If you’re on the lookout for a stunning, crowd-pleasing appetizer that practically makes itself, then this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe combines flaky crescent rolls with gooey brie and the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce – it’s like a little party in every bite. Trust me, once you try this festive wreath, you’ll be making it for every holiday gathering, potluck, or cozy weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to assemble: You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this beautiful wreath.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce marry brilliantly with salty pistachios and fragrant rosemary.
- Impressive presentation: It’s a showstopper for the holidays or any time you want to impress guests.
- Quick prep and bake: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a lovely blend of simple, store-bought ingredients and fresh herbs that come together to make something super special. When picking your crescent dough, I recommend going for a high-quality brand—you’ll notice the difference in flakiness and flavor!

- Crescent dough: Using premade tubes makes this so quick and hassle-free; just be gentle when rolling it out to keep the layers flaky.
- Brie cheese: Opt for a nice, creamy brie without too much rind for the best melt and mellow flavor.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought both work – just make sure it’s not overly runny so the filling stays put.
- Pistachios: Adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color; lightly chopping them helps distribute the nuts evenly without overpowering the texture.
- Fresh rosemary: This herb brings a piney aroma that perfectly complements the brie and cranberries.
- Egg: Used for an egg wash to give that gorgeous golden sheen on the crescent dough.
- Fleur de sel: A pinch adds that finishing touch of salty sparkle to bring all the flavors together.
- Honey: A little drizzle at the end adds unexpected sweetness and gloss that’s just magical.
Variations
I love how versatile this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or tweak it to fit your guests’ tastes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and toppings!
- Swap the nuts: I’ve tried pecans and walnuts instead of pistachios, and both add their own cozy touch—pecans especially give a buttery crunch.
- Go savory: I sometimes add caramelized onions or a smear of fig jam under the brie for a deeper flavor profile that’s super indulgent.
- Make it vegan: Use a plant-based brie alternative and a flax egg to keep the ease of assembly while accommodating dietary preferences.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle a little chili flakes or add fresh thyme alongside rosemary for an unexpected herbal kick that surprises everyone.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 390°F). While it heats up, open the crescent dough tubes and gently unroll the dough triangles without stretching them too much. I’ve found handling the dough with clean, dry hands helps prevent it from tearing. Next, cut the brie into small chunks, roughly chop the pistachios, and strip and chop the rosemary leaves. Having everything ready sets you up for smooth assembly.
Step 2: Create the Crescent Dough Wreath Base
On a lined baking sheet, place a small round bowl in the center—this will guide your wreath shape. Lay the crescent dough triangles around the bowl with the short edge facing inward, overlapping each one halfway to form a star shape. You’ll want to tuck the last triangle partly underneath the first, so everything connects neatly. To keep the layers from puffing up oddly, gently press overlapping edges together near the base.
Step 3: Add the Delicious Filling
Spoon cranberry sauce along the inner circle created by your dough triangles, then scatter the chunks of brie on top. Sprinkle most of the chopped pistachios and rosemary over the filling, reserving some for garnish later. Finish with a pinch of fleur de sel to balance the sweetness and richness.
Step 4: Fold and Shape the Wreath
Carefully remove the bowl from the center, making sure any lost filling gets nudged back inside the wreath. Now, fold the pointed tip of each crescent triangle over the filling toward the center, tucking the ends underneath the adjacent triangles to close the wreath. Take your time here—smooth out any wide gaps for a uniform appearance.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Brush the top with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden-brown finish. Then sprinkle the last of your rosemary and another tiny pinch of fleur de sel over the top. Slide the wreath into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, watching for that perfect golden crust. When done, carefully transfer it to a platter to cool just a bit before the final touch.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle a little honey over the wreath for a beautiful shine and subtle sweetness. Sprinkle on the rest of the chopped pistachios and consider adding extra rosemary sprigs or fresh/sugared cranberries for that wow factor, especially if you’re serving this at a holiday party.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe
- Don’t stretch the dough: Handling the crescent dough gently keeps it flaky and prevents tears while shaping your wreath.
- Use room temperature brie: It spreads and melts more evenly, ensuring every bite has that creamy texture.
- Control the cranberry sauce’s moisture: Too runny and it can make the dough soggy—go for a thicker sauce or drain excess liquid.
- Keep an eye on baking time: 15 minutes is usually perfect, but ovens vary—look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe

Garnishes
I always add a drizzle of honey and scatter the extra pistachios and rosemary sprigs I set aside. Sometimes for a festive touch, I toss on fresh or sugared cranberries for a pop of color and tartness that looks gorgeous on the platter.
Side Dishes
This wreath pairs well with a fresh green salad or even some roasted vegetables to round out your spread. For holiday brunch, I serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a warm apple cider—it really elevates the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the wreath on a wooden board surrounded by extra rosemary sprigs and small bowls of cranberry sauce or honey for dipping. Another fun idea is to make individual mini wreaths using smaller dough portions—kids and guests love that personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the wreath cools, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find it tastes almost as good the next day, and you can always warm it up before serving.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover wedges wrapped in foil and then plastic wrap. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up well, and it’s a life saver when you want to prep in advance.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving makes the dough soggy, so I avoid it unless I’m in a rush.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade crescent dough for the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer, homemade crescent or puff pastry dough works wonderfully and can add a personal touch to your wreath. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and cut into triangles similar in size to the store-bought ones for an even bake.
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What alternatives can I use if I don’t have pistachios?
You can swap pistachios with any chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch, but it’s totally fine to leave nuts out if there are allergy concerns.
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Can I prepare the wreath ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the wreath the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, take it out to come closer to room temperature and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
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Is this recipe suitable for a larger crowd?
Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and make two wreaths or create mini versions so everyone has their own. This recipe scales well for holiday parties or bigger gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe holds such a special place in my go-to recipes because it’s unbelievably simple yet so elegant and delicious. The mix of melted brie, sweet tangy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fragrant rosemary all wrapped up in golden, flaky dough never fails to make my guests’ eyes light up. If you’re looking to wow friends or family with minimal stress, I really hope you give this recipe a try—it’s like a warm, festive hug on a plate, and I promise you’ll be glad you made it!
Print
Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 small portions or 6 large portions
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American – Holiday
Description
This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is a beautiful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It features buttery crescent dough triangles arranged into a wreath shape and filled with luscious brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pistachios, and fragrant rosemary. Finished with a golden egg wash, a sprinkle of fleur de sel, and a drizzle of honey, this impressive yet easy-to-make dish combines savory, sweet, and nutty flavors to delight your guests.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 tubes of premade crescent dough (12 dough triangles)
Filling
- 200 grams brie
- 100-125 grams (3½-½ cup) cranberry sauce
- 30 grams pistachios (handful, roughly chopped)
- 2 rosemary sprigs (roughly chopped)
- Fleur de sel, pinch
For Topping and Assembly
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Honey, drizzle
- Extra pistachios for garnish
- Extra rosemary sprigs and fresh or sugared cranberries (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 °F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the crescent wreath.
- Prepare Dough Triangles: Open the crescent dough tubes and carefully roll out the dough. Cut out the individual triangles along the perforations without stretching the dough to maintain their shape. Set the 12 dough triangles aside.
- Prepare Filling Ingredients: Cut the brie into small chunks, roughly chop the pistachios, and remove rosemary leaves from the stems, then roughly chop them to distribute flavor evenly.
- Arrange Dough on Baking Sheet: Place a small round bowl or ramekin in the center of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the dough triangles around the bowl with the short side towards the bowl, overlapping each triangle halfway to form a star shape. Tuck the last triangle partly under the first to complete the ring.
- Seal Overlapping Dough: Gently press the overlapping parts near the base of the triangles to flatten and adhere them, ensuring the wreath stays together when baked.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce into the inner circle formed by the dough, creating the first layer of filling.
- Add Brie: Distribute the brie chunks evenly on top of the cranberry sauce for a creamy, melty texture.
- Sprinkle Pistachios: Scatter most of the chopped pistachios over the brie to add crunch, reserving some for garnish.
- Sprinkle Rosemary: Add most of the chopped rosemary evenly over the filling to infuse herbal notes, keeping some back for decoration.
- Add Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of fleur de sel or salt flakes over the filling to enhance all flavors.
- Remove Bowl: Carefully lift out the bowl from the center of the wreath, repositioning any filling that falls into the middle to keep the filling neat.
- Fold Dough Tips: Fold the tip of each dough triangle inward toward the center and tuck the end underneath the adjacent triangle. Repeat around the wreath, ensuring no wide gaps remain and the shape is tidy.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire top surface of the wreath with beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish.
- Final Garnishes: Sprinkle the reserved rosemary and a pinch of fleur de sel on top for aroma and texture.
- Bake: Place the wreath in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer and Serve: Using a spatula or tongs, carefully move the baked wreath onto a serving platter or wooden board.
- Add Honey and Pistachios: Drizzle a small amount of honey on top for sweetness, then scatter the remaining pistachios over the wreath for garnish.
- Optional Decoration: For an extra festive touch, garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and fresh or sugared cranberries around the wreath before serving.
Notes
- Use cold premade crescent dough to make handling easier and keep dough from sticking.
- Adjust cranberry sauce quantity based on preferred tartness and moisture level.
- Pistachios add crunch and color, but you can substitute with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- Fleur de sel adds a mild crunch and saltiness; regular sea salt flakes can be substituted.
- The wreath can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
- Make sure the dough triangles overlap well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Vegans can substitute brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a flax egg wash.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small portion (approximately 1/12th of the wreath)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg

