These cute little stars are made with flaky puff pastry, creamy brie cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries. They’re perfect for a cozy gathering or just a snack while binge-watching your favorite show!
Honestly, who could resist biting into these tasty treats? They are so easy to make, and I love serving them warm. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds. You might want to hide a few for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: The base of these stars is puff pastry, which gives that flaky texture. If you can’t find frozen puff pastry, try using phyllo dough, though it won’t be as thick. Just layer several sheets for a similar effect.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, Camembert is a great alternative. You can also use cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor, but keep in mind the texture will change.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for ease, or make your own by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water. For a twist, try using fig jam or apple jelly for a different flavor profile.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, but you can easily leave them out if there are nut allergies. If you want a different texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
How Do You Make Sure Your Puff Pastry Stars Are Perfectly Golden?
The egg wash is key to achieving that lovely golden color. Brush it on the tops and edges of your pastry before baking. For a gorgeous finish, make sure the egg is evenly spread and avoid pooling in any spots.
- Use a clean brush to apply the egg wash gently; it shouldn’t drip.
- Keep an eye on your baking time; since ovens can vary, check them a minute or two early.
- If they’re looking golden about five minutes before the time is up, you can cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (can use whole berry or chopped fresh cranberries cooked with sugar)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes of baking time, making the total around 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer that looks fancy and tastes amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your pastries don’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
Next, take your thawed puff pastry and lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll it out gently to smooth out any creases—this will help it puff up nicely when baked.
3. Cut Out Your Stars:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter (about 3 inches wide), cut out stars from the puff pastry. You should end up with about 8-10 stars, depending on how you place them. Don’t worry about little scraps; you can always re-roll the dough!
4. Assemble the Stars:
Place half of the cut-out star shapes on your prepared baking sheet. In the middle of each star, place a small piece of brie cheese. Remember, the rind is gone, so all that creamy goodness is ready to melt.
5. Add the Cranberry and Nuts:
Top each piece of brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle on some chopped pecans or walnuts.
6. Seal the Stars:
Next, it’s time to make the pastry stars! Brush the edges of the filled stars with the beaten egg wash using a pastry brush. Then, place the remaining star shapes on top of the filled ones and gently press the edges to seal them. You can pinch the points a little to keep their star shape intact.
7. Egg Wash for Golden Color:
Brush the top of each puff pastry star with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish. This step is key to making them look as delicious as they taste!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop your pastry stars in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until they are puffy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—no one likes a burnt star!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly (if you can wait!). Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy your delicious creation!
Enjoy these crispy, gooey puff pastry stars with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry for an easy, elegant appetizer!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can also use Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor. Just remember, the texture and meltiness will vary slightly with different cheeses.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt they will last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best results—this will help restore the crispiness of the puff pastry.
Can I Make These in Advance?
You can prepare the stars ahead of time! Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be chilled.
What Can I Serve These With?
These puff pastry stars are delicious on their own but pair well with a side of mixed greens or serve them on a charcuterie board alongside meats, fruits, and other cheeses for an impressive appetizer spread!
