Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets
A Sweet-Savory Bite Made for Autumn Gatherings
There are certain flavors that instantly wrap you in the feeling of fall — the warm spiced scent of pumpkin, the creamy tang of goat cheese, the cozy golden richness of honey and brown sugar. Now imagine all of that tucked into a flaky, buttery bite-sized pastry that works as an appetizer, brunch addition, party finger food, or even a light dessert. That’s exactly what Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets offer.
These are the kind of bites that make people pause mid-conversation after the first nibble. They are delicate yet rich, warm yet refreshing, seasonal without being cliché. And best of all? They look effortlessly fancy — but are incredibly easy to make.
This recipe brings together silky pumpkin filling sweetened just slightly, swirled with velvety whipped goat cheese, all nestled into crispy golden puff pastry. They’re balanced, elegant, and surprisingly versatile.
Serve them at:
- Fall brunches
- Thanksgiving appetizer tables
- Holiday cocktail parties
- Halloween gatherings
- Or as a midweek “I want something delicious” snack
And yes — they take under 30 minutes to make.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on balance — because pumpkin is mild on its own, and goat cheese is bold. When treated right, they become one of the most sophisticated flavor pairings of fall.
The Flavor Breakdown
| Component | Role | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Purée | Base Flavor | Smooth, earthy, warm fall flavor |
| Goat Cheese | Sharp Counterpoint | Tanginess cuts the sweetness beautifully |
| Honey + Brown Sugar | Sweetness | Enhances depth without being dessert-sweet |
| Cinnamon + Nutmeg | Warm Spice | Classic fall character |
| Puff Pastry | Texture | Light, crisp, perfectly buttery |
The result is a balanced bite — creamy, lightly sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly crisp.
Bonus: They store and reheat beautifully.
Which means: Make them ahead and relax.
Ingredients
(Makes about 18 mini tartlets)
For the Tartlets
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought is perfect)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, plain pumpkin)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 oz goat cheese (chevre log style)
- 1 teaspoon heavy cream or milk (optional, to soften goat cheese)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional Garnish
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Crushed pecans
- Tiny sprinkle of flaky salt
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a small bowl, combine:
- Pumpkin puree
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip the Goat Cheese
Place goat cheese in a bowl and let it soften a few minutes at room temp.
Add 1 teaspoon cream or milk (optional) and stir until spreadable.
4. Cut the Puff Pastry
Roll out the sheet slightly, then cut into 18 small squares.
Place them spaced apart on the baking sheet.
5. Assemble the Tartlets
Spoon 1 teaspoon pumpkin filling into the center of each square.
Add a small swirl of goat cheese on top.
Do not press; the pastry will puff around the filling.
6. Egg Wash the Edges
Beat the egg in a small dish.
Lightly brush the visible pastry edges to ensure golden crisp flakiness.
7. Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and gently golden.
8. Garnish & Serve
Cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle lightly with honey.
Add thyme leaves or crushed pecans if desired.
Serve warm — they’re best that way.
Chef’s Tip: Getting the Perfect Goat Cheese Swirl
To create that bakery-style swirl:
- Spoon softened goat cheese into a small zip bag.
- Snip the tiniest corner off.
- Pipe a little spiral onto each tartlet.
Pretty. Controlled. Instagram-ready.
How to Serve
These pair beautifully with:
- Chai tea
- Apple cider
- Champagne or sparkling water
- Toasted walnuts or almonds
- A fall charcuterie board
Variations (Choose Your Vibe)
| Style | Swap / Add | Flavor Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cozy Fall Brunch | Add maple syrup instead of honey | Warm & rustic |
| Holiday Party Elegant | Drizzle balsamic glaze | Sophisticated, European |
| Dessert Twist | Add a dash of vanilla + powdered sugar dust | More sweet-forward |
| Savory Cocktail Bite | Add cracked black pepper + thyme | Balanced & aromatic |
Mini Pumpkin Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Place goat cheese in another bowl. Add a teaspoon of milk or cream and stir until spreadable.
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 18 small squares. Arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pumpkin filling into the center of each pastry square.
- Add a small swirl or dollop of softened goat cheese on top of the pumpkin filling.
- Beat the egg and lightly brush the visible pastry edges to help them brown while baking.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Cool for a few minutes, then drizzle lightly with honey and garnish with thyme or pecans if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead & Storage
| Method | How Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temp | 4 hours | Ideal for parties |
| Fridge | 3 days | Reheat in oven 5–6 min |
| Freezer (Unbaked) | 1 month | Bake directly from frozen |
Final Flavor Notes
These tartlets are simple yet sophisticated — the kind of dish that looks like something from a boutique bakery café, but only takes minutes to pull together. They highlight seasonal ingredients without overwhelming sweetness, making them perfect for guests who love balanced, elegant food.
When you place them out on a table, they’re always the first to disappear.
And when someone asks, “Wait — who made these?”
You can smile and say:
“Oh, just a little something I whipped up.”
