Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms

There’s something magical about puff pastry—it’s buttery, flaky, and feels fancy even when the recipe is blissfully simple. These Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms are the perfect example. A swirl of tangy cream cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce tucked into golden, crispy pastry petals—they’re stunning to look at and even better to eat.

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, looking for a festive dessert, or just craving something sweet and satisfying with your afternoon coffee, these puff pastry blossoms check every box.

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What Are Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms?

These little beauties are mini puff pastry desserts made with store-bought puff pastry squares or rounds, filled with a mixture of lightly sweetened cream cheese and cranberry sauce, then folded to resemble flower petals. Once baked, they puff up into golden, delicate “blossoms” with a creamy, jammy center.

They’re like a mix between a Danish pastry and a hand pie, but easier—and perfect for the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients with big flavor
• Elegant presentation with little effort
• Perfect for brunch, tea time, or holiday dessert trays
• Can be made ahead and baked fresh when needed
• Flaky, creamy, tangy, and sweet—a total flavor win

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky pastry with a soft, tangy cream cheese center and a dollop of vibrant cranberry sauce. The pastry is crisp and golden, the filling is rich and slightly tart, and the whole thing tastes like Christmas morning in a single bite.

Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze? Pure magic.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Looks impressive with very little effort
• Uses pantry/freezer staples (hello, frozen puff pastry!)
• Easily doubled or halved for the size of your crowd
• No special tools or techniques needed
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for prepping ahead

Ingredients for Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole berry preferred)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or glaze for drizzling

Note: You’ll get about 9 blossoms from one sheet of puff pastry, depending on your cut size.

Tools You’ll Need

• Rolling pin (optional, if needed to reshape pastry)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Not into cranberry? Use raspberry jam, cherry preserves, or orange marmalade
• Make it citrusy: Add orange zest to the cream cheese filling
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and puff pastry (many are vegan!)
• Add spice: Mix in cinnamon or cardamom for a warmer flavor

How to Make Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the cream cheese filling

In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Cut the puff pastry

Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3×3 inch squares (or use a round cookie cutter if you prefer).

4. Add the filling

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square, then top with 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.

5. Fold into blossoms

Cut a small slit from each corner toward the center (about halfway in). Fold one corner of each triangle toward the center to create a pinwheel/blossom shape. Press gently to seal in the center.

6. Brush with egg wash

Beat the egg with a splash of water. Brush the tops and edges of the pastry with the egg wash for golden color.

7. Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

8. Cool and finish

Let cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired. Serve warm or at room temp.

What to Serve with Puff Pastry Blossoms

These are lovely on their own, but they also shine when paired with:

• Hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine
• Holiday brunch spreads with quiche, fruit, and breakfast meats
• Vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat
• A glass of prosecco or sparkling cider

Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Blossoms

• Keep puff pastry cold: Work quickly and return to fridge if it gets too soft
• Don’t overfill—just a small amount of filling keeps them tidy and sealed
• Egg wash = shine and golden color—don’t skip it!
• Cool slightly before eating so the filling can set
• Store extras in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven for best texture

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer (unbaked): Assemble, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for texture, but smooth will do just fine. You can also use leftover homemade cranberry sauce from the holidays.

Do I have to make the blossom shape?

Nope! You can simply fold the pastry over into triangles or bake them as small tartlets in muffin tins. The blossom shape is cute but optional.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! You can prep and refrigerate the assembled pastries up to a day ahead, then bake fresh. Or freeze unbaked for easy future baking.

Are they more sweet or savory?

They lean sweet and tangy—perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can reduce the sugar or skip the powdered sugar topping if you want them less sweet.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday-ready treat that’s easy, elegant, and irresistibly flaky, these Cranberry & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Blossoms are calling your name. Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee break, they bring just the right amount of festive flair without the fuss.

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