Golden, gooey, and irresistibly festive—these Cranberry Brie Bombs are the kind of appetizer that disappear in minutes at any holiday gathering. Tucked inside a warm, buttery roll is a melting center of creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Each bite bursts with comfort and joy, making them the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, these little flavor bombs bring a sophisticated twist to your appetizer lineup. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy get-together, this crowd-pleaser is both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combo of tangy cranberry and rich, creamy brie screams holiday cheer.
- Effortless Elegance: Simple to assemble, but they look and taste like something from a gourmet bakery.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized portions make them ideal for parties or holiday platters.
- Versatile: Works well as an appetizer, snack, or even a sweet-savory brunch bite.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment:
- Mini Muffin Tin: Helps shape each bomb into a neat, golden dome and ensures even cooking.
- Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting the brie into clean, even chunks.
- Pastry Brush: Perfect for coating the tops with butter for that golden-brown finish.
- Cutting Board: A clean and sturdy surface for slicing your brie and rolling out dough.
- Mixing Bowl: If you’re making your own cranberry sauce or combining herbs and butter.
Each tool plays a key role in keeping prep tidy, efficient, and foolproof. A mini muffin tin, in particular, creates the perfect cozy nest for each cheesy bite, while a sharp knife ensures clean brie cuts that melt just right.


Ingredients for the Cranberry Brie Bombs
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, buttery, and easy to work with—the perfect blanket for your filling.
- Brie Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection; its rich, creamy flavor balances the tartness of cranberries.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy holiday flair with real fruit texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Brushed on top for that irresistible golden sheen.
- Fresh Thyme (optional): Adds a subtle herby aroma that makes them even more irresistible.
How To Make the Cranberry Brie Bombs
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Slice the Brie
Cut the brie into 1-inch cubes. Leave the rind on—it melts beautifully and adds flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into 2-inch squares. You should get about 24 pieces. Press each square gently into the mini muffin tin wells.
Step 4: Fill Each Bomb
Add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce into each dough cup. Be careful not to overfill.
Step 5: Seal and Tuck
Fold the corners of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal, forming little dough bombs. Flip each one seam-side down.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still gooey.
How to Serve and Store These Gooey Holiday Bombs
These Cranberry Brie Bombs are best served warm right out of the oven when the brie is perfectly molten and the cranberry sauce is glossy and warm. Present them on a platter with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a festive touch.
To store leftovers, allow the bombs to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Camembert is a close substitute, or for a sharper twist, try goat cheese or blue cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the bombs, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
Do I have to use homemade cranberry sauce?
Nope! Canned whole berry cranberry sauce works just fine, though homemade gives a richer flavor.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, bake them fully and let them cool. Freeze in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warm.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry gives a flakier texture and works beautifully, just adjust baking time as needed.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin and make larger bombs, or place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet—just adjust the shape and size accordingly.
Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these cranberry brie bombs, you’ll definitely want to check out these other festive bites:
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a savory and melty handheld treat.
- Spicy Ranch Taco Dip if you’re craving something with bold, zesty flair.
- Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip for a creamy Mediterranean twist.
- Avocado Boat Dip for a fresh and fun presentation idea.
- Winter Brittle to satisfy your sweet tooth with a seasonal crunch.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a different herb or spice? Did you go full puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter this holiday season!


Cranberry Brie Bombs Recipe for the Holidays
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bombs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Bombs are the perfect holiday appetizer—golden brown pastry filled with gooey brie cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Quick to make and irresistible to eat, they’re the ultimate party favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion. Ideal for a holiday appetizer board, snack table, or brunch spread.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
6 oz brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp fresh thyme, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cut the brie into 1-inch cubes, rind included.
3. Unroll crescent dough and cut into 2-inch squares. You should get about 24 pieces.
4. Press each dough square gently into the wells of the mini muffin tin.
5. Place one cube of brie and a small spoonful of cranberry sauce in each dough cup.
6. Fold corners of the dough over the filling, pinch to seal, and place seam-side down.
7. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with thyme if using.
8. Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Use cold brie for easier cutting—it melts once baked.
Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce to avoid spillage during baking.
Puff pastry can be substituted for crescent dough for a flakier result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
