Save to Pinterest Flaky puff pastry cups filled with a creamy, tangy cranberry&jalapẽo dip are perfect as a festive appetizer or party snack. Every bite is a celebration of holiday flavors wrapped in a buttery shell.
I first made these for a family holiday party, and they disappeared fast! The unexpected hit of jalapẽo with cranberry got rave reviews—especially from spice lovers.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Cream Cheese: 225 g (8 oz), softened
- Sour Cream: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Honey: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Cranberries: 120 g (1 cup) fresh or frozen, chopped
- Jalapẽo: 1 medium, seeded and finely diced
- Fresh Cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Green Onions: 2 tbsp, thinly sliced
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Lime Juice: 1 tbsp
- Garnish (optional): Extra chopped cilantro, finely diced jalapẽo
Instructions
- Prepare the Tin:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
- Shape Pastry Cups:
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 12 squares (24 total). Gently press each into the muffin tin to form pastry cups.
- Make Creamy Filling:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, honey, and salt until creamy and smooth.
- Mix Topping:
- In another bowl, combine cranberries, jalapẽo, cilantro, green onions, sugar, and lime juice. Mix well and let stand for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Fill and Top:
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture into each cup. Add a spoonful of cranberry jalapẽo topping.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let pastries cool 5 minutes in tin before removing. Garnish with extra cilantro and jalapẽo if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these pastries with friends has become a new holiday tradition for us. Kids love the colorful filling, and even picky eaters come back for seconds.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Pair these pastries with a crisp Riesling or sparkling wine. They're lovely for a festive brunch or as a starter before special dinners.
Make-Ahead Options
Assemble everything up to a day ahead, refrigerate unbaked in the tin, then bake right before serving. The filling stays creamy and fresh.
Allergy & Nutrition Info
Each pastry contains about 95 calories. Wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy) are present, so check labels if allergies are a concern.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these fun little bites freshly baked for best flavor. They're sure to add festive cheer to any table!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Thaw and drain before chopping and mixing for best texture.
- → How do I make the pastries milder?
Reduce the amount of jalapeño or swap for a mild green pepper to lower heat while keeping the fresh flavor.
- → Are these pastries vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are all vegetarian. Always check your puff pastry for any additional additives.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Bake in advance if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best texture. Store chilled and reheat lightly.
- → What wine pairs well with these?
A crisp Riesling or sparkling wine complements the tangy cranberry and creamy cheese filling beautifully.
- → Is feta cheese recommended for topping?
A sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a salty contrast to the sweet-tart cranberry mixture, enhancing flavor complexity.