If you have some leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday feast, why not turn it into a delightful treat? This Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe transforms that sweet-tart sauce into perfectly portable, flaky little pockets of joy. Each bite bursts with vibrant cranberry flavor wrapped in golden, buttery crusts that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these hand pies are bound to bring smiles and a cozy feeling that only homemade pastries can provide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of flaky, sweet, and tangy. From the buttery pie dough that forms the perfect shell to the leftover cranberry sauce that fills these pies with bright flavor, every ingredient is essential.
- Pie dough sheets: Use two 10×12 inch sheets or one double crust; homemade adds extra love but store-bought saves time.
- Leftover cranberry sauce: The star of the recipe, providing a luscious, tart-sweet filling you won’t believe was leftover.
- Egg: Beaten to create a shiny, golden finish on your hand pies with the egg wash.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for a touch of sparkle and a delicate crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cut Out the Pie Dough Circles
First things first, roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or even a can rim, cut out 10-12 circles from the first dough sheet — these will be the bottoms of your hand pies. Repeat the same with the second dough sheet for the tops, making sure to reroll scraps so nothing goes to waste.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough for Filling
Brush the edges of your bottom dough circles with the beaten egg wash. This step is key because it helps seal the pies perfectly so none of that delicious cranberry sauce slips out during baking.
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce Filling
Spoon about one tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce right into the middle of each bottom circle. Don’t overload to avoid spills but definitely don’t be stingy — you want a beautiful burst of cranberry flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Seal and Decorate
Top each filled circle with the second dough circles. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal completely. Next, cut a small slit or an X on the top of each pie for steam to escape. Finish by brushing the tops lightly with egg wash and sprinkling granulated sugar for that perfect golden sparkle and crunch.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Place your assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. Chilling helps maintain the dough’s flakiness during baking, ensuring your hand pies come out crisp and tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden brown color and the enticing aroma of baked pastry mixing with tart cranberries filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. These taste incredible warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or bringing along to gatherings.
How to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these hand pies, try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a bit of vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and flair. A few fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint on the side can also add inviting color and a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a dessert or snack, but it can also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness. For brunch, serve alongside hot coffee or tea, and if you want a savory balance, fresh cheese slices or a simple salad work well.
Creative Ways to Present
Hand pies are naturally charming, but you can amp up the presentation by placing them in a rustic basket lined with a festive cloth or on a wooden board with seasonal fruit. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect little gifts or take-along treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover hand pies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust flaky. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months, ready to be baked from frozen or reheated later.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feel, reheat leftover pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer crust. The oven method ensures each bite has that perfect crispness once again.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauces work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure the sauce isn’t too runny so the pies hold together well.
What can I substitute for pie dough?
If you don’t have pie dough on hand, puff pastry is a great alternative offering extra flakiness and a light texture that complements the cranberry filling beautifully.
Can I make these pies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg wash with a mixture of maple syrup and water or plant-based milk brushed on top for that golden finish. Just make sure your pie dough is vegan-friendly as well.
How do I prevent the pies from leaking?
Sealing edges with a good brush of egg wash and crimping firmly with a fork helps a lot. Also, avoid overfilling and be sure to cut vents on top to let steam escape so fillings do not burst out.
Can I prepare these pies in advance for a party?
Definitely. Assemble them and chill in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This makes your party prep stress-free and your guests impressed by your homemade effort!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about transforming a humble leftover into a charming, tasty treat, and this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe does exactly that. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. I can’t wait for you to try making these and enjoy their cozy, joyful flavor as much as I do.
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Hand Pies are a delightful way to use leftover cranberry sauce, featuring flaky pie crust filled with sweet-tart cranberry goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a handheld dessert that’s both charming and delicious. The pies are easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection with a crisp, sugary 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 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 for the tops, re-rolling scraps as needed.
- Brush Edges with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the bottom dough circles with the beaten egg to help seal the pies.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom circle.
- Seal Pies: Top each filled circle with a top dough circle, press and seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a small slit or an X on top for venting. Lightly brush with egg wash and sprinkle a pinch of sugar.
- Chill Pies: Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while pies chill.
- Bake: Bake the pies for 20-25 minutes until the crusts are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a firm leftover cranberry sauce for best results; overly watery sauce may cause soggy crust.
- If using frozen pie dough, thaw completely before rolling and cutting.
- Chilling the assembled pies before baking helps maintain their shape and flakiness.
- Adjust sugar sprinkled on top according to your sweetness preference.
- 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 in a low oven to retain crispness before serving.
