Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe for the Holidays

Golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Cranberry Brie Bombs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and flaky indulgence. These bite-sized pastries are filled with creamy brie cheese and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, then wrapped in soft dough and baked to a beautifully crisp finish. Topped with a brush of herb butter and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, they are the ultimate festive appetizer to wow your holiday guests.

Whether you're planning a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, a lively Christmas party, or simply looking for something easy and impressive to bring to a holiday potluck, these Cranberry Brie Bombs will steal the show. They're warm, gooey on the inside, and irresistibly golden on the outside—everything you want in a holiday treat with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

These little holiday bites are everything you could ask for: quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. You get a melt-in-your-mouth cheese center with a pop of tart cranberry, all nestled in a warm, buttery pastry. They look fancy but come together easily using store-bought dough. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cranberry Brie Bombs, you'll need a muffin tin, a pastry brush, a small bowl for melted butter, a sharp knife, and a spoon.

• Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and holding the bombs during baking.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly distribute the melted butter and herb mix on top.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary to cube the brie into equal portions.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For the butter topping with herbs.
• Spoon: For adding cranberry sauce into the dough.

Each tool ensures neat assembly and even baking, helping you achieve golden, bite-sized bombs that are soft inside and crisp outside.

Preparation Tips

Start with cold brie for easier slicing and less mess during assembly. Use chilled dough as well—it’s easier to handle and creates a flakier texture. Don’t overfill the dough to avoid leaks while baking. Lightly flour your hands if the dough gets sticky, and make sure to pinch the edges tightly to seal in all that gooey goodness. Baking in a greased muffin tin not only helps with structure but also gives each bomb a crisp bottom crust. Finish with a light brush of butter and herbs for that extra aromatic punch.

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Ingredients for This Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, such as Pillsbury Grands)
• 8 small cubes of brie cheese (about 1-inch each, rind on or off per preference)
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Tools

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly with cooking spray or butter to ensure the bombs don’t stick. Prepare a small bowl with melted butter, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

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Step 2: Cut and Flatten the Dough

Open the biscuit dough can and separate each biscuit. Cut each one in half for 16 total pieces. Gently flatten each piece with your hands or a rolling pin into a small circle about 2.5 inches wide.

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Step 3: Add the Brie and Cranberry Filling

Place a cube of brie in the center of each dough circle. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese. Be careful not to overfill.

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Step 4: Seal the Dough Bombs

Fold the dough up around the brie and cranberry filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal and form a smooth ball. Make sure there are no gaps or openings to prevent leaks during baking.

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Step 5: Arrange in Muffin Tin and Add Butter Topping

Place each sealed dough ball seam-side down into the muffin tin cups. Use a pastry brush to coat each bomb generously with the melted butter mixture. Sprinkle with extra thyme and optional flaky salt.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the dough is fully cooked. Check the bottom edges for doneness as well.

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Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the Cranberry Brie Bombs to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience. Garnish with a bit more fresh thyme for visual appeal.

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Notes

These Cranberry Brie Bombs are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven when the brie is perfectly melted and gooey. They make an elegant yet easy appetizer, and the combination of tangy cranberry with creamy cheese offers a beautiful contrast in flavor and texture. If you want to make them even more festive, you can sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside with the cranberry for extra crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overstuffing the Dough: Adding too much filling can cause the bombs to burst during baking.
• Not Sealing the Edges Properly: If the dough isn’t pinched tightly, the cheese will ooze out.
• Using Very Ripe Brie: Soft brie can be difficult to handle and may melt too quickly before the dough is fully baked.
• Skipping the Muffin Tin: This tool helps the bombs keep their shape; baking them on a flat tray can cause them to spread.
• Overbaking: Brie can become rubbery if overcooked. Pull them out when the tops are golden.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store the Cranberry Brie Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bomb (based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them fully, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

What other cheese can I use instead of brie?

Camembert is a great substitute. Mozzarella or cream cheese can work in a pinch but won’t deliver the same rich flavor.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely. In fact, a fresh, slightly tart homemade cranberry sauce enhances the flavor even more.

Do I need to remove the brie rind?

Not at all! The rind is edible and melts beautifully. But if you prefer a smoother texture, go ahead and remove it.

Can I freeze these?

They’re best fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked bombs. Just wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling and place the seam-side down in the muffin tin.

What kind of dough works best?

Refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough works well. Puff pastry can also be used but may need shorter baking time.

Are they suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as the brie and biscuit dough you use are made without animal rennet or other non-vegetarian ingredients.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Brie Bombs are a bite-sized burst of holiday cheer—quick to prepare, easy to bake, and even easier to devour. With their gooey, cheesy centers and sweet-tart cranberry pockets wrapped in golden dough, they’re a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy evening in, this appetizer promises flavor, fun, and a whole lot of deliciousness in every bite.

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