Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
There’s something magical about the aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen—especially when that scent comes from freshly baked Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce). Picture biting into a golden, flaky crust, where the sweet-tart surprise of cranberry sauce bursts forth like a joyful memory of holiday gatherings and cozy family moments. It brings back the warmth of Thanksgiving dinners, with everyone gathered around the table, savoring homemade delights and sharing stories. As I stood in my kitchen, preparing these hand pies, I couldn’t help but smile at those moments filled with laughter and love.
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Whether it’s during the holidays or any chilly afternoon, these delightful hand pies will cheer anyone up! They’re perfect for using up that leftover cranberry sauce you thought would just sit in the fridge forever. I’m beyond excited to share this recipe with you. They are easy to whip up and bring so much joy, so grab that leftover cranberry sauce and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Perfect for busy schedules, you can have these ready in about 45 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a delicious blend of flaky, buttery crust with sweet and tangy cranberry filling.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These hand pies not only taste good but look adorable on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Great for snacks, breakfast, or holiday parties. Everyone loves them!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting with gluten-free pie crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pie Dough Sheets: You can use two pre-made sheets or a double crust from scratch; both options work wonders. Using cold dough can help achieve a flaky texture.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce: About ¾ cup is perfect for this recipe. Homemade adds a personal touch, but store-bought works just as well. The key is to use a sauce that you love since it delivers the flavor.
Egg (for Egg Wash): A beaten egg creates a beautifully golden and shiny crust. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, a bit of almond milk can do the trick.
Granulated Sugar: Sprinkling sugar on top not only adds a hint of sweetness but also creates a lovely, slightly crunchy texture.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
Cut Out Dough Circles: Start by placing one pie dough sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a can to cut out 10 to 12 circles—these will serve as the bottoms. Roll out any scraps and repeat with the second dough sheet for tops! You’ll feel like a little pastry chef making these.
Prepare for Filling: Brush the edges of the bottom circles with a bit of the beaten egg. This will help your hand pies seal nicely when you put the top circle on. When you’re ready, spoon about 1 tablespoon of that luscious leftover cranberry sauce onto each bottom circle.
Seal the Pies: Now, gently lay the top dough circles over the filled bottoms. Press down firmly along the edges and crimp with a fork to seal them tightly. This is where you can get creative! You might even make a fun pattern if you like. Then, cut a small slit or an X in the center of each hand pie to let steam escape. Don’t forget to brush them with egg wash and sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top. It’s the small details that make a big difference!
Chill Before Baking: Place the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. While they chill, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is vital for getting that perfect flaky texture.
Bake Until Golden: Once preheated, bake the hand pies for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a shimmering golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crispy and your heart is full.
Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before enjoying. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any time of day.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for a week. For greater longevity, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap each individual pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When it’s time to indulge again, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that freezing might slightly alter their texture, but a quick reheat will refresh them beautifully!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overfilling the hand pies, keeping the filling to about 1 tablespoon. Too much can cause them to burst while baking.
- If you can, let your pie dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
- For that perfect golden crust, be generous with the egg wash—this also enhances the flavor!
- Taste your cranberry sauce before using it. If it’s too tart, consider adding a sprinkle of sugar to sweeten things up.
- Keep an eye on the pies while they’re baking; baking times may vary based on your oven.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight for an even quicker assembly!
There’s so much to love about these delightful cranberry pockets! From the homemade goodness to the creative possibilities, they are a canvas for your imagination. Feel free to swap out the filling or add a pinch of spices to customize it to your taste!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen pie dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pie dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure to let it thaw completely before working with it to ensure it rolls out smoothly.
What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce besides making hand pies?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be a tasty addition to smoothies, spread on toast, or even served as a topping for vanilla ice cream! It adds a festive twist to all these treats.
How do I prevent my hand pies from bursting while baking?
Be sure to cut small slits on top for steam to escape. Additionally, avoid overfilling them. Keeping the filling to about 1 tablespoon ensures a nice sealed edge.
Can these hand pies be made in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Baking them right before serving gives you that fresh-baked aroma that everyone loves.
These Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce) are not just a treat but also a nostalgic journey through seasonal flavors that anyone can enjoy. So gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and savor the moment as you relive those cozy memories with each delicious bite!
More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- Mint Oreo Chocolate Bark
- Raspberry Nutella Heart Pies
- Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Valentine Easy Cookie Cake
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📖 Recipe Card
Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Hand Pies are a quick, delightful treat filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for snacks, breakfast, or holiday gatherings. Their flaky crust and vibrant filling are sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 2 pre-made pie dough sheets or double crust from scratch
- ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Cut out dough circles using a 3.5-inch round cutter, yield about 10-12 circles.
- Brush edges of bottom circles with beaten egg and spoon 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce onto each.
- Lay top circles over filled bottoms, sealing edges by pressing down and crimping with a fork.
- Chill assembled pies for 15-20 minutes, while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, allowing to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Avoid overfilling the pies, keeping filling to 1 tablespoon to prevent bursting.
For best results, let pie dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
Freezing pies may alter texture; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for refreshing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
