Recipes by Brad, Simple Recipes anyone can make

Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Tower (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

Each ingredient in this Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Tower plays a unique role in its flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer:

Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets, thawed)

Store-bought puff pastry provides a light and flaky foundation for the tower. Use two sheets for layering and stacking. Thaw them according to the package instructions before use for best results.

Brie Cheese (225g/8oz wheel)

Creamy brie melts beautifully between the pastry layers. Choose a ripe wheel that’s easy to slice but still firm enough to handle. The mild richness pairs perfectly with tart cranberries.

Cranberry Sauce (1/2 cup whole berry or homemade)

Whole berry cranberry sauce adds tanginess and a touch of sweetness to each bite. Homemade or store-bought versions work well—just make sure it isn’t too runny so it holds between layers.

Egg (1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water)

An egg wash gives the pastry its golden color and shiny finish. Whisk together one egg with water before brushing over the assembled pastry shapes before baking.

Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)

Fresh rosemary brings aroma and enhances the presentation of your finished tree tower. Use sprigs as decoration around the base for a festive touch.

Dried Cranberries (optional garnish)

Sprinkle dried cranberries over the finished tower for added color and tartness. This optional ingredient helps make the dish even more eye-catching.

Sea Salt Flakes (optional sprinkle)

A pinch of sea salt flakes can be sprinkled over the baked tree just before serving to enhance flavor by balancing sweet and savory notes.

Ingredient close-up

# Instructions:

Follow these clear instructions to assemble your own Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Tower from scratch:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Slice the brie cheese into thin pieces or small cubes so they melt evenly between layers later on. Have your cranberry sauce ready nearby for assembling.

Step 2: Cut Out Tree Shapes

Lay out both puff pastry sheets flat. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut one large tree shape from each sheet—about 9 inches tall is ideal for presentation. Collect any leftover pieces; you can use them to create small stars or ornaments that add charm when baked separately.

Step 3: Layer Brie and Cranberry

Place one tree-shaped puff pastry cutout onto your prepared baking sheet as the base layer. Evenly distribute half of your sliced brie cheese over it, then dollop cranberry sauce across the cheese without getting too close to the edges—leave about half an inch border.

Step 4: Add Second Layer and Prepare Twists

Carefully set the second tree-shaped piece of puff pastry over your filled base layer, aligning edges as closely as possible. To create decorative branches, use a sharp knife to slice horizontal strips on either side of the tree shape—being careful not to cut through the center “trunk.” Gently twist each strip two times.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon water until blended. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire surface of your assembled tree tower evenly with egg wash; this gives it that signature shine once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for about 18–22 minutes or until golden brown all over and puffed up beautifully. If adding extra star-shaped toppers or ornaments from scraps, bake those alongside but check after about 10 minutes as they cook faster.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let your Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Tower cool slightly on the pan before transferring carefully onto a serving platter using spatulas for support underneath. Garnish around its base with fresh rosemary sprigs and scattered dried cranberries for festive flair.