These Mini Brie Christmas Trees are the merry little bites I bring out when I want big smiles with minimal effort. Flaky puff pastry, melty brie, and a pop of cranberry make every bite cozy and bright. They look fancy on a platter but come together fast.
Mini Brie Christmas Trees
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper for lining
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Spatula (optional)
Ingredients
Mini Brie Christmas Trees
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed just until pliable
- 4 oz brie cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes; rind on is fine
- 0.33 cup cranberry sauce or jam or raspberry preserves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary needles for garnish
- 1 egg 1 large, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp water for egg wash
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup optional, for drizzling
- 2 tbsp pistachios or pecans optional, chopped, for garnish
- 0.13 tsp smoked paprika optional, for dusting
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Lightly flour your work surface to keep pastry from sticking.
- Unfold puff pastry and roll to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut long strips about 1/2 inch wide. Shape each strip into a tree by zigzagging it upward into stacked layers, widest at the base and narrow at the top.
- Cut brie into small cubes. Place a cube near the base of each tree and tuck a tiny dab of cranberry sauce between layers as you fold the strip upward. Press gently so layers adhere.
- Use a small scrap of pastry as a trunk, if you like. Transfer trees to the prepared sheet, leaving space to puff. Brush lightly with egg wash.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden and puffy. If any cheese escapes, nudge it back with a spatula while warm.
- Drizzle a touch of honey, sprinkle chopped pistachios, and add a few rosemary needles. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Mini Brie Christmas Trees
- Festive and cute: tree-shaped bites that steal the show on any holiday spread.
- Quick to make: simple ingredients and a short bake time.
- Balanced flavor: buttery pastry, creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberry, and herbal rosemary.
- Easy to customize: swap the jam, add nuts, or sprinkle warm spices.
Mini Brie Christmas Trees Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff pastry: use store-bought sheets, thawed just until pliable. All-butter or dairy-free versions both work.
- Brie: a small wheel or wedge. The rind is edible and helps it hold shape.
- Cranberry sauce or jam: whole-berry sauce, cranberry jam, or raspberry preserves. Fig or apricot jam is lovely too.
- Fresh rosemary: needles for garnish and aroma. Thyme or a pinch of dried rosemary works in a pinch.
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water for shine. Milk or cream also works.
- Honey or maple syrup: optional drizzle for gloss and gentle sweetness.
- Crunchy finish (optional): chopped pistachios or pecans. Pumpkin seeds are a nut-free option.
- Smoky accent (optional): a light dusting of smoked paprika, or use finely chopped turkey bacon if you want a savory lift.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mini Brie Christmas Trees
1. Preheat and Prep
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Lightly flour your work surface to keep pastry from sticking.
2. Roll and Cut
Unfold puff pastry and roll to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut long strips about 1/2 inch wide. You will shape each strip into a tree by zigzagging it upward into stacked layers, widest at the base and narrow at the top.
3. Add Brie and Cranberry
Cut brie into small cubes. Place a cube near the base of each tree and tuck a tiny dab of cranberry sauce between layers as you fold the strip upward. Press gently so layers adhere.
4. Finish the Tree Shape
Use a small scrap of pastry as a trunk, if you like. Transfer trees to the prepared sheet, leaving space to puff. Brush lightly with egg wash.
5. Bake
Bake 12 to 15 minutes until deep golden and puffy. If any cheese escapes, just nudge it back with a spatula while warm.
6. Garnish and Serve
Drizzle a touch of honey, sprinkle chopped pistachios, and add a few rosemary needles. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Keep pastry cold: chill assembled trees for 10 minutes before baking for crisper layers.
- Small cheese cubes: 1/2 inch pieces melt evenly and prevent overflow.
- Light on the jam: a little goes a long way to avoid leaks.
- Golden color: brush only the pastry with egg wash, not the cut edges.
- Even baking: rotate the pan halfway through for uniform browning.
Variations of Mini Brie Christmas Trees
- Fig and walnut: fig jam with finely chopped walnuts and a drizzle of honey.
- Raspberry and thyme: raspberry preserves and fresh thyme leaves.
- Savory herb and garlic: skip the jam, add a whisper of garlic powder and extra rosemary.
- Spiced cranberry: cranberry sauce with a pinch of cinnamon and orange zest.
- Pepper-jelly pop: use mild pepper jelly for sweet heat.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Mini Brie Christmas Trees
- Charcuterie-style board: add grapes, clementines, seed crackers, and olives.
- Seasonal salads: baby greens with pears and toasted nuts.
- Sparkling sips: bubbly water with pomegranate arils and a sprig of rosemary.
- Warm dips: a creamy herb dip on the side for contrast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temp: serve within 2 hours for best texture.
- Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Reheat: bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp and warm. Air fryer at 325°F for 3 to 4 minutes also works.
- Freeze: freeze unbaked, shaped trees on a tray, then store in a bag up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 2 to 3 minutes.
Memories Made Around the Table
I started making these for a tree-trimming night, and they disappeared before the star went on top. Now the kids ask for the rosemary sprinkles like little needles on fresh snow. Simple moments, happy plates.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead? Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake right before serving. Add garnishes after baking.
Do I need to remove the brie rind? No. The rind is mild and helps the cheese hold shape. Slice off only if you prefer a softer melt.
Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry? Yes, they will be softer and less flaky. Reduce bake time slightly and watch for golden edges.
How do I prevent leaks? Use small brie cubes, minimal jam, and keep pastry cold. Pinch seams gently so layers stick.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Brie Christmas Trees add instant cheer without fuss. Keep puff pastry in the freezer and a jar of jam on hand, and you are always a few folds away from a holiday win.