Cranberry Puff Pastry Cutouts Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Puff Pastry Cutouts are a delightful treat perfect for festive occasions or a cozy snack. These flaky pastries filled with a tangy-sweet cranberry mixture are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Cane Sugar
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons Orange Zest
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Water
- Powdered Confectioners Sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, cane sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Step 3: Roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a 12 by 12-inch square. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over one sheet, reaching the edges. Place the second sheet on top.
- Step 4: Using cookie cutters, cut out as many shapes as possible from the layered pastry. Transfer the cutouts carefully onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the cutouts with the egg wash.
- Step 6: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered confectioners sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cranberry filling.
- Use mixed citrus zest such as lemon and lime along with orange for a brighter taste.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, simply cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles using a knife.
- Try substituting fresh cranberries with frozen ones, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Storage
Store the cranberry puff pastry cutouts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the cranberry filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before spreading it onto the puff pastry.
What else can I use instead of puff pastry?
If you prefer, you can use phyllo dough or pie crust as alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and baking time will vary slightly.
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Cranberry Puff Pastry Cutouts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–15 cutouts depending on cutter size 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Puff Pastry Cutouts are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Crisp, flaky puff pastry layers sandwich a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry filling infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla. Lightly brushed with an egg wash for a golden finish and dusted with powdered sugar, these cutouts make an elegant and tasty dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Cane Sugar
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons Orange Zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Dough and Topping
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Water
- Powdered Confectioners Sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, cane sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Roll each sheet of puff pastry into approximately a 12-by-12-inch square on a lightly floured surface to provide an even base for the filling.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over one sheet of the puff pastry, reaching the edges. Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top to encase the filling.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes as possible from the layered puff pastry. Transfer these cutouts carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush this egg wash on the tops of each puff pastry cutout for a shiny and golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cutouts cool slightly on a wire rack, then dust with powdered confectioners sugar to add a beautiful finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cranberry filling is completely cooled before spreading on puff pastry to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- For a festive presentation, use seasonal or themed cookie cutters for the cutouts.
- You can prepare the cranberry filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the puff pastry sheets gently to avoid leakage of the filling during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a low oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry puff pastry, cranberry dessert, holiday pastry, puff pastry cutouts, cranberry filling, cinnamon orange cranberry, festive pastries

