There’s something truly magical about making Christmas tarts during the holiday season! The aroma of warm spices and sweet fruits fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. These delightful little tarts are bursting with flavor, featuring a luscious almond paste filling paired with tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery crust. Trust me, the moment you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland! The unique combination of textures—from the crisp tart shell to the creamy filling—makes these Christmas tarts a festive treat that everyone will adore. So, gather your loved ones and let’s dive into this delicious holiday baking adventure!

Ingredients for Christmas Tarts

To whip up these delightful Christmas tarts, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 cup all-purpose flour – this forms the base of your buttery crust.
1/2 cup unsalted butter – make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
1/4 cup powdered sugar – this adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1 egg yolk – for richness and to bind the crust together.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – because, who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?
1 cup almond paste – this is where the magic happens with flavor!
1/2 cup cranberry sauce – you can use homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand!
1/4 cup chopped walnuts – for that delightful crunch.
1 tablespoon orange zest – it adds a refreshing brightness.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – a warm spice that screams holiday!

How to Prepare Christmas Tarts

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started on preparing these scrumptious Christmas tarts! It’s super simple, and I promise the results will be so worth it. Follow these steps to create your holiday delight!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfectly baked crust.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until it resembles a crumbly texture—just like magic!
Next, add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit crumbly; that’s normal!
Now, take your tart pans and press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until they are lightly golden.
While the crusts are baking, blend together the almond paste, cranberry sauce, chopped walnuts, orange zest, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This filling is going to be divine!
Once the tart shells are out of the oven, fill them generously with the almond mixture. Bake again for another 15 minutes to get everything bubbly and delicious.
Let them cool for a bit before serving, and get ready to indulge in pure holiday bliss!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before you dig in: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just a guide. Each Christmas tart contains approximately 180 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Flavorful combination of almond, cranberry, and warm spices that captures the essence of the season.
Beautifully festive, these tarts make a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table.
Customizable with your favorite fruit preserves or nuts for a personal touch.
Perfect for sharing with family and friends, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas tarts turn out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a smooth crust. If you find the dough too crumbly, add a tiny splash of cold water—it works wonders! Keep an eye on your crust while it’s baking; ovens can be sneaky, and you don’t want it to over-brown. For a twist, feel free to swap out the cranberry sauce for any fruit preserve you adore, like raspberry or apricot. And don’t skip the orange zest; it truly brightens up the flavors! Happy baking!

Variations on Christmas Tarts

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these Christmas tarts! Try swapping the cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or even a spiced apple butter for a cozy twist. You can also experiment with different nuts—pecans or almonds would be fantastic! For an extra kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling. The possibilities are as endless as the holiday cheer, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious Christmas tarts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the tarts! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these tarts are delightful served chilled, but you can warm them slightly in the oven if you prefer a cozy treat!

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Christmas tarts shine even brighter when paired with a few accompaniments! Consider serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance their sweetness. A warm cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa makes for a perfect cozy drink alongside these festive treats. Enjoy the holiday magic!

Christmas Tarts: 7 Magical Treats for the Holidays

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 tarts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Christmas tarts filled with seasonal flavors.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly.
Add egg yolk and vanilla; mix until dough forms.
Press dough into tart pans and bake for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, blend almond paste, cranberry sauce, walnuts, orange zest, and cinnamon.
Fill baked tart shells with the mixture.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Let cool before serving.