Sweet Cream Cheese Cranberry Tartlets

Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer or dessert? These Sweet Cream Cheese Cranberry Tartlets are a must-try! With a creamy blend of cream cheese and shredded white cheddar cheese, sweetened with powdered sugar, and complemented by tart fresh cranberries, these mini treats are as delicious as they are beautiful. Puff pastry forms the perfect flaky base, making these tartlets an easy, elegant option for parties, gatherings, or family dinners. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving brunch, or simply craving a sweet and savory bite, this recipe will impress everyone. These mini cranberry tarts are simple to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup fresh cranberries + 24 more for topping (optional)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (from a 17.3 oz box, only one sheet needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove one sheet of puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw slightly to avoid it breaking when unfolded.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, powdered sugar, and fresh cranberries.
3. Transfer the mixture into a small casserole dish and bake it, covered, for 25 minutes. After removing it from the oven, stir the mixture to break down the baked cranberries slightly, creating light pink swirls throughout.
4. Roll the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface until it reaches 12 x 12 inches. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 24 rectangles. These don’t need to be perfect; aim for 3 cuts across the top, 3 inches apart, and 5 cuts down the side, 2 inches apart.
5. Lightly spray 24 mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Press the puff pastry rectangles into each tin.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 1/2 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry. If desired, top each tartlet with a fresh cranberry.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes. Carefully use a fork to lift each tartlet out of the tin and place them onto a serving plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweet Cream Cheese Cranberry Tartlets are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The creamy, tangy cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the slight sharpness of white cheddar and the tartness of fresh cranberries. The puff pastry adds a light, flaky texture, making these little bites both delightful and irresistible. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with something easy yet elegant.

Tips

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Don’t overfill the pastry – a heaping 1/2 tablespoon is perfect. Overfilling may cause the mixture to spill out during baking.
• Chill the puff pastry for a few minutes if it gets too soft while working with it.
• For a more festive look, you can lightly dust the tartlets with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese swap: You can swap white cheddar with a milder cheese like cream cheese or ricotta for a softer flavor.
• Fruit alternatives: Try substituting cranberries with chopped strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a different twist.
• Dairy-free option: Use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and a plant-based puff pastry to make the tartlets dairy-free.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also assemble the tartlets and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to bake them fresh before serving.

Can I freeze these tartlets? Yes! Once baked and cooled, store the tartlets in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a time-saving alternative and works just as well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These tartlets are perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or as a fun appetizer for any occasion. Serve them alongside a charcuterie board or a fresh salad for a complete spread. For a little extra sweetness, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.