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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastry

Delicious bite-sized puff pastry filled with creamy cranberry cream cheese that are perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Keyword: Cranberry Pastry, Cream Cheese Snacks, Finger Food, Holiday Appetizers, Puff Pastry Bites
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, to taste Adjust sweetness based on preference.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest or juice Brightens the flavor of the filling.
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves Choose thick sauce to avoid leaks.

Pastry Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold Keep the pastry cold for best results.
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash Gives a nice golden color.
  • optional chopped pecans For added crunch.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a bowl, stir cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
  • Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll gently to smooth the folds.
  • Slice the pastry into 2-inch squares or cut circles with a biscuit cutter.

Assembly

  • Place pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture to the center of each, followed by a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
  • Brush exposed pastry with egg wash and chill the tray in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Baking

  • Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and filling looks set.
  • Let the bites sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with powdered sugar or chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

Make-ahead tip: Assemble and freeze on a tray, then store. Bake as needed.