Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs

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Caramelized Pear & Brie Snowflake Puffs

⭐ Ingredients (Makes 1 large snowflake or 8–10 mini puffs)

For the pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

For the filling

  • 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
  • 100 g Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
  • 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • A pinch of salt
  • A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional but delicious)

Finishing

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar or honey (optional for serving)

🔪 Instructions

1. Caramelize the pears

  1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the pear slices, brown sugar, and salt.
  3. Cook 4–6 minutes until soft, glossy, and lightly caramelized.
  4. Add honey/maple and cinnamon/nutmeg (if using).
  5. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Tip: Cool pears fully so the pastry doesn’t get soggy.

2. Prepare the puff pastry

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lay out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Cut into two equal rectangles (if making a big snowflake)
    – or into 8–10 squares for individual puffs.

3. Assemble the snowflake (large version)

  1. Place the first rectangle of pastry on a baking sheet.
  2. Spoon the caramelized pears evenly in the center, leaving ½-inch border.
  3. Add cubes of Brie evenly on top.
  4. Lay the second sheet of pastry over the filling.
  5. Press edges to seal.

Shape the snowflake

  1. Place a small glass or bowl (2–3″) upside down in the center—don’t press hard.
  2. Cut the pastry into 16 strips, radiating from the center to the edges.
  3. Twist each strip 2–3 times, alternating directions for a pretty pattern.
  4. Remove the glass.

4. Or—make mini snowflake puffs

  1. Place a spoonful of pear and a cube of brie in the center of each pastry square.
  2. Fold the corners to the middle and pinch to seal.
  3. Use a knife to make decorative slits or twists to resemble snowflakes.

5. Bake

  1. Brush pastry with egg wash.
  2. Bake for 18–22 minutes (large snowflake) or 12–15 minutes (mini puffs),
    until deep golden, crisp, and puffed.

6. Serve

Let cool 5 minutes.
Optional:

  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look ❄️
  • Drizzle honey for extra shine
  • Serve warm for maximum gooey Brie bliss

❄️ Tips

  • Use ripe but firm pears for best texture.
  • Brie can be swapped for Camembert or goat brie.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • These reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

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