Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Keep the puff pastry cold until you're ready to roll.
Gently roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth the surface, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut into 12 equal squares.
Gently press each pastry square into a cavity of a mini muffin tin, ensuring they fit snugly and form a small cup. This helps create a nice, even base for your filling.
Place a small piece or dollop of Brie cheese in the center of each pastry cup. This will melt into a creamy, gooey filling as it bakes.
Top each Brie-filled pastry with a few fresh cranberries, pressing them lightly into the cheese so they stay in place during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden brown and crispy, and the Brie is bubbling and melted.
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Sprinkle with chopped thyme or rosemary for a fresh herb touch, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.