If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that perfectly transforms your holiday leftovers, this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, golden pastry pockets bursting with a tangy, luscious cranberry filling made from that extra cranberry sauce sitting in your fridge. These hand pies are not only adorable and portable but they capture the vibrant color and bright flavor of cranberries in every bite. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season or simply treasure those irresistible cranberry leftovers year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but essential, coming together to create a harmonious balance of texture, flavor, and color that makes these hand pies so special. From buttery crusts to the sweet-tart cranberry filling, each component shines in its own way.
- Pie dough sheets: Using store-bought or homemade dough provides that classic flaky base for these hand pies.
- Leftover cranberry sauce: This star ingredient offers a vibrant pop of flavor and beautiful red hue, making every bite festive.
- Egg, beaten: The egg wash helps create that irresistible golden crust and acts as glue to seal in the filling.
- Granulated sugar: A sprinkle on top adds the perfect touch of sparkle and gentle crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Circles
Kick off by rolling out your thawed pie dough sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or a can rim to cut out 10 to 12 even circles from each sheet — these will be your pie bottoms and tops. Don’t worry about the scraps; just gather and re-roll them to maximize your dough.
Step 2: Brush the Bottom Circles
Lightly brush the edges of the bottom circles with beaten egg. This small step makes a big difference because it helps the pies seal tightly, keeping that luscious cranberry sauce tucked inside while baking.
Step 3: Fill with Cranberry Sauce
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom circle. This measured filling ensures every hand pie is perfectly juicy but not overstuffed.
Step 4: Seal the Hand Pies
Top each filled circle with another dough piece, then press and crimp the edges firmly with a fork. Cut a small slit or an ‘X’ in the top for steam to escape. Give them a final egg wash brush, then lightly sprinkle granulated sugar to add a pleasant sparkle and subtle crunch once baked.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Arrange the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the pies keep their shape and results in an extra flakey crust.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the pies chill, so it will be ready to bake these beauties to perfection.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the hand pies for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns beautifully golden and crisp. The aroma is simply irresistible at this stage.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving so the filling can set just enough to avoid any spills. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature—perfect for a cozy snack or a festive dessert.
How to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a pretty finish, making your cranberry hand pies look as good as they taste. For a fun twist, consider a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkling of chopped nuts for crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a brunch spread, serve alongside hot coffee or spiced tea to complement their tart, buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the hand pies on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. Wrapping each pie in a cute parchment pouch makes them an ideal grab-and-go snack for holiday parties or picnic outings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cranberry hand pies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, the fridge is a great option, extending their freshness for up to a week without losing that lovely crispness.
Freezing
These hand pies freeze beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble them and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Baked pies can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to two months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy—oven reheating keeps that delightful flakiness perfectly intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie dough works wonderfully and saves time, just be sure to thaw it before using. Homemade dough adds a personal touch but either choice yields delicious results.
What if my leftover cranberry sauce is very chunky or thick?
Chunky cranberry sauce still works great. Just spoon it carefully onto the dough circles, and if it feels too thick, you can stir in a teaspoon of water or orange juice to loosen it slightly for easier filling.
Can I make these hand pies vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the egg wash for a plant-based milk or a simple maple syrup wash to achieve some shine. Using a vegan pie crust will keep the recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste.
How long do these cranberry hand pies last once baked?
They’re best enjoyed fresh within two days, but stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay tasty for up to a week.
Can I add other fillings to the cranberry hand pies?
For sure! Mixing in some cream cheese, chopped nuts, or even a dash of orange zest can add new layers of flavor. Just keep the filling balanced so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe soon—it’s such a heartfelt way to transform simple leftovers into an irresistible treat. Whether for a holiday gathering or an anytime snack, these hand pies bring joy, color, and that perfect tart sweetness to your table. Happy baking and enjoy every bite of this delicious tradition!
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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
These delightful Cranberry Hand Pies are perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce. Featuring a flaky pie crust filled with sweet and tangy cranberry filling, they make a charming handheld treat ideal for holidays or cozy snacks. The pies are brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sugar for a beautifully golden and crisp finish.
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
For Egg Wash and Garnish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut Pie Dough Circles: Place 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 10-12 circles for the bottom crusts. Repeat with the second dough sheet for the top crusts, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the bottom dough circles with the beaten egg wash to help seal the pies securely.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom dough circle. Do this for all 10-12 circles to ensure each pie has enough filling.
- Seal and Vent: Place the top dough circles over the filling. Press and seal the edges around each pie by crimping with a fork. Cut a small slit or an X shape on top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, sparkling crust.
- Chill Before Baking: Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pies.
- Bake: Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes until the crusts turn golden brown and crisp, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use pie dough sheets that are well chilled to make handling and cutting easier.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s thick enough to avoid leaking.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have a 3.5-inch cookie cutter, use the rim of a can or any circular object around that size.
- These hand pies freeze well. Freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
