I just made these cranberry cream cheese puff pastry blossoms and they are seriously the most gorgeous and delicious things I’ve ever pulled out of my oven!
I was looking for something festive to bring to my friend’s holiday party but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, and when I found this recipe I knew it was perfect.
The way the puff pastry blooms into these beautiful flower shapes while baking is like magic, and that creamy, tangy cream cheese filling paired with those tart cranberries is absolutely heavenly!
I made a whole batch thinking I’d save some for later, but honestly, I’ve been sneaking them all afternoon because they’re just too pretty and delicious to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cranberry cream cheese puff pastry blossoms are incredibly impressive looking but surprisingly easy to make using store-bought puff pastry as your shortcut to bakery-quality results!
They’re perfect for holiday entertaining since they look so elegant and festive, but the prep is actually super simple – just fill, fold, and bake until golden and beautiful.
You’ll love the amazing flavor combination of rich, creamy cheese filling with tart cranberries that creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.
Plus, they’re ideal for parties since they’re perfectly portioned individual treats that guests can grab easily, and they taste just as amazing at room temperature as they do warm from the oven!
What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Pro Tips
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge. This keeps it pliable but not sticky.
- Score the dough. Make small cuts around the filling to shape the “blossom” petals.
- Keep it cold. Cold puff pastry rises higher in the oven.
- Don’t overfill. Too much filling will bubble out while baking.
- Serve fresh. These blossoms are best warm from the oven or the same day.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Substitutions and Variations
- Fruit filling: Use raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam instead of cranberry.
- Cheese twist: Add a sprinkle of brie or goat cheese with the cranberry for a savory-sweet bite.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of dusting.
- Holiday style: Use cherry pie filling for a red-and-white Valentine’s version.
- Mini size: Cut pastry smaller to make bite-sized blossoms for dessert platters.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble pastries up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked until ready to bake.
- Bake, cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days—reheat in the oven before serving.
- Freeze unbaked pastries on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms
Step 1: Prep the pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 9 squares.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble
Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
Step 4: Shape blossoms
Cut small slits from each corner toward the filling. Fold every other corner inward to create a blossom shape. Press gently to seal.
Step 5: Egg wash
Beat egg with a splash of water. Brush over pastry edges for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish
Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a holiday breakfast pastry with coffee or tea.
- Arrange on a dessert platter for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Pair with mulled cider or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve as a sweet brunch item alongside savory dishes.
Leftovers & Storage
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep for up to 4 days, reheating in the oven to crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 2 months; bake from frozen.
Nutrition & Benefits
These blossoms are definitely a sweet treat, but they’re portion-sized and balanced with a little protein from the cream cheese.
Cranberries bring antioxidants and vitamin C, while puff pastry keeps it flaky and indulgent. They’re a festive little indulgence perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce? Yes—it makes them even fresher and more flavorful.
2. Do I need to chill the pastries before baking? Yes—chilling helps the puff pastry rise properly.
3. Can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese and puff pastry brands that don’t use butter.
4. Can I double the recipe? Yes—use 2 sheets of puff pastry for a bigger batch.
5. Can I make them savory instead? Definitely—swap cranberry and cream cheese for spinach and feta, or ham and cheddar.
6. Do these taste best warm or cold? They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
7. Can I glaze instead of powdered sugar? Yes—a powdered sugar and milk glaze drizzled on top is delicious.
Pretty, Festive, and So Simple
These cranberry cream cheese puff pastry blossoms are the kind of recipe I love to make during the holidays—they look impressive, taste amazing, and come together with very little effort.
They’re buttery, creamy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite, making them the perfect pastry for celebrations or just a cozy weekend breakfast.
Once you make them, they’ll definitely become one of your go-to puff pastry recipes.