Roasted Pecan Cranberry Cheese Puffs

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These Roasted Pecan Cranberry Cheese Puffs deliver the perfect balance of savory richness and subtle sweetness. Light, airy, and packed with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery roasted pecans, they rise into golden little clouds that are irresistible straight from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday gathering or simply craving something special, these puffs bring a comforting warmth with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth, glossy, and pliable.
  5. Stir in the cheddar, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, and seasonings until everything is evenly combined.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each puff.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and beautifully golden.
  8. Cool slightly before serving warm and airy.

Variation

  1. Swap the Cheese: Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a deeper, bolder flavor. Each cheese brings its own richness, giving the puffs a new personality.
  2. Nut Alternatives: Almonds or walnuts can replace the pecans if desired; just ensure they’re toasted to bring out their natural sweetness and crunch.
  3. Fruit Twist: Dried cherries, blueberries, or chopped apricots add a different pop of sweetness and pair nicely with both mild and sharp cheeses.
  4. Savory Spin: Leave out the cranberries and pecans and stir in cooked bacon bits, scallions, or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory-only puff.

Cooking Notes

  1. Make sure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs; adding them too early may cause the eggs to scramble.
  2. If the dough appears too thick after adding the eggs, keep mixing choux dough often looks separated before it becomes smooth and glossy.
  3. Avoid opening the oven during the first 15 minutes of baking; sudden temperature changes can cause the puffs to collapse.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Festive Appetizer: Serve on a holiday board with herb cream cheese or cranberry jam; the contrast makes each puff feel gourmet.
  2. Brunch Companion: Pair with omelets, fruit salads, or smoked meats for a satisfying brunch platter.
  3. Soup Sidekick: These puffs are excellent alongside creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato basil the textures complement each other wonderfully.

Tips

  1. Chop the Add-Ins Small: Smaller pieces of cranberries and pecans distribute more evenly into the dough, ensuring each puff has balanced flavor.
  2. Use a Piping Bag for Uniformity: If you want perfectly round, bakery-style puffs, pipe the dough instead of spooning it. They’ll bake more evenly and look extra polished.
  3. Let Them Rest on the Rack: After baking, transfer puffs to a cooling rack so they stay crisp on the bottom rather than turning soft from residual steam.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Puff)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes of baking time if cold.
  2. Can these cheese puffs be frozen?
    Absolutely. Freeze unbaked dollops on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cook time.
  3. Why did my puffs deflate?
    They may have been under-baked or the oven door was opened too early. Always bake until fully golden and firm.
  4. Can I make them gluten-free?
    Yes use a high-quality GF all-purpose blend. Expect slightly less rise, but the flavor and texture stay delicious.

Conclusion

These Roasted Pecan Cranberry Cheese Puffs bring together the best of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in one irresistible bite. They’re comforting enough for everyday snacking and elegant enough for special occasions. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed as part of a festive spread, they’re bound to become a beloved treat in your recipe collection. Enjoy every fluffy, flavorful bite!

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Roasted Pecan Cranberry Cheese Puffs

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 puffs 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Roasted Pecan Cranberry Cheese Puffs deliver the perfect balance of savory richness and subtle sweetness. Light, airy, and packed with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery roasted pecans, they rise into golden little clouds that are irresistible straight from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday gathering or simply craving something special, these puffs bring a comforting warmth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth, glossy, and pliable.
  5. Stir in the cheddar, cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, and seasonings until everything is evenly combined.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each puff.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and beautifully golden.
  8. Cool slightly before serving warm and airy.

Notes

  1. Make sure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs; adding them too early may cause the eggs to scramble.
  2. If the dough appears too thick after adding the eggs, keep mixing choux dough often looks separated before it becomes smooth and glossy.
  3. Avoid opening the oven during the first 15 minutes of baking; sudden temperature changes can cause the puffs to collapse.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 puff
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: cheese puffs, cranberry pecan puffs, savory pastries, holiday appetizers, choux puffs

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