Cranberry Tartlets (Easy Mini Cranberry Dessert)
These Mini Cranberry Tarts will help you use up any leftover cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving meal. They’re the perfect fall appetizer and take just 30 minutes to make!
Creating This Cranberry Tart Recipe
Baking is one of the things that I think everyone likes best about this time of year. There are so many treats to bake and so little time!
I promised when I shared my recipe for Cranberry Orange Relish that I’d share some leftover cranberry sauce recipes too.
These Mini Cranberry Tarts are the perfect little sweet treats to pop in your mouth and will help you use any leftover cranberry sauce that you may have. Or, you just might like them enough that you’ll have to make another batch of cranberry sauce to prepare them.
Mini Muffins pans, such as this 4 Cup Mini Muffin Pan, are the perfect way to make mass quantities of mini tarts at once. Treats like this are so simple to prepare and that can be a nice thing this time of year when we’re all so busy with family and other Holiday activities.
Tools Needed to Make Mini Cranberry Tarts
Here are a few of the kitchen tools that I like to have on hand when preparing this recipe:
- Rolling Pin – to roll our the pie crust dough for the cranberry tartlets.
- Piping Bag – not required, but a piping bag makes it easy to fill the tart shells with the cranberry filling.
- Pan for Baking – a mini tart pan (for bite sized tarts) with removable bottom or a mini muffin tin work well for cooking these tasty tarts. For larger cranberry tarts, use standard sized muffin cups.
- Wire Rack – to cool the cranberry tarts
Ingredients for Mini Cranberry Tarts
Not sure what to do with all that leftover cranberry sauce? Make these cranberry tarts! Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe:
- Cranberry Orange Relish (or store-bought cranberry sauce)
- Pie crust (I make an all-butter pie crust recipe)
Seriously, that’s all you’ll need to make this simple cranberry appetizer!
What Can I Use Instead of Pie Crust Dough?
Frozen puff pastry or phyllo shells are great quick shortcuts that would work in place of the pie crust dough when you’re making these mini cranberry tarts.
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Mini Cranberry Tarts
This leftover cranberry sauce recipe is a breeze to make. I’ve given detailed instructions in the recipe card below, but here’s an overview of the process:
- Prepare the cranberry orange relish according to recipe instructions.
- Prepare the pie crust according to recipe instructions.
- Roll the crust into an 1/8-inch thick round.
- Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut four dozen 3 – 3 1/2 inch circles.
- Grease a mini muffin pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Place each round into a muffin cup, pressing lightly to form to the shape of the cup.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the cranberry orange relish in each dough-lined cup.
- Bake until the dough is lightly golden and the filling is hot.
- If desired, brush the edges of the crust with melted butter.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
How to Garnish These Cranberry Tarts
Like to get a little fancy? Garnish these cute, mini pies with simple ingredients like sugared cranberries, orange zest, and/or fresh rosemary sprigs
Tips for Making Mini Cranberry Tarts
- Use any round object you have to cut out the mini tarts (the lip of a jar, lids, etc.). I prefer to use small biscuit cutters.
- If desired, you can use a Mini Tart Shaper to help shape the dough.
- I used homemade pie crust and cranberry sauce to make this recipe, but you’re welcome to use store-bought alternatives if that’s easier for you.
How to Store Cranberry Tarts
The cranberry tarts can be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to three days. Note that the crust will dry out over time.
Can Cranberry Tarts Be Frozen?
Yes! Once baked, let the tarts cool to room temperature. Then, seal inside a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat the tarts, set them on the counter to thaw (they thaw out quickly).
When to Serve these Cranberry Tarts
There are so many fun opportunities to serve these cute mini cranberry Tarts during the holiday season. Here are a few ideas:
- As a fun snack to use up cranberry sauce leftovers
- With all the other appetizers on the holiday table
- Makes a fun addition to festive holiday desserts
- New Year’s Eve Appetizer
Can This Recipe Be Prepared in Advance?
Once baked, the tarts are best eaten right away. However, both the cranberry sauce and the pie crust can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator prior to assembling and baking the tarts.
Try these Cranberry Tarts!
Next time you’re looking for a way to use up a little cranberry sauce leftover from your holiday meal, give these Cranberry Tartlets a try!
Did you think they were the perfect appetizer idea? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this recipe for cranberry tarts.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of these Cranberry Tartlets!
More Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes:
Here are some of our favorite recipes using leftover cranberry sauce:
Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and rolls!
Whipped Cranberry Butter is a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving! My family loves this on toast, buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato rolls!
Stir some leftover Cranberry Sauce or Cranberry Relish into real Maple Syrup to make Cranberry Orange Maple Syrup. This tastes great on homemade waffles!
Stir some leftover cranberry sauce into plain yogurt for some Cranberry Yogurt! You can layer it in a glass with granola for a special breakfast treat!
Be sure to check out my Guide to Thanksgiving Leftovers! You’ll find a great selection of recipes that can be made using your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, ham, and cranberry sauce.
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Bite-Sized Mini Cranberry Walnut Tarts
These Bite-Sized Mini Cranberry Walnut Tarts are the perfect little sweet treats to pop in your mouth and will help you use any leftover cranberry sauce that you may have.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish
- 1 recipe Perfect All Butter Pie Crust
Instructions
For the Filling:
- Prepare the cranberry orange walnut relish according to recipe instructions. Get the recipe at the following link: Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish.
For the Crust:
- Prepare the pie crust according to recipe instructions. Get the recipe at the following link: Perfect All Butter Pie Crust.
- Roll the crust into an 1/8 inch thick round. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut four dozen 3 - 3 1/2 inch circles.
- Grease a mini muffin pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- You will need 48 total muffin cups (unless you half the recipe). Place each round in a muffin cup, pressing lightly to form to the shape of the cup.
- If desired, use a Mini Tart Shaper to help shape the dough.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the cranberry orange walnut relish in each dough-lined cup. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is lightly golden and the filling is hot.
- If desired, brush the edges of the crust with melted butter.
Notes
Both the cranberry sauce and the pie crust can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator prior to preparation and baking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 10Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Molly Jo says
I absolutely love cranberry flavors, but I don’t like actual cranberries. I especially love a cranberry-orange-nut mix, so I’m looking forward to trying out your Tart recipe next week!
Molly Jo says
Here’s another great Christmas cookie recipe from my mom. These were always my favorite; even now I still can never get enough.
I haven’t made them yet this year, so there’s no photos on the blog. But trust me. As soon as I make them, I’ll photograph their melty gooey yumminess for all to see.
http://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/recipe-gumdrop-gems-cookies/
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter
1-1/2 cup sifted confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2-1/2 cup sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup small gumdrops, sliced (don’t use black)
DIRECTIONS:
Thoroughly cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat in egg.
Sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Gradually stir into creamed mixture; mix well.
Shape dough into roll 2″ in diameter x 12″ long. Wrap in wax paper, chill several hours or overnight.
Cut 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate tops with gumdrop slices.
Bake at 350 for approximately 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cool slightly before removing from pan.
Makes approximately 4 dozen.
This recipe has been entered in the 2011 Holiday Recipe Exchange. “Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Chicago Metallic.”
Molly Jo says
This is a great recipe I grew up with; my dad’s favorite Christmas cookie: YULETIDE DROPS.
I posted it on my blog, but don’t have photos so it won’t link above.
http://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/recipe-yuletide-drops-cookies/
These were my Dad’s favorite cookies at Christmas. I haven’t made them yet this year, so don’t have any photos for my blog. Again, operative word being yet.
These are like little mini fruitcakes that go great with coffee, tea, egg nog, milk, mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate… pretty much any holiday beverage you prefer.
They’re great to give as gifts, store well in cookie jars and air-tight canisters. They also travel/ship well for those out-of-town travelers and Care Packages.
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sifted flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup finely snipped dates
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
Halved candied cherries (to top cookies with)
DIRECTIONS:
Cream butter, sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Stir in sour cream.
Sift together flour, cinnamon, soda, salt, cloves. Stir into creamed mix.
Mix in oats, pecans, dates, raisins and chopped cherries.
Drop from spoon 2″ apart onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Top each with halved cherry.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.
Cool on rack.
Makes approximately 5 dozen.
This recipe has been entered in the 2011 Holiday Recipe Exchange. “Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Chicago Metallic.”
Meryl says
CRANBERRY SWIRL COFFEECAKE
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (I use nonfat plain yogurt)
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup of fresh cranberry sauce (recommended) – To make the sauce, follow the directions on any package of fresh cranberries (OR one 8-ounce can of whole cranberry sauce) {I use freshly made cranberry sauce}
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (*Decrease the temperature by 25 degrees if using dark pan.). Grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch tube pan. (I use a 10-inch)
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs just until well blended.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With mixer running, (lower the mixer speed), add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream or yogurt to the butter mixture until just blended. Do not overmix! Stir in the almond extract and mix only until just combined. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl 1/2 of the cranberry sauce into the batter. Repeat, ending with the batter on top.
4. Bake about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let cool in pan on wire rack about 10 minutes. Cut around edge of the cake to loosen, then turn out and let cool completely on wire rack.
Makes 1 – 9 or 10 inch tube pan (12 servings).
Adapted from Allrecipes
Louis says
Jam Thumbprints:
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar (I used 2/3 cup)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (I used regular salt)
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut
Raspberry and/or apricot jam (I used all fruit-sweetened jam)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (My note: line cookie sheets with parchment paper).
In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until just combined, and then add the vanilla. Separately, sift together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Dump on a floured board and roll together into a flat disk. (I divided the dough in half and placed each half onto a piece of plastic wrap, flattened into disks, and covered with extra plastic wrap). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. (If you have a scale, they should each weigh 1-ounce.) Dip each ball into the egg wash and then roll it in coconut. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet (about 1 1/2 – 2 ” apart), and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. Drop 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coconut is a golden brown. Cool and serve.
Yield: 32 cookies
Ina Garten/Barefoot Contessa
Carolyn Jung says
What a great little treat for the holiday buffet table. Love how the little tarts look like sparkling jewels, too.
Stephanie Halland says
I don’t have a blog, so here is my recipe – Peanut Butter Popcorn, my kids have always devoured this. It is really easy and kind of addicting!
make 2 batches of microwave popcorn.
mix together in a microwave safe bowl –
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
Microwave on high for 3 minutes, pour over popcorn, stir, and eat!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says
These look amazing! I love bite sized desserts for the holidays!
Anne says
One of my family’s favorite holiday recipe is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies …
1 1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
15 oz. canned pumpkin puree
4 cups flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugars. Add egg, vanilla and pumpkin. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Gradually add to creamed butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop spoonful of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheet (or lined with parchment paper). Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins.
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
Oh those are so cute! I recently saw a recipe for corn bread with cranberry sauce swirled into it, and I’m thinking that sounds crazy good too!
Tickled Red says
What a great way to use left over cranberry sauce, love this!
Tracy says
These are so cute! Perfect for a cookie exchange, too!
Erica says
These little things look amazing. I absolutely love fresh cranberry sauce (and many other cranberry treats) and already have some cranberries stashed in my freezer for the time of year when you can’t find them in the stores.
I can see these little tarts going over well not just to mop up left over cranberry sauce, but also at holiday cocktail parties. They are absolutely gorgeous, and I can already see ways of customizing them dancing through my brain.
Stefani says
The recipe for Sweet & Savory Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer makes me think of the holidays, even when I serve it in other seasons!
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 ounces goat cheese
4 tbsp. fig preserves (can be substituted with other preserves, but I love the flavors of fig and goat cheese)
1 egg, beaten
**pancetta, optional
Preheat oven to 400. Divide puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Spoon 1 tbsp. of preserves into the middle of the puff pastry squares. Spoon goat cheese on top of the preserves. Bring the edges of the puff pastry over the cheese, pinching the edges to make a ball. Trim off extra pastry dough. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, with the pinched edges on the bottom (smooth side up). Brush lightly with the beaten egg. Cut small slits into the pastry ball to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20 minutes and let cool 15 minutes before serving.
Stefani says
My favorite recipe for Pumpkin Dessert Squares from WS!
18 ounces yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
13/ ounces pumpkin butter
3 eggs
1 tbsp. flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, room temp.
3 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all but 1 cup of cake mix with melted butter and 1 of the eggs. Press into the bottom of a 9″x13″ baking dish. Mix in pumpkin butter, remaining 2 eggs, and milk. Pour over cake mixture in the pan. Mix in remaining 1 cup cake mix with flour, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup butter, and cinnamon. Crumble over the top pumpkin layer. Bake 35-40 minutes, cool, and serve.
Elizabeth Bourne says
Mayme’s Pecan Pie: I don’t have my own blog, though looking at all these wonderful recipes makes it really tempting. This recipe is from my great-grandmother Mayme. It is an absolute requirement for holidays in our family and it is simple but wonderful.
1/2 c sugar
1 c dark corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp flour
2 eggs
Beat all these together. Add 1 tsp vanilla, 1 Tbsp melted butter, 1-1/4 c pecan halves (I chop half the pecans coarsely). Pour into 1 unbaked 9″ pie shell and bake for about 1-hour at 300º or until filling is just set. (To brown pie crust edges, brushedges with milk lightly before baking.) Serve room temperature – with whipped cream! You can pour 1/2 cup chocolate chips in the bottom of the empty pie crust before adding the filling for a chocolate bottom pecan pie, also delicious!