Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets

When it comes to holiday appetizers, nothing beats the combination of elegance and ease. These Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets are everything you want for your festive table. With buttery puff pastry, creamy brie, caramelized apples, and a drizzle of caramel, these tartlets are as delicious as they are beautiful.

The first time I made these, they were the star of the party—gone in minutes! Their Christmas tree shape adds a touch of whimsy, while the flavors balance perfectly between sweet and savory. Let’s get baking and bring a little extra cheer to your holiday spread!

Recipe Resume

Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets are mini puff pastry bites filled with melted brie, spiced caramelized apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Shaped like festive Christmas trees, these tartlets are the perfect blend of indulgence and holiday charm.

Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a great choice for entertaining or as a decadent snack. The recipe is easy to customize and guaranteed to impress your guests.

The Story Behind This Recipe

One Christmas, I wanted to create an appetizer that looked as festive as it tasted. With some leftover puff pastry, a wheel of brie, and apples in the fridge, inspiration struck. Shaping them into little Christmas trees added the perfect holiday touch, and they quickly became a family favorite.

Why These Tartlets Stand Out

• Festive presentation: Shaped like Christmas trees, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Sweet and savory: The creamy brie and caramelized apples are a match made in heaven.
• Easy to make: Puff pastry makes this recipe quick and simple.
• Impressive and delicious: They’re as beautiful as they are tasty.

What You Need for Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of brie, cut into small cubes
• 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Caramel sauce, for drizzling
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as possible. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Caramelized Apples

3. Cook the apples: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets

4. Add the brie and apples: Place a small cube of brie in the center of each puff pastry cutout. Top with a spoonful of caramelized apples.
5. Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to help them turn golden brown during baking.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
7. Drizzle and garnish: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Tartlets

• Use cold puff pastry: Keep the pastry chilled to ensure it puffs up nicely.
• Don’t overfill: A small amount of brie and apples prevents the tartlets from overflowing.
• Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese swap: Use camembert or goat cheese instead of brie.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
• Use pears: Replace the apples with pears for a different flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce the sugar: Use a smaller amount of brown sugar or a natural sweetener like honey.
• Use whole-wheat pastry: Opt for a whole-grain puff pastry for added fiber.
• Skip the caramel drizzle: They’re delicious even without the extra sweetness.

Closing for Christmas Tree Tartlets

And there you have it—Caramel Apple & Brie Christmas Tree Tartlets, a festive and delicious addition to your holiday menu. These elegant bites are sure to be the talk of the party and will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—happy holidays and happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Christmas Tree Tartlets

1. Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble them in advance and bake just before serving.
2. Can I freeze them?
   Freeze the unbaked tartlets, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
4. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
   Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly.
5. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
   Yes, layer several sheets of phyllo with melted butter for a lighter option.
6. What’s the best type of apple for this recipe?
   Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
7. Can I make them larger?
   Yes, use a larger cookie cutter or cut the pastry into squares for bigger portions.
8. Can I skip the egg wash?
   Yes, but the tartlets won’t have as much of a golden, glossy finish.
9. How long will they stay fresh?
   Best served immediately, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
10. Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
    A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary pairs beautifully with the apples and brie.
11. Are these tartlets vegetarian?
    Yes, they’re perfect for a vegetarian appetizer.
12. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
    This recipe is naturally alcohol-free, but you can skip any optional wine in caramelized apple variations.