Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs Recipe

Introduction

These Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy snack. The puff pastry rises into crisp, buttery layers while the pear softens and caramelizes, pairing beautifully with creamy brie.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 100g brie, rind removed and cubed
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp honey (warm for drizzling)
• Optional: fresh thyme leaves or crushed pistachios

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pear slices and brown sugar. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the pears are soft, golden, and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly and use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes.
4. Step 4: Arrange half of the puff pastry snowflakes on the baking sheet; these will be the bases.
5. Step 5: Place a cube of brie and 1–2 caramelized pear slices in the center of each pastry base.
6. Step 6: Top each with another puff pastry snowflake cutout. Press the edges gently to seal the puffs.
7. Step 7: Beat the egg and brush the tops of the puffs with the egg wash to achieve a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with warm honey. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or crushed pistachios if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a ripe but firm pear to ensure it holds its shape while caramelizing.
• Swap brie for camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pear mixture can enhance warmth and depth.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pistachios over the honey drizzle before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting, so it handles easily without breaking.

What other fruits can I use instead of pear?

Apples or figs are great alternatives as they also caramelize nicely and pair well with brie.

Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs Recipe

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Delight in the buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry paired with sweet caramelized pears and creamy brie in these elegant Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs. Finished with a warm honey drizzle and optional fresh thyme or pistachios, these puff pastries make a perfect appetizer or festive treat.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 8 snowflake puffs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snowflake Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 100g brie, rind removed and cubed
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Finish

• 2 tbsp honey (warm for drizzling)
• Optional: fresh thyme leaves or crushed pistachios

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking your puff pastry puffs.
2. Caramelize the pears: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the thinly sliced pears along with the brown sugar. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the pears are soft, golden, and caramelized, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a clean surface. Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the pastry.
4. Assemble the puffs: Place half of the snowflake cutouts on the prepared baking sheet to serve as the bases. On each base, add a cube of brie and 1–2 slices of the caramelized pear. Top each with another snowflake cutout and gently press the edges to seal the puffs.
5. Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of the assembled puffs with beaten egg to achieve a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
6. Finish and serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly once baked. Drizzle warm honey over the tops and garnish with optional fresh thyme leaves or crushed pistachios for an added touch of flavor and decoration before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely before rolling to avoid tearing.
• Caramelizing the pears adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for a quicker version using fresh pear slices.
• Brie rind is removed for smoother texture and a cleaner presentation.
• Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean snowflake shapes to avoid puff pastry shrinkage.
• Warm the honey slightly to make it easier to drizzle evenly over the baked puffs.

Keywords: caramelized pear, brie, puff pastry, snowflake puffs, appetizer, holiday recipe, honey drizzle