Name: Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pie dough sheets (10×12 inches each) or 1 double pie crust; ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce; 1 egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The aroma of warm, flaky pastry filled with a tangy-sweet explosion of cranberry sauce can make anyone’s home feel like a cozy holiday retreat. Imagine the golden crust gently giving way to the delightful burst of that leftover cranberry sauce—it’s nostalgia on a plate. As a child, I remember the joyous chaos of family gatherings, where hand pies just like these were passed around, their golden crusts glistening with sugar, ready to be devoured. For those of you looking for a fun treat to serve at your next holiday gathering or simply as a sweet snack during a chilly evening, these Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce) will warm both your heart and your kitchen. Excited to make them? Let’s jump in!

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)

Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these delightful hand pies together in about 45 minutes—perfect for a last-minute dessert!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery crust with sweet-tart cranberry sauce is simply mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden-brown crusts are not only delicious but also look adorable on any platter.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them warm right out of the oven, as an afternoon snack, or even for breakfast with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit gluten-free or vegan diets without losing any flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pie dough sheets (10×12 inches each) or 1 double pie crust: You can go homemade or store-bought to save time. The crust is important for that flaky deliciousness, so choose one that you adore.
¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce: This is the star ingredient! Using homemade gives a personal touch, but store-bought works too if you’re in a pinch. Feel free to spice it up with some zest or cinnamon!
1 egg, beaten: This acts as the egg wash for that beautiful golden glow on top. If you’re vegan, a splash of plant-based milk can provide a lovely finish.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For sprinkling on top for an extra sweet crunch!

How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)

Roll Out Dough: Start by placing one pie dough sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter (or even the rim of a can), cut out 10 to 12 circles for the bottom of your hand pies. Repeat this process with the second dough sheet to create the tops, and don’t hesitate to re-roll any scraps. You want as many delicious pockets as possible!

Prepare the Base: With your bottom circles arranged, take a brush and carefully coat the edges of each circle with your beaten egg. This will help the tops stick and seal the luscious cranberry filling inside. Think of it as crafting little pastry envelopes bursting with flavor!

Add the Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce into the center of each bottom circle. Don’t be shy—enough sauce will make every bite a juicy delight! Next, gently place the corresponding top dough circles over each filled base.

Seal and Vent: Now, press down around the edges of each hand pie to seal them tightly. Grab a fork and crimp the edges for that charming ridge look. Cut a small slit or an X on the tops to let that delicious steam escape while baking, and brush them with a touch more egg wash before sprinkling some sugar over them for that sweet finish.

Chill Before Baking: Arrange your assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s time to let them chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This little rest helps the crust firm up, ensuring that delightful flaky texture we all crave!

Preheat the Oven: While your hand pies chill, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This hotter environment is key to a perfect bake, leading to golden-brown crusts that will make everyone swoon.

Bake to Perfection: Next, carefully place your chilled hand pies into the preheated oven. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, watching for those magical golden edges. You’ll know they are done when the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma—trust me, it’s a sensory invitation! When ready, let them cool slightly.

Storing & Reheating

Once cooled, you can store your cranberry hand pies at room temperature for about two days in an airtight container. If you have leftovers after that, pop them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to three months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat in a warm oven (about 350°F) for 5-10 minutes until they’re crisp and inviting. Keep in mind that while they’ll still taste great, the texture may soften slightly after freezing—an easy fix with proper reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your dough is cold—not frozen, just chilled. This will help achieve a super flaky crust.
Avoid overfilling your hand pies; too much filling can cause them to burst. A tablespoon is just right!
If you’re making these ahead of time, assemble them and store them in the fridge before baking for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Experiment with flavors! Add a hint of orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your cranberry sauce for a unique twist.
Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking!

When you savor that first bite of a warm Cranberry Hand Pie (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce), you’ll not only enjoy the flaky, buttery crust and the sweet-tart filling but also a bite of nostalgia. These hand pies are not just desserts; they are small pockets of joy, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. Don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine by experimenting with different flavors or even fillings. So grab that leftover sauce, roll out your dough, and experience the delightful crunch and warm sweetness of these hand pies today. Enjoy each morsel, knowing you’ve made a treat that’s sure to bring smiles around the table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover sauce?

Absolutely! If you opt for fresh cranberries, simmer them with sugar and a splash of water until they burst, creating a fresh sauce. Just allow it to cool completely before filling the pies.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the hand pies, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them easy to serve fresh and hot when guests arrive.

What can I serve with these hand pies?

These delightful little pastries pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Or, serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up!

How do I prevent soggy crusts?

To avoid soggy bottoms, make sure to seal the edges well and vent the tops. Chilling the assembled pies before baking helps keep the crusts crisp. Also, pre-baking the bottom crust for about 5 minutes can help if you feel they’ll be too soggy.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card