When the holidays roll around, it’s always fun to add a festive touch to your appetizers. These Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and seasonal cheer. Flaky puff pastry is shaped into tiny Christmas trees, filled with creamy brie, spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
They’re bite-sized, elegant, and bursting with flavor—making them a perfect appetizer for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy nights by the fire. Best of all, they’re easy to make and can be assembled ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into cubes
- 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), finely diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
- In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Cut the Pastry
- Roll out puff pastry sheet. Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place half of them on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Filling
- Place a cube of brie in the center of each pastry tree. Top with a small spoonful of caramelized apple mixture and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Step 5: Seal with Pastry Tops
- Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg. Place another pastry tree cutout on top, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with more egg wash.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation. Serve warm.
Variation
- Mini Tartlets: Use a mini muffin tin instead of cutouts for round bites.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for crunch.
- Savory Version: Skip caramel and use cranberry sauce for a tangy flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Replace brie with camembert or goat cheese.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Cooking Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold while working—it puffs better in the oven.
- Brie melts beautifully, but other soft cheeses work too.
- These tartlets are best served warm, straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a holiday appetizer on a platter with rosemary sprigs.
- Pair with sparkling cider, champagne, or mulled wine.
- Include on a Christmas charcuterie board for variety.
- Perfect finger food for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve parties.
Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare apple filling and cut pastry shapes a day early. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Don’t overload with filling or the tartlets may burst open.
- For extra shine, brush baked tartlets with a thin layer of warm honey.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Nutritional Info (per tartlet, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 135mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze these tartlets?
- Yes, freeze unbaked tartlets for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes.
Q3: Can I make these without a tree-shaped cutter?
- Of course—use stars, circles, or simply squares for the same flavor.
Q4: What’s the best apple to use?
- Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness. A mix works well.
Q5: Can I reheat leftovers?
- Yes, reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Conclusion
These Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets are the perfect holiday appetizer—festive, flaky, and full of sweet-savory flavor. With their charming shape, gooey brie, and caramelized apple filling, they’re guaranteed to impress guests and bring a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations.