Cranberry Christmas Star (Print View)

Show-stopping holiday treat with cranberries, cheeses, and flaky puff pastry in a radiant star form.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheese Filling

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
04 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cranberry Mixture

06 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
07 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
08 - 1 tbsp orange zest
09 - 2 tbsp orange juice
10 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Pastry

11 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (approximately 17.5 oz total)
12 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional)
14 - 2 tbsp chopped pistachios (optional)
15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
03 - In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, chives, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Spread the cheese filling evenly over the pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
06 - Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer.
07 - Place the second puff pastry sheet over the cranberry layer, trimming edges to match the bottom circle.
08 - Place a small bowl (3 inches in diameter) in the center of the pastry. Using a sharp knife, cut from the edge of the bowl outward into five evenly spaced rays to form a star pattern.
09 - Gently twist each ray outward to reveal layers and filling. Remove the center bowl.
10 - Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
11 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
12 - Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on any holiday table, and people always ask how you made something so impressive.
  • The sweet-tart cranberry contrast with creamy cheese layers keeps your guests coming back for more bites.
  • You can actually prepare most of it ahead, which means less stress when people arrive.
  • It's naturally vegetarian but feels fancy enough to serve alongside any main course.
02 -
  • Do not spread the cranberry mixture while it's still warm. I made this mistake my first attempt, and the pastry bottom became soggy and sad. Cool it completely, and everything changes.
  • The egg wash is what separates homemade-looking from restaurant-looking. Don't skip it, and don't be timid with it. Brush every visible surface.
03 -
  • Make sure your puff pastry is genuinely thawed but still cold before you work with it. Cold pastry holds its shape and puffs better than warm pastry that's been sitting out.
  • The secret that changed everything for me was realizing that twisting the rays gently, not aggressively, creates the most elegant effect. Gentle hands reveal the layers without damaging the pastry.
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