t end up oblong. I’m sure they’d be just as delicious with more of the fillings, but they’re very forgiving of less. Overall, a really low-maintenance recipe & lovely pairing of flavors!
I am so glad you loved this recipe Allie!! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Oh boy! I’m so distracted. I misread the word “dried” cranberries and bought fresh, so everything is ready to go and I only have fresh cranberries. What do you suggest I should go! Thank you so much!
HI! I would use the fresh! I am sure this will still be great, but use additional sugar to sweet the cranberries. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
Are these craisins that you use, so already sweetened, or is there another type that is a bit tart?
This is such a unique, interesting recipe! I cannot wait to try these!
Thank you so much Erin! xTieghan
All my favourite things in one place – cinnamon sugar, Brie and cranberries. Yum! This has made it onto my menu for my open house. Printed and pinned!
Amazing! I hope all of your guests love it! Thank you Joanna! xTieghan
Love this combo. Easy and tasty. For me, the one with goat cheese/ dates…was just a no go, although it looked as if it would be good for many. This is great for the rest of.
Thank you so much Joyce! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
how do these taste cold? They sound delicious
Sue, these are best warm, but I am sure great at room temp as well. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
Do you think you could substitute a roll of crescent rolls if you already have them in your fridge and need to use them up?
Hey Andrea! I am sure crescents will be great. Fun idea!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan,
I want to tell you how much our family adores your recipes! I have ordered copies of your new book for everyone on our Christmas list. Keep up the good work.
Nancy
That is so amazing! I am so glad you enjoy my recipes and I hope everyone loves the book!! Thank you! xTieghan
Hello Tieghan,
I like cranberries but not sure my little granddaughters will. Do you think the cranberries can be switched out for mini chocolate chips?
Our Christmas Eve is set up of all kinds of hors d’oeuvres so I don’t have to cook a big meal. Our big meal is Christmas Day. I think both would be a nice addition to the table.
Thank you!
Happy Holidays,
Diana
Hi Diana, I am sure chocolate chips will be delicious. I have never done Brie and chocolate before, but know others love it. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan