If you’re looking for a charming way to transform your holiday leftovers, let me introduce you to the enchanting Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe. These little pie pockets pack an irresistible burst of tart and sweet flavor wrapped in a flaky golden crust, making every bite feel like a cozy celebration. Whether you have homemade cranberry sauce or a store-bought version, this recipe turns it into a delectable treat that’s perfect for dessert, snacks, or even a festive brunch. Trust me, once you try these hand pies, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to whip them up all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are key to creating these delightful hand pies, each playing an essential role in building perfect texture, flavor, and that classic golden finish.
- Pie dough sheets: Ready-made or homemade, these provide the buttery, flaky crust that cradles the filling beautifully.
- Leftover cranberry sauce: The star of the show, adding tangy sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Egg: Beaten for an egg wash, it gives the pies a shiny, appetizing golden-brown surface.
- Granulated sugar: A sprinkle on top delivers just a touch of crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the cranberries.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Circles
Start by rolling out 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 10 to 12 circles for the bottom layer of the pies. Repeat with the second dough sheet for the tops, making sure to re-roll any scraps so nothing goes to waste.
Step 2: Brush Edges with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the edges of each bottom circle with egg wash. This simple step ensures the top and bottom dough pieces will seal together perfectly after filling.
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Filling
Spoon about one tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce right into the center of each bottom dough circle. This generous filling bursts with holiday flavor and a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.
Step 4: Seal and Vent the Pies
Top each filled circle with a dough circle, then press the edges together firmly by crimping with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit or an X shape into the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash and sprinkle a pinch of granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Arrange your assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes while you preheat the oven. This chilling step helps the crust hold its shape and creates a flakier texture.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature to bake these pies to golden-brown perfection without overcooking the filling.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the hand pies for 20 to 25 minutes, watching closely as the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and crisps up beautifully.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the pies to cool just a little before serving. They are wonderful warm, with the filling still slightly bubbling, but also delicious at room temperature for a more relaxed treat.
How to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of warm vanilla glaze to brighten the flavor and enhance the presentation. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the platter also create an inviting, aromatic touch perfect for the holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For brunch, serve alongside Greek yogurt and toasted nuts to add texture and balance the sweet-tart cranberries.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a rustic wooden board or a charming holiday-themed platter to make a festive impression. For a fun twist, wrap each pie with a colorful ribbon or place them in small paper bags tied with twine when sharing as gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These hand pies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for 4-5 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain crust crispness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the assembled but unbaked pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Rewarm your pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the flaky crust and warm the filling evenly. You can also microwave them briefly, but the crust won’t be as crisp using that method.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pie dough?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer homemade, store-bought, or a gluten-free version, as long as it’s a rolled dough, it will work beautifully for these hand pies.
What if my leftover cranberry sauce is too liquidy?
To avoid soggy pies, you can gently simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it or mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry before filling.
Can these hand pies be made vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the egg wash with a mix of plant-based milk and a touch of maple syrup or oil for that golden finish.
How do I prevent the pies from leaking?
Make sure to seal the edges well with the egg wash and crimp firmly with a fork. Don’t overfill the pies, and allowing them to chill before baking helps keep the shape intact.
Can I add other fillings with the cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Try mixing in small cubes of apple, orange zest, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor to complement the cranberries.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe—they transform simple leftovers into charming, crowd-pleasing treats filled with warmth and flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, these hand pies offer comfort and joy wrapped up in every flaky bite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; I promise it will become a beloved favorite just like it did for me.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Hand Pies are a delightful way to use leftover cranberry sauce, encased in flaky pie dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, tart handheld treat.
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
- 3/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
Topping
- 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. Using a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a can, cut out 10-12 circles to form the bottoms of the hand pies. Repeat the process with the second dough sheet to create 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. This will help seal the pies when assembled.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom circle.
- Seal Pies: Place a top dough circle over each filled bottom circle. Press and seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a small slit or an X shape on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with a pinch of granulated sugar.
- Chill Pies: Arrange the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help the dough firm up.
- Preheat Oven: While chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use leftover cranberry sauce from a previous meal or store-bought sauce for convenience.
- Ensure the pie dough is well chilled before cutting and assembling to prevent sticking and unraveling.
- Adjust the amount of cranberry filling according to your taste; avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
- The small slits on top are essential for venting steam and preventing the pies from bursting during baking.
- These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days and reheated gently before serving.
