These cranberry and brie tartlets are bite-sized, festive holiday appetizers, perfect for Christmas and winter gatherings.

Cranberry and brie tartlets are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season. The combination of creamy brie cheese and the sweet and tart cranberry sauce is a match made in heaven. These tartlets are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to any holiday table or winter gathering.
These little gems perfectly combine the creamy, buttery richness of brie with the vibrant, sweet-tart flavors of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a perfectly flaky tart shell. They are an excellent choice for entertaining because they require minimal effort to prepare but offer maximum flavor and appeal.
These bite-sized bundles of joy look stunning on a holiday table and are incredibly easy to prepare! Whether serving them as a Thanksgiving appetizer, Christmas treat, or at a cozy winter gathering, these tartlets are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Why This Cranberry Brie Tartlets Recipe Works

This Cranberry Brie Tartlets recipe is loved by both home cooks and professional chefs, and here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: With ready-made refrigerated crescent roll dough, minimal prep is required, making this an easy recipe for any skill level. It’s perfect for those last-minute gatherings or when you want a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of creamy brie and tangy cranberry is always a hit. The creamy, buttery brie provides a smooth contrast to the tart and sweet cranberry sauce.
- Perfect for Fall and Winter: The seasonal ingredients easily make this a holiday favorite. Cranberries are at their peak in the fall and winter, making these tartlets ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations.
- Customizable: You can switch it up with simple variations of herbs, honey, or nuts to add a personal flair. This allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Cranberry Brie Tartlets: Key Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable Cranberry Brie Tartlets:
- Crescent Dough: Use a tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough for a quick and easy tart shell. The dough provides a flaky and buttery base that complements the creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce.
- Brie Cheese: Use a good-quality brie with a creamy consistency for the best flavor and texture. Cut into small 1″ pieces to fit perfectly into the tart shells. A good quality brie will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works here. If using store-bought, consider a high-quality brand or one with whole berries for added texture. Homemade cranberry sauce allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.
- Orange Zest: Add a touch of orange zest for extra flavor, complementing the cranberry sauce. The citrusy aroma and flavor enhance the overall taste.
- Rosemary: Optional, but I like the added depth of flavor a couple of little rosemary leaves add. Rosemary provides a subtle earthy note that pairs well with the brie and cranberry.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create perfect Cranberry Brie Tartlets. You’ll find more detailed instructions and measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are some step-by-step photos to help you along the way!
First, preheat the oven to 375°F.



- On a large cutting board, open the crescent roll package, unroll the dough. Push any perforated or torn sections together to seal the dough.
- Using a sharp knife, cut out 21-24 squares.
- Spray a 24-cup muffin tin with baking spray or cooking spray. This prevents the tartlets from sticking.



- Press each square into the cups in the muffin tin, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Place one piece of brie into each cup.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup, using about a teaspoon or more, depending on your preference.
- Top each with just a few pieces of orange zest for added flavor.
- Place in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the bottoms are baked through.
- Top each with a small sprig of rosemary and any additional orange zest.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Recipe FAQs: Cranberry Brie Tartlets

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your Cranberry Brie Tartlets:
- Can I use different cheese?
- Brie is my favorite to pair with cranberries for this dish, but camembert or goat cheese works as a substitute. Just be aware the flavor will vary slightly.
- Can I make these tartlets in advance?
- Absolutely! One of the great things about this recipe! You can prep the tartlets ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
- Yes, you can cook fresh cranberries in a saucepan with a bit of sugar and orange juice to create a quick cranberry sauce substitute. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Serving Ideas for Cranberry Brie Tartlets

These cranberry and brie tartlets make the most fun and delicious holiday appetizers! Serve them at Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and every other fall or winter holiday in-between.
We think they look especially stunning when served with other festive-looking dishes, like pistachio cranberry shortbread cookies or as part of a Christmas charcuterie board.
Other great holiday appetizers to serve alongside these include Christmas tree pull-apart bread, a simple Christmas wreath salad, and this festive cranberry pecan baked brie.
Wine Pairings for Cranberry Brie Tartlets

During the holidays, we love serving these holiday appetizers with fun and festive cranberry mocktails.
If you’re serving them with wine, here are two that I recommend pairing these flavors with:
- Chardonnay: A creamy, full-bodied Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the richness of brie.
- Pinot Noir: This light red wine with fruity notes complements the tartness of cranberry and balances the creaminess of the cheese.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Muffin tin
- Spoon for cranberry sauce
More Holiday Recipes
- 2025 Best Dog Gifts
- 2025 Gifts for Wine Lovers
- 2025 Foodie Gifts
- Honey Butter Rolls
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Cranberry and Brie Tartlet Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
- 1 wheel (8 ounces) brie cheese, cut into 21-24 square pieces about the same size
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 24-cup muffin tin with baking spray or cooking spray.
- On a large cutting board, open the crescent roll package and unroll the dough. Bring the dough pieces together to create one large rectangle, gently pushing the perforated edges together.
- Using a sharp knife, cut out 21-24 squares.
- Press each square into the cups in the muffin tin.
- Place one piece of brie into each cup.
- Spoon about a teaspoon or more of cranberry sauce over the brie in each cup.
- Top each with just a few pieces of orange zest.
- Place in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the bottoms are baked through.
- Top each with a small sprig of rosemary, and any additional orange zest.
- Serve immediately.
Notes:
Makes approximately 21-24 mini tartlets.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the dough will get too soggy from the cranberry sauce. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer.