Brie & Cranberry Mini Wreath Tartlets with Pistachio Sparkle
These mini wreath tartlets are festive, flaky, and packed with big holiday flavor. Creamy brie melts into tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in buttery pastry and finished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and crunch. They are elegant enough for parties, yet simple enough for home baking. Each bite delivers a balance of richness, sweetness, and nuttiness that feels special without being complicated.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20–24 mini tartlets
Ingredients
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz brie cheese, rind trimmed, cut into cubes
¾ cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or jellied)
1 large egg, beaten (egg wash)
½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for brushing)
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut each sheet into 12 equal squares.
Gently press each pastry square into the muffin cups, creating small tart shells.
Place a cube of brie in the center of each pastry.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
Fold small sections of the pastry edges inward to form a loose wreath shape.
Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
While still warm, lightly brush with honey if using, then sprinkle chopped pistachios over the tops.
Finish with a pinch of flaky salt and a few bits of minced rosemary before serving.
Tips
Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use for the flakiest layers.
Trim the brie rind to avoid overly chewy bites in small tartlets.
Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for a more textured filling.
Do not overfill with cranberry sauce, as it can bubble over while baking.
Cut pistachios very finely so they stick to the warm pastry.
Use a small spoon or melon baller for even brie portions.
If the pastry softens while shaping, chill the filled pan for 10 minutes before baking.
Line your baking sheet under the muffin tin to catch any drips.
Add honey only while warm so it brushes on smoothly.
Let tartlets cool for 5 minutes before removing to keep their shape intact.
Variations
Swap brie for camembert for a slightly stronger cheese flavor.
Use cherry preserves instead of cranberry for a sweeter twist.
Add a thin slice of pear on top of the brie for extra freshness.
Sprinkle orange zest into the cranberry sauce for citrus brightness.
Use crushed almonds or pecans in place of pistachios.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry for warm spice.
Drizzle balsamic glaze instead of honey for a savory finish.
Try fig jam instead of cranberry for a more sophisticated flavor.
Replace rosemary with thyme or fresh mint.
Make them savory by using onion jam instead of fruit spreads.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
They freeze well unbaked. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Do I need to remove the brie rind?
It is recommended for smoother texture in small bites.
Can I use phyllo dough instead?
Yes, but the texture will be crisp rather than flaky and buttery.
What if I don’t have pistachios?
Any finely chopped nut or even toasted seeds will work.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry brand if available.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Can I make them vegetarian?
They are already vegetarian as written.
What can I serve with them?
They pair well with sparkling drinks, salads, or a cheese board.
Nutrition
(Per 1 Tartlet, Approximate)
Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Sugar: 4 g
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 95 mg
Fiber: 0.5 g
Conclusion
Brie & Cranberry Mini Wreath Tartlets with Pistachio Sparkle bring together flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and bright cranberry in a beautiful, bite-sized form. The pistachio finish adds a festive crunch and color that makes them stand out on any table. Whether you are hosting a party or bringing a dish to share, these tartlets feel special, look impressive, and are always the first to disappear.