Introduction
There’s something magical about puff pastry. Its buttery, flaky layers transform even the simplest fillings into show-stopping appetizers or desserts. These Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms are the perfect example: light, golden pastry envelopes a creamy center of tangy cream cheese, bright cranberry sauce, and a kiss of fresh orange zest. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a brunch menu, or simply looking for an easy yet impressive snack, these blossoms are sure to steal the spotlight.
My recipe story
My love for puff pastry began in my grandmother’s kitchen. She always kept a box in the freezer, ready to turn into tarts, pies, or savory snacks for unexpected guests. One holiday season, when cranberries were abundant, we decided to play with flavors and combined sweet-tart cranberry sauce with cream cheese. The result was nothing short of delightful. Over the years, I refined the recipe, shaping them into blossoms and adding a hint of orange zest to lift the flavors. Now, this recipe has become a holiday tradition and a crowd-pleasing staple at gatherings, always disappearing faster than I can bake them.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors of cranberry and orange make them ideal for holidays.
- Easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
- Elegant presentation that looks bakery-worthy without the effort.
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or dessert.
- Customizable with different fillings to suit your taste or occasion.
Ingredient breakdown
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it requires only a handful of accessible ingredients, yet the end result feels luxurious and gourmet. Let’s walk through each component and why it matters.
Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is a lifesaver. It bakes into beautiful golden layers, giving these blossoms their signature light and flaky texture. Thaw it properly before using for best results.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of cranberry sauce. It’s essential for the luscious center.
Cranberry sauce: Whether you use homemade or store-bought, cranberry sauce delivers a burst of tart, fruity flavor. Whole berry versions work especially well for texture.
Orange zest: A touch of zest brightens everything, adding a fragrant citrus note that complements both cranberry and cream cheese beautifully.
Equipment you’ll need
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Microplane or zester
- Pastry brush (optional, for egg wash)
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your puff pastry won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Allow your puff pastry sheet to thaw until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch. Too warm, and it becomes sticky; too cold, and it will crack.
Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and orange zest. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. This creamy mixture will serve as the base for each blossom, offering richness and a hint of citrus brightness.
Step 3: Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, divide it into 9 even squares. Keeping the cuts clean helps the pastry puff up evenly in the oven.
Step 4: Spoon a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square. Follow with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top. Be careful not to overfill; a little goes a long way.
Step 5: To shape the blossoms, gently bring the four corners of each square toward the center, pinching lightly to seal. The filling should peek out in the middle, giving a “blossom” appearance once baked.
Step 6: Transfer the shaped pastries to the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a light egg wash for a deeper golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Variations & substitutions
If you’re feeling creative, this recipe lends itself to endless variations. Swap the cranberry sauce for raspberry preserves or apricot jam for a different fruity twist. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. You could even make a savory version by replacing the cranberry with caramelized onions and the cream cheese with herbed goat cheese. The puff pastry acts as the perfect canvas for experimentation.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge, not at room temperature, to avoid stickiness.
- Don’t overfill the centers—too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting pastry squares to keep layers intact.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden, bakery-style finish.
- If your blossoms open too much while baking, pinch corners tighter next time or chill them briefly before baking.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
These blossoms taste best the day they’re baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, simply warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. They also freeze well—place baked blossoms in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven until warm. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the pastries, freeze unbaked, and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving ideas & pairings
These Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a festive appetizer on a holiday grazing board, alongside sparkling wine or champagne. They also make a delightful brunch addition, paired with coffee or hot tea. For dessert, dust them with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of white chocolate. Their balance of sweet and tangy flavors ensures they fit seamlessly into any course.
FAQ
Can I make these with homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a rustic, fresh touch. Just be sure it’s not too runny to avoid soggy pastry.
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
No, puff pastry should be thawed until pliable. Frozen pastry will crack when you try to shape it.
Do I need to use an egg wash?
Egg wash isn’t mandatory, but it gives your blossoms a glossy, golden finish that looks professional.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze them unbaked, then bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
You can skip it, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works as a bright alternative.
Final thoughts
Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms prove that elegance doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a dish that dazzles on any table. These blossoms embody the spirit of the holidays—warm, inviting, and joyfully indulgent. Whether you serve them at a festive gathering, weekend brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress and delight every guest. Try them once, and they might just become your new holiday tradition too.
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Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 blossoms
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky puff pastry blossoms filled with creamy cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, kissed with orange zest. A festive bite-sized treat perfect for holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix cream cheese and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cut thawed puff pastry into 9 even squares.
- Place 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, then top with 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce.
- Bring all four corners of each square to the center and pinch lightly to form blossoms.
- Place on the baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash if using.
- Bake 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American