There’s a delightful aroma wafting through my kitchen as I prepare these crispy cranberry hand pies, transporting me back to cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations. Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust that gives way to a tangy cranberry filling, perfectly balancing sweet and tart. These mini pastries are not only a breeze to make, but they also bring the traditional flavors of pie without the hassle of a large dessert. Ideal for potlucks or as a treat to savor with a warm cup of tea, these hand pies are the perfect way to showcase the vibrant nature of cranberries. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for your family or a crowd-pleasing snack for guests, these hand pies are sure to impress without taking up too much of your precious time. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring some homemade goodness to your table with this easy recipe!
Why Choose Cranberry Hand Pies?
Unique Flavor: The vibrant tartness of cranberries creates a refreshing twist on traditional desserts.
Festive Touch: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these mini hand pies are a delightful addition to any spread.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious pastries in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love the balance of flaky crust and sweet-tart filling.
Versatile Treat: Customize with different fillings if you’re feeling adventurous!
Elevate your dessert game with these Cranberry Hand Pies or check out our other mouth-watering dessert recipes here!
Cranberry Hand Pies Ingredients
For the Crust
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for creating a sturdy yet flaky crust; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Salt – A small but vital ingredient, it enhances flavor and maintains the ideal balance between sweetness and tartness.
• Unsalted Butter – Ensures a beautifully flaky texture; using cold butter is key to achieving those lovely layers. If dairy-free, replace it with vegan butter.
• Ice-Cold Water – This helps bind the dough while keeping it cool; don’t hesitate to add extra ice if you need it colder!
For the Filling
• Cranberries (fresh or frozen) – The star of our recipe that provides that tangy goodness; they’ll transform into a lovely jam-like consistency when cooked. You can swap them out for other berries if desired, but adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling and balances out the tartness of the cranberries; brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
• Water – Helps to cook down the filling into a deliciously thick jam consistency.
For Assembly
• Egg – Used for the egg wash, giving your hand pies a golden-brown finish; opt for plant-based milk if you’re keeping it vegan.
• Sugar Crystals or Coarse Sugar – An optional topping that adds an extra crunch and sweetness to each bite.
Now that we have the Cranberry Hand Pies ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful pastries!
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies
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Make the Pie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Gently cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Add ice-cold water gradually, mixing until just combined to form a shaggy dough.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for a flaky crust.
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
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Roll Out Dough: On a well-floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it reaches about ⅛” thickness. Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut out desired shapes—rectangles or circles work beautifully!
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Assemble Hand Pies: Place half of the dough shapes on a lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled cranberry filling onto each. Cover with the remaining dough shapes, press the edges together, and seal by crimping with a floured fork for a charming finish.
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Preheat Oven: Chill the assembled hand pies in the refrigerator while you preheat your oven to 350°F. This step helps them maintain shape while baking.
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Final Touches: Brush the tops of each hand pie with a beaten egg for a golden sheen and sprinkle with coarse sugar for that added crunch.
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Bake: Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and flaky. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!
Optional: Serve these fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and cranberry filling up to 24 hours in advance—just ensure to keep the dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can assemble the hand pies completely and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before needing to bake. For the best texture, refrigerate them prior to baking to help them maintain their shape. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply brush them with egg wash and bake as directed. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delightful pastries ready in no time, making holiday festivities a breeze!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Hand Pies
- Cold Ingredients: Always use cold butter and ice-cold water; this keeps the dough flaky by preventing the fat from melting before baking.
- Don’t Overwork Dough: Handle the dough just enough to combine ingredients. Overworking can make it tough instead of tender.
- Thick Filling: If the cranberry filling is too thin, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to help thicken it before spooning it into the hand pies.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze unbaked cranberry hand pies. Bake them straight from the freezer when you need a quick dessert!
- Seal Edges Well: Ensure your edges are sealed tightly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
What to Serve with Cranberry Hand Pies?
Pair these tantalizing treats with complementary flavors to create a delightful dining experience. Each pairing enhances the hand pies, making every bite a celebration of flavor and comfort.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the tart cranberry filling. Serve a scoop on the side for added indulgence.
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Hot Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai or chamomile tea offers a soothing contrast to the crispness of the hand pies, enhancing their festive appeal.
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Coffee: A rich, freshly brewed coffee provides a perfect pick-me-up alongside these pastries, elevating your afternoon snack into a delightful ritual.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the hand pies for a decadent twist. The chocolate complements the tartness while adding a luscious texture.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the hand pies, making each bite blissful and creamy.
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Cranberry Juice: A glass of chilled cranberry juice maintains the berry theme while offering refreshing acidity that harmonizes well with the sweet filling.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries and citrus adds bright, fruity notes, balancing the richness of the hand pies with a refreshing crunch.
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Cheese Plate: Pair with a selection of soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese; their creaminess offsets the tartness, creating a lovely contrast in flavors.
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Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for a luscious, sweet finish that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries.
Let your creativity flow while choosing the perfect accompaniments for your Cranberry Hand Pies!
Cranberry Hand Pies Variations
Customizing your cranberry hand pies opens a world of delightful possibilities! Get ready to explore different flavors and textures that will elevate your creation.
- Different Berries: Swap cranberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries—each brings a unique sweetness but may need varied sugar levels.
- Apple Twist: Combine chopped apples with cranberries for added sweetness and crunch, creating a lovely little surprise in each bite.
- Spiced Filling: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to your cranberry filling for a warming, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture and a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Zesty Citrus: A touch of orange or lemon zest in the filling brightens up the flavor, enhancing the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness that complements the tart filling perfectly.
- Coconut Flavor: Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut with your filling for a tropical twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
- Savory Option: For a different approach, try mixing cranberries with goat cheese and herbs for a sweet and savory hand pie that’s perfect as an appetizer.
Feel free to experiment! Each variation adds a unique twist that makes your cranberry hand pies special.
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Store baked cranberry hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate the hand pies in a covered container for up to a week. They’ll still taste delicious, though the crust might soften a bit.
Freezer: Unbaked cranberry hand pies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container, allowing for quick baking later.
Reheating: To reheat, bake thawed hand pies at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness—perfect for a delightful treat whenever you crave them!
Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cranberries?
Absolutely! Opt for fresh cranberries that are bright red, firm, and plump. Avoid those with dark spots or that feel soft. If using frozen cranberries, ensure they are unsweetened and not clumped together, as this indicates they’ve been kept at the proper temperature.
What’s the best way to store baked cranberry hand pies?
For room temperature storage, keep baked cranberry hand pies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’d like to prolong their freshness, you can refrigerate them in a covered container for up to 1 week, though the crust may soften slightly.
Can I freeze unbaked cranberry hand pies?
Very much so! To freeze unbaked cranberry hand pies, start by flash freezing them on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to your baking time for deliciously fresh results.
What should I do if my cranberry filling is too runny?
If you find your cranberry filling is too juicy, no worries! Simply sprinkle in about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the filling while it’s cooking. Stir it in well and continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This will prevent any sogginess in your hand pies.
Can these hand pies work for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, swap the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for those avoiding gluten. Additionally, substitute the egg wash with a splash of plant-based milk for a beautiful glaze. Always make sure to check for allergies in any additional ingredients like the sugar crystals topping.
How long do cranberry hand pies last in the fridge?
Baked cranberry hand pies can last up to 1 week when stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. If you’d like to preserve their crispiness, consider reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hand pies just as delightful as they were on the first day!
Cranberry Hand Pies for Perfect Holiday Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Gently cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Add ice-cold water gradually, mixing until just combined to form a shaggy dough.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
- On a well-floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it reaches about ⅛" thickness. Cut out desired shapes.
- Place half of the dough shapes on a lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled cranberry filling onto each. Cover with the remaining shapes, press the edges together, and seal by crimping with a floured fork.
- Chill the assembled hand pies while you preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Brush the tops of each hand pie with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and flaky.