When it comes to appetizers that look impressive but require minimal effort, these Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls are pure magic. They’re flaky, sweet, and savory with layers of buttery pastry wrapped around melted Brie and cranberry sauce.
The cinnamon and orange zest bring warmth and brightness to every bite—perfect for holiday parties, cozy brunches, or a quick snack that feels fancy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls
This recipe delivers all the elegance of a bakery pastry without the fuss. Every swirl melts in your mouth, balancing sweet cranberry with rich cheese and a hint of citrus.
- Ready in under 30 minutes with store-bought puff pastry.
- Perfect mix of sweet, tart, and creamy.
- Great for parties, gifts, or weekend brunches.
- Freezer-friendly—bake ahead and reheat easily.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or sparkling cider.
- Looks elegant on any table but couldn’t be simpler to make.
I first made these the morning before Thanksgiving when family was visiting early. My wife handed me leftover cranberry sauce and Brie from the fridge, and I decided to experiment.
When those first golden spirals came out of the oven, everyone gathered around like it was Christmas morning. These little bites have been a Ramirez holiday tradition ever since.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These swirls use pantry and fridge staples to create an elevated, bakery-style flavor profile.
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed – the flaky, buttery base.
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed – creamy richness that melts perfectly.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce or cranberry relish – adds tart sweetness.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened – for smooth, spreadable texture.
- 1–2 tablespoons granulated or brown sugar – for subtle sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest – brightens and balances the richness.
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water – for golden color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances every flavor.
- Powdered sugar (optional) – a light dusting for a sweet finish.
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Use goat cheese instead of Brie for tangier flavor.
- Substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
- Swap cranberry with raspberry jam or cherry preserves.
- Add a drizzle of honey before baking for glossy sweetness.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg wash for sparkle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These swirls come together easily—no special tools, no stress, just flaky perfection in a few quick steps.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. (This keeps the bottoms crisp and golden.)
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt until smooth. (This gives the filling a light sweetness.)
- Prepare pastry: Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread half the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
- Add Brie and cranberry: Arrange Brie slices on top, then spoon cranberry sauce evenly across the pastry. (Don’t overload—it spreads as it bakes.)
- Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange and brush: Place each swirl on a prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with egg wash.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and dust: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Quick Reminders:
- Keep puff pastry cold for best results.
- Slice with a serrated knife to maintain clean layers.
- Space swirls apart to allow for expansion.
- Serve warm—Brie tastes best when just melted.
Expert Tips for Success
These puff pastry swirls may look gourmet, but a few tricks make them even more foolproof.
- Freeze the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing for perfect spirals.
- Use a silicone baking mat for even browning.
- Make them ahead—store unbaked swirls in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
- Add a touch of rosemary or thyme for a savory note.
- Brush with a little maple syrup after baking for shine.
When done right, these golden swirls puff beautifully, flake delicately, and disappear faster than you can set them down.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant bites belong on every holiday spread or brunch table.
- Serve warm as an appetizer with cider or sparkling juice.
- Pair with Delicious Pecan Pie Cookies for a festive dessert platter.
- Enjoy alongside No-Bake Biscoff Truffles for holiday snacking.
- Serve with Zesty Lemon Truffles for a citrusy contrast.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary or orange zest curls for presentation.
- Add to a brunch board with fruit, cheese, and pastries.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these golden bites add instant warmth to the table.
Storing and Reheating
Proper storage keeps these swirls light, crisp, and flavorful even after baking.
How to Store It
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Separate layers with parchment to preserve crispness.
- Freeze unbaked swirls for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Avoid sealing them while warm to prevent sogginess.
How to Reheat It
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.
- Avoid microwaving—it softens the pastry.
- For frozen swirls, bake directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the time.
- Serve fresh out of the oven for best texture and aroma.
They’ll taste just as fresh and buttery as the day you made them.
Nutrition (per serving – estimated)
Calories: 320 | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Sugar: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Fiber: 1 g | Protein: 7 g | Sodium: 240 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the rolls, slice them, and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake straight from cold. They’re perfect for prepping before guests arrive.
Can I use other cheese besides Brie?
Definitely. Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese alone all work well. Brie gives the smoothest melt, but other creamy cheeses bring their own charm.
What’s the best cranberry option to use?
You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, or even homemade leftovers. For added texture, mix in a spoonful of orange marmalade—it brightens the flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls are the definition of effortless elegance. They’re flaky, creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once—the kind of treat that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
- Keep the layers cold and crisp.
- Don’t overfill the pastry.
- Share them warm, because fresh-baked always wins.
Cranberry Brie Cinnamon Puff Pastry Swirls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt until smooth.
- Roll out one thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread half the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
- Arrange slices of Brie on top of the cream cheese layer, then spoon half the cranberry sauce evenly over the Brie.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into ½‑inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place each swirl on a prepared baking sheet, brush with the beaten egg wash, and bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to bake for best layers.
- If using wet cranberry sauce, drain excess liquid or pat dry to avoid soggy pastry.
- You can assemble and refrigerate swirls up to 24 hours before baking.
- For cleaner slices, chill the rolled log before cutting.
- Store baked swirls in a cool place or refrigerate in warm weather.
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