If you are craving a delightful, portable treat that bursts with festive flavor, these Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe are exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, buttery crust enveloping a tangy-sweet cranberry filling made from your leftover sauce—this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a charming little pie that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or brightening up any afternoon tea. It’s a brilliant way to reinvent holiday leftovers and savor the essence of cranberry season whenever you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that golden color that makes these hand pies irresistible.
- Pie dough sheets: Choose store-bought or homemade dough for that flaky, tender crust that holds everything together perfectly.
- Leftover cranberry sauce: The star of the show that provides natural sweetness and a vibrant tartness to the filling.
- Egg: Used as an egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a slight crunch and sparkle to the tops of the pies for that extra touch of elegance.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Circles
Start by placing one of your thawed pie dough sheets 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 be the bottoms of your hand pies. Repeat this process with your second dough sheet for the tops, re-rolling scraps as needed. This step ensures uniform pies that bake evenly.
Step 2: Apply the Egg Wash on Bottom Pieces
Brush the edges of each bottom dough circle with beaten egg. This simple step is crucial as it acts like glue to seal the pies when you add the top dough layers, so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place about one tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce right in the center of each bottom dough circle. This filling gives your hand pies their signature burst of tart and sweet flavor, perfect for any time of the year.
Step 4: Seal and Vent the Pies
Place the top dough circles over the cranberry-filled bottoms. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal completely. Next, cut a small slit or a simple X on top of each pie. This venting allows steam to escape and keeps your pies from getting soggy. Finally, brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for an irresistible sparkle.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Arrange your assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This step firms up the dough and helps maintain the shape of your pies as they bake, resulting in that flaky, perfect crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
While your pies chill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the hand pies for 20 to 25 minutes or until their crusts turn golden brown and crisp. The aroma during baking is simply heavenly, signaling that a delicious treat is nearly ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the pies to cool just slightly. These Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe are wonderful served warm or at room temperature, making them an easy and delightful snack anytime.
How to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the charm of your hand pies by dusting a little powdered sugar for a gentle sweetness and hint of elegance. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze also pairs beautifully, bringing a rich complement to the tart cranberry filling.
Side Dishes
These hand pies make a fantastic accompaniment to light salads or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, pair them with cinnamon-spiced coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy snack that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these hand pies at a brunch or party? Arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for an inviting centerpiece. They also look fantastic tucked into decorative napkins or inside individual treat bags as charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration will keep them good for about a week while preserving that flaky texture.
Freezing
One of the best things about this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe is how freezer-friendly they are. Freeze the assembled but unbaked pies on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep well for up to 3 months, ready to bake whenever you crave that tart-sweet holiday flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your pies as freshly as possible, reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! You can make a quick cranberry compote by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and a splash of water until they burst and thicken. Just cool it before filling your hand pies.
Is it okay to use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure it’s thawed properly and handled gently for the best flaky results.
Can I make these hand pies dairy-free?
Yes! Simply choose a dairy-free pie crust or make your own using oil instead of butter. Also, use a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of sweetener as an egg wash substitute.
How do I prevent the cranberry sauce from leaking out?
Brushing the edges with egg wash and crimping them tightly with a fork is key. Also, avoid overfilling the pies to ensure the sauce stays inside during baking.
Can I add other fruits or flavors to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped apples, pears, or a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a personalized spin on this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe transforms humble ingredients into an utterly charming treat that’s brimming with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re repurposing holiday leftovers or simply craving a handheld dessert bursting with fruity goodness, these pies are easy to make and loved by all. Give them a try—you won’t regret the joy they bring to your table.
Print
Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully flaky and filled with tangy leftover cranberry sauce, these Cranberry Hand Pies are the perfect sweet treat for the holiday season or any time you want a cozy, fruit-filled pastry. Using pre-made pie dough, they come together quickly and bake up golden and crisp, creating a beautiful handheld dessert that’s great for sharing.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 pie dough sheets (10×12 inches each) or 1 double pie crust (two 9-inch crusts), homemade or store-bought, thawed if frozen
Filling
- ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut Dough Circles: Place one thawed 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 10-12 circles for the bottoms. Repeat the process with the second dough sheet to make the top circles, rerolling scraps as necessary.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the bottom dough circles with the beaten egg. This will help seal the pies securely.
- Add Cranberry Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom dough circle.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Top each filled circle with a dough circle from the second sheet. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely. Cut a small slit or X shape on top of each pie for venting. Brush lightly with egg wash and sprinkle a pinch of granulated sugar on each pie.
- Chill Before Baking: Arrange the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven. This helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Bake the Pies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes, until the crusts turn golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pies cool slightly. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought pie dough depending on time and preference.
- Leftover cranberry sauce from holidays works perfectly and reduces food waste.
- Be sure to chill the pies before baking to prevent shrinking and help maintain shape.
- The small slits on top allow steam to escape, preventing soggy crusts.
- Serve these hand pies as a delightful snack, dessert, or festive party treat.
