Brie en Croûte Pine Tree

Featured in: Weekend Laurel-Crust Specials

This festive dish features a whole wheel of creamy brie encased in golden puff pastry shaped like a pine tree. Inside, tart cranberry sauce and toasted pecans add layers of sweet and nutty flavor. The pastry is brushed with egg wash for a shiny, crisp finish, optionally garnished with rosemary and honey drizzle. Ideal served warm with crackers or fresh bread, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes perfect for holiday celebrations and entertaining guests.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:16:00 GMT
Golden-brown Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, with cranberry filling and flaky pastry, ready to serve as an appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, with cranberry filling and flaky pastry, ready to serve as an appetizer. | laurelcrust.com

A festive, elegantly wrapped brie cheese, baked in golden puff pastry shaped like a pine tree, filled with cranberry sauce and toasted pecans—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This recipe was a hit at our last Christmas party—everyone loved the presentation and flavors.

Ingredients

  • Dairy: 1 whole wheel of brie cheese (approx. 8 oz / 225 g)
  • Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • Filling: 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jam), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife, cut out a large triangle (pine tree shape) big enough to completely cover the brie wheel, and set aside the scraps.
Step 3:
Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
Step 4:
Fold the pastry over the brie, shaping it into a pine tree. Use the pastry scraps to cut out small triangles or strips to create branches and decorate the tree as desired.
Step 5:
Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Step 7:
Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
Step 8:
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Melted Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, oozing cheese and delicious cranberry sauce, perfect for a cozy gathering. Save to Pinterest
Melted Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, oozing cheese and delicious cranberry sauce, perfect for a cozy gathering. | laurelcrust.com

Gathering around with family to share this brie en croûte has become a beloved holiday tradition.

Notes

Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Festive Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, elegantly wrapped and baked until golden, with optional honey drizzle. Save to Pinterest
Festive Brie en Croûte Pine Tree, elegantly wrapped and baked until golden, with optional honey drizzle. | laurelcrust.com
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This brie en croûte is a stunning centerpiece and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests every time.

Recipe Q&A

What type of cheese is used in this dish?

A whole wheel of creamy brie cheese is the main ingredient, lending its soft texture and mild flavor.

Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with other fillings?

Yes, fig or apricot preserves work well as alternatives, providing different sweet and fruity notes.

How do I achieve the pine tree shape in the pastry?

Cut the puff pastry into a large triangle and use scraps to create branches and decorations, forming a tree silhouette around the brie.

What is the purpose of brushing with beaten egg?

Egg wash gives the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish and helps it bake to a crisp texture.

Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?

This dish contains dairy, egg, gluten, and tree nuts (pecans). Nut-free versions can be made by omitting pecans.

What are good pairings for serving?

Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, fresh bread, and sparkling or dry white wine for a festive touch.

Brie en Croûte Pine Tree

Elegant brie wrapped in golden puff pastry, filled with cranberry and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Recipe by Scarlett Jenkins


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French-inspired

Portions 8 Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dairy

01 1 whole wheel brie cheese (approx. 8 oz)

Pastry

01 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

01 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jam)
02 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped

Topping

01 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
02 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
03 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Shape puff pastry: Unroll puff pastry on lightly floured surface. Cut out a large triangle to fit brie wheel; reserve scraps.

Step 03

Assemble filling: Place brie in center of pastry. Spread cranberry sauce atop brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.

Step 04

Wrap and decorate: Fold pastry over brie to form pine tree shape. Use pastry scraps to cut branches and decorate the tree.

Step 05

Apply egg wash and add rosemary: Transfer wrapped brie to baking sheet. Brush entire surface with beaten egg. Sprinkle rosemary if desired.

Step 06

Bake until golden: Bake for 20–25 minutes until pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Step 07

Cool and drizzle honey: Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally drizzle with honey before serving.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm alongside crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Awareness

Always check each ingredient for possible allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy, egg, gluten, and tree nuts. Omit pecans for nut allergies and check labels for allergens.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For your reference only—don’t take this as medical advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 7 g