Cranberry Hand Pies

Every time I think about the holiday season, my mind drifts to the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Hand Pies. There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of sweet and tart that cranberries bring, especially during fall when they are at their peak. Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with friends and family, laughter echoing in the air, and the tantalizing scent of pies baking in the oven. I remember my first attempt at making these delightful treats, excitedly rolling out the dough and watching the cranberry filling bubble away on the stove. It’s a process that fills not just your belly but also your heart with warmth. These hand pies make a perfect addition to any gathering, especially at Thanksgiving, where they can be served as a delightful dessert that leaves everyone wanting more.

Ingredients Overview for Cranberry Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Cranberry Hand Pies requires a harmonious blend of ingredients that work together beautifully. The key players here are the cranberries, which provide a delightful tartness, and the flaky crust that envelops them, creating a comforting and satisfying bite.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our crust, providing structure and flakiness. It’s essential for achieving that perfect pie dough.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances the flavors of the other components, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
• Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a light and airy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, making the filling more aromatic and enticing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and filling, ensuring a delightful contrast to the tart cranberries.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and flavor to the crust. Using cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the dough’s moisture and tenderness, making it easy to work with.
• Cranberries: The star of the show! Their tartness balances the sweetness, making each bite refreshing.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes a deeper sweetness and subtle molasses flavor to the filling.
• Orange Zest: Brightens the filling with citrus notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds moisture and a burst of flavor to the filling, complementing the cranberries perfectly.
• Egg: Used for an egg wash, it gives the pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Sparkling Sugar: An optional but delightful topping that adds a sweet crunch and a touch of sparkle.

Cooking Method for Cranberry Hand Pies

Making Cranberry Hand Pies involves a few simple yet detailed steps that lead to delicious results. Let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful pastries.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar. This mixture will form the base of your flaky crust.
2. Add in chilled unsalted butter, using your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. The pieces of butter should be about the size of peas to ensure a flaky texture.
3. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the sour cream. The dough will be shaggy at this stage, which is perfectly fine.
4. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and bring it together with a few quick kneads. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Pat the dough into a 10-inch log, then roll it out into a 10-inch by 12-inch rectangle. Dust both sides lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
6. Starting with the shorter end, fold the dough in three, like a letter. Flip the dough over and roll it again into a 10-inch by 12-inch rectangle, repeating the folding process.
7. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for one hour. This resting phase is crucial for relaxing the gluten and ensuring flakiness in the crust.
8. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, light brown sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Heat over medium until the sugar melts, stirring occasionally.
9. Sprinkle in a bit of flour and stir well to combine. Cook for another three minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, stir in a splash of vanilla and remove from heat.
10. Let the filling cool completely. This step can be done in advance; the filling can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
11. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
12. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large square, about 16-inch by 16-inch. Use a 3.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 16 circles.
13. Lightly brush the edges of eight circles with the beaten egg wash. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cooled filling onto the center of each.
14. Using a small knife, cut an X-shaped vent on top of the remaining eight circles. Place these vented circles on top of the filled ones and seal the edges with the tines of a fork.
15. Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with sparkling sugar for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
16. Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the smell will be irresistible!
17. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for ten minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful Cranberry Hand Pies warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Notes about Cranberry Hand Pies

These Cranberry Hand Pies are a delightful treat, and I have a few tips to make your experience even better.

• Storage: Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also reheat them in the oven.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pies for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors.
• Variations: If you want to switch things up, try adding a hint of ginger or cardamom to the filling for an interesting flavor profile.
• Serving suggestions: Serve these pies warm as a cozy dessert during chilly evenings or at festive gatherings. They also make great snacks for lunchboxes!

What Complements This Cranberry Hand Pies

• Salads: Pair these Cranberry Hand Pies with a fresh spinach or mixed green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Drinks: A warm cup of tea or apple cider enhances the experience, especially during fall.
• Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or any festive occasion where you want to impress your guests with something homemade.
• Storage tips: Always store uneaten pies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be reheated for a warm treat.
• Seasonal pairings: These pies are best enjoyed in the fall when cranberries are in season, making them a great choice for autumn gatherings.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cranberry Hand Pies are a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors in a flaky crust, making them a delightful addition to any occasion. Their ease of preparation and deliciousness make them irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret bringing these little treats to your table!

Cranberry Hand Pies

The ultimate comfort food, Cranberry Hand Pies are a delightful blend of sweet and tart that will satisfy all your dessert cravings. These easy-to-make hand pies are perfect for any fall gathering, bringing warmth and joy to your table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious recipe tonight!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 16 tablespoons Unsalted Butter very cold, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream full fat, cold
• 3 cups Cranberries fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest finely grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 large Egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons Sparkling Sugar optional

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
2. Add in the butter, and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until it becomes a coarse meal.
3. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the sour cream. The dough will be shaggy at this point.
4. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface and bring it together with a few quick kneads.
5. Pat the dough into a 10-inch log, roll it out into a 10 x 12 rectangle, and fold it in three.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, chill for one hour, and prepare your filling.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, light brown sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice and heat until the sugar melts.
8. Sprinkle in the flour, stir well, and cook until the sauce thickens.
9. Let the filling cool completely, then preheat your oven to 425°F.
10. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out again, about 16 inches square, and cut out 16 circles.
11. Brush the edges of eight circles with beaten egg, add a tablespoon of filling, and cover with the remaining circles.
12. Seal the edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sparkling sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
13. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown, then cool before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pies for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen.
• Pairing: These pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Variations: Add hints of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a unique twist.
• Serving suggestions: Serve these pies warm as a cozy dessert.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.