Cranberry Puffs: A Perfect Holiday Treat

Cranberry Puffs are the ideal bite-sized pastry for the holiday season. With their flaky, buttery puff pastry and sweet, tangy cranberry sauce filling, these little treats are both festive and delicious. They are elevated with the addition of crunchy pecans, adding a nutty flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce perfectly. Easy to make and requiring minimal ingredients, these Cranberry Puffs are perfect for parties, holiday dinners, or even a special treat for yourself. Whether served as an appetizer or a dessert, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With only a few simple steps, these cranberry puffs come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.

2. Flaky and Buttery Pastry

The puff pastry bakes to a golden, crisp perfection, providing the ideal texture to balance the sweet and tangy cranberry filling.

3. Festive Flavors

The combination of cranberry sauce and pecans gives these puffs a holiday vibe, making them a wonderful seasonal treat for any occasion.

4. Customizable Filling

You can easily adapt the filling by adding other ingredients like cream cheese, orange zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to suit your taste.

5. Impressive Presentation

Despite their simplicity, these puffs look beautiful on any serving platter, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry
• Cranberry sauce
• Chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar

Variations

• Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of cream cheese to each puff for a creamy contrast to the tart cranberry sauce.
• Orange Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the puffs for a citrusy twist.
• Spiced Cranberries: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the cranberry sauce for an added holiday spice.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version of the Cranberry Puffs.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares. The size can vary depending on how large you want your puffs.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Place a spoonful of cranberry sauce in the center of each square of puff pastry. Be careful not to overfill, as this could cause the pastry to break open during baking.

Step 4: Add Pecans

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cranberry sauce for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cranberry.

Step 5: Fold the Pastry

Fold the corners of each puff pastry square towards the center, creating a pouch that encloses the cranberry and pecan filling.

Step 6: Bake

Place the prepared puffs on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Remove from the oven and let the Cranberry Puffs cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy the flaky, sweet, and tangy Cranberry Puffs as the perfect holiday treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure Pastry is Thawed: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it, or it may be difficult to roll out and fold.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overstuff the puffs with cranberry sauce or pecans, as this can cause them to leak while baking.
• Chill the Pastry Before Baking: If the puff pastry seems too soft while handling, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before baking to maintain its shape.
• Golden Color: For an even golden color, brush the folded edges of the puff pastry with a little bit of egg wash before baking.

How to Serve

These Cranberry Puffs are best served warm, directly from the oven. They make a delightful addition to a holiday brunch or dinner, but they are also perfect as a dessert or snack. You can pair them with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or even mulled wine for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they will still be delicious the next day.

Freezing

These Cranberry Puffs freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely and then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are warm and the pastry is crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly for this recipe, saving you time during the busy holiday season.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the puffs up to the point of baking and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the assembled puffs before baking and bake them directly from the freezer.

3. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would also work well in this recipe, offering different flavors and textures.

4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

You can, but you’ll need to cook the cranberries with sugar to create a sauce-like consistency before using them as a filling.

5. Can I make these without puff pastry?

While puff pastry gives the puffs their light, flaky texture, you can substitute with phyllo dough or even pie crust if desired.

6. Can I glaze these puffs?

Yes, a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or an orange glaze, would add a nice sweetness to the puffs.

7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to fold the pastry securely around the filling and avoid overfilling the puffs.

8. Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works just as well as fresh puff pastry. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using.

9. How long will these Cranberry Puffs last?

These Cranberry Puffs will stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them.

10. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add orange zest, apples, or pears to the cranberry filling for a unique twist on this recipe.

Conclusion

Cranberry Puffs are a simple yet elegant pastry that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberry with the richness of flaky puff pastry and crunchy pecans. These little treats are perfect for the holiday season and are sure to impress your guests with their festive flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether served as an appetizer, dessert, or snack, they’re a wonderful addition to any gathering. Make a batch for your next holiday celebration and enjoy the sweet, buttery perfection of these irresistible puffs!

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