Name: Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup cranberry sauce; Zest of ½ an orange; 1 tbsp honey (optional); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Looking for a delightful pastry that captures the essence of festivity? Look no further! These Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms are the perfect sweet treat to grace your holiday gatherings and brunches. With their flaky puff pastry exterior and a creamy filling that combines the tanginess of cranberry sauce with the richness of cream cheese, every bite is a wonderful blend of flavors. Plus, adding a hint of fresh orange zest gives these pastries an aromatic touch that will leave your guests reaching for more!

What makes these puff pastry blossoms stand out is their simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is so straightforward that you can easily whip up a batch without breaking a sweat. Perfectly portioned into 9 individual servings, they’re just the right size for an afternoon tea or a sweet end to your festive meal. Let’s dive into the details of why you’ll love this recipe and how to make these divine pastries in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms

Flavorful Combination: The tartness of the cranberry paired with rich cream cheese and the brightness of orange zest creates a harmonious flavor profile.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, you’ll impress your guests with minimal effort.
Beautiful Presentation: These blossoms not only taste great but look stunning, making them perfect for special occasions.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday brunches, dessert tables, or even as a snack, these pastries will fit right into any festive setting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you head into making your Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms, ensure that your kitchen is well-prepped for a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a reliable baking sheet and parchment paper to ensure your pastries don’t stick. Lay out a clean, floured surface for rolling out the puff pastry, and a sharp knife or pastry cutter will be essential for cutting the dough into squares. Additionally, a mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula will be needed for combining your filling ingredients.

Once you have everything in place, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it’s hot and ready when you’re finished assembling the pastries. A quick tip: working with puff pastry works best when it’s cold, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This ensures it maintains its flaky texture as it bakes!

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup cranberry sauce
Zest of ½ an orange
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will ensure your puff pastry rises beautifully and turns that perfect golden brown. As the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper – this will help in easy removal of the pastries after baking.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

Take the thawed puff pastry and place it on a clean, floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pastry to smooth it, ensuring it remains about 1/8 inch thick. Next, cut the pastry into 9 equal squares, roughly 3×3 inches each. This size is perfect for a bite-sized pastry, ensuring they can be enjoyed two or three at a time!

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and, if desired, honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until it forms a smooth and creamy mixture. This filling is truly the star of the pastries and will add a delightful richness to each bite!

Step 4: Assemble the Blossoms

Now for the fun part! Take each square of puff pastry and place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling right in the center. Gently fold each corner of the pastry square towards the center, covering the filling and creating a beautiful blossom shape. Press the corners gently to seal them together, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash

To give your pastries a lovely glossy finish, brush the tops of each assembled blossom with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This egg wash will create that enticing golden color when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your blossoms on the prepared baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Consider dusting with powdered sugar right before serving for an added touch of sweetness and elegance. Your friends and family will love these delightful bites!

Variations

Protein: Add some cooked turkey or chicken for a savory twist to balance the sweetness of the cream cheese and cranberry.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or herbs for an added fresh flavor and nutrition boost.
Spices: Introduce a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor perfect for winter holidays.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your puff pastry is thawed properly before rolling it out for the best results.
If you want more filling, don’t hesitate to add a little more cream cheese or cranberry sauce, but be careful not to overfill the pastries.
Keep an eye on the pastries while baking, as ovens can vary and you don’t want them to burn!
You can prepare the fillings in advance and assemble the pastries right before baking to save time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a warm beverage, such as spiced cider or a festive latte, for a larger brunch spread.
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness of the pastries.

Tips

Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for a quick treat later; just reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a unique flavor twist!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 per pastry
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I prepare the blossoms in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the pastries just before you’re ready to bake them.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Both will work well!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3 days, but are best enjoyed fresh.

Can these pastries be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms will undoubtedly steal the spotlight at your next gathering. Their deliciously flakey texture combined with the creamy and tangy filling creates a remarkably satisfying treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve them at a holiday brunch or as part of your dessert spread, they’re sure to bring cheer to any occasion. Do give this recipe a try, and feel free to mix and match these delightful pastries with various flavors to make them your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment on your experience or share with fellow baking enthusiasts!