Description
These delightful Cranberry Hand Pies are a perfect way to use up leftover cranberry sauce. Featuring a flaky pie crust enveloping a sweet-tart cranberry filling, they are ideal as a festive snack or dessert. Easy to make with store-bought or homemade pie dough, these hand pies bake to a golden crisp and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
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
Egg Wash and Garnish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough Circles: Place one pie dough sheet on a lightly floured surface and use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a can to cut out 10-12 circles for the bottoms. Repeat with the second dough sheet to cut out equal circles for the tops, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Brush Edges with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the bottom dough circles with beaten egg to help seal the pies later.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom circle, filling only 10-12 circles to match the top pieces.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Place the top dough circles over the filling. Press and seal the edges firmly all around by crimping with the tines of a fork. Cut a small vent slit or X shape on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a delightful crust finish.
- Chill Before Baking: Arrange the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the dough firm up and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Preheat Oven: While chilling, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a perfect treat.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pie dough—both work well.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought; adjust sweetness if needed.
- Ensure to chill the assembled pies before baking to prevent shrinking and help maintain shape.
- These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven or microwave before serving for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
