There is nothing quite as delightful as biting into a warm, flaky hand pie bursting with the tart sweetness of cranberry filling, especially when you whip up this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect solution to transform those leftover cranberry sauce jars into a charming, handheld dessert or snack that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Imagine golden, crisp pastry envelopes encasing the vibrant red jewel-like filling, each bite a wonderful mix of buttery crust and tangy fruitiness. Whether you’re making these for the holidays, a cheerful gathering, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, staple ingredients. Each one plays a key role — the pie dough gives you that melt-in-your-mouth flakiness, the leftover cranberry sauce brings rich, familiar flavor, and the sugar and egg wash help create that perfect golden finish.
- 2 pie dough sheets (10×12 inches each): These provide the tender, flaky base and top for your hand pies; use store-bought or homemade for best results.
- ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce: The star filling that adds bright, tart, and sweet flavor with that classic seasonal vibe.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash to give your hand pies a beautiful golden color and help the edges stick together.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: A sprinkle on top for a sparkly, sweet crunch that contrasts deliciously with the tart filling.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cut out the dough circles
Start by laying one pie dough sheet on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter, or even the rim of a clean can, to cut out 10 to 12 perfect circles — these will be the bottom of your hand pies. Repeat this with your second dough sheet for the tops, rolling out scraps as needed so nothing goes to waste.
Step 2: Prepare the dough for filling
Next, brush the edges of each bottom circle gently with the beaten egg. This little step acts like glue, helping the top layer stick securely so your filling stays inside while baking.
Step 3: Add the cranberry sauce
Spoon about one tablespoon of your leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom circle. This filling is what makes the Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe stand out — it’s tangy, sweet, and packed with natural color and texture.
Step 4: Seal the pies
Place the top dough circles over the filling, then press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp and seal all around, creating that classic hand pie edge that also looks super cute. Don’t forget to cut a small slit or an X on top of each pie so steam can escape, which helps keep the crust crisp and flaky.
Step 5: Final touches before baking
Brush the tops lightly with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle the granulated sugar over each pie. This adds a lovely sparkle and a bit of extra sweetness that bakes into a delicate crunch. Arrange your hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then pop them into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to chill — this step helps prevent shrinking while baking.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your pies for 20 to 25 minutes until the crusts are gorgeously golden and crisp, turning your kitchen into a warm, inviting space filled with sweet and tangy aromas.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Let the hand pies cool just a little on a wire rack so they firm up but stay warm enough to enjoy. These taste amazing warm or at room temperature, so feel free to nibble right away or save them for later.
How to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of charm by dusting these pies with a little powdered sugar before serving for a snow-kissed look. Alternatively, a drizzle of white chocolate or a light brush of honey can add a sweet twist that beautifully complements the cranberry’s natural tartness.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a savory balance, serve alongside a cheese platter or a fresh green salad — the contrasts make every bite more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each pie individually in parchment paper tied with a festive ribbon for a whimsical gift or party favor. You can also stack them on a pretty platter garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a rustic, holiday-inspired centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any hand pies left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. To keep that flaky crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
These pies freeze beautifully! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy the Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe well beyond the holidays.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked crispness, reheat frozen or refrigerated pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that golden, flaky texture — the oven does the magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cranberries, you can easily make your own sauce by simmering them with sugar and a bit of water until soft and thickened. Then use that as your filling in the hand pies. Just be sure to let it cool first so it doesn’t make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make these pies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the pie dough with a gluten-free pastry crust, but be mindful that gluten-free doughs can be a bit more delicate. Chill the dough well before cutting and baking to help maintain the best texture.
Can I prepare these hand pies ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the pies, chill them in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other fillings go well in hand pies?
Hand pies are so versatile! Beyond cranberry sauce, try apple cinnamon, peach preserves, or chocolate hazelnut spread for sweet variations. Savory options like cheese and spinach or ham and cheese also work great if you want to mix it up.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Sealing the edges well with egg wash and using a fork to crimp helps keep everything inside. Also, avoid overfilling the pies as this can cause the filling to spill out. Make sure the vent slits are enough to release steam safely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, flavorful, and downright charming way to use those leftover cranberry sauce jars, this Cranberry Hand Pies with Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipe is your answer. It’s simple, fun to make, and absolutely delicious — each pie a little bundle of joyful flavor that’s sure to win hearts. I can’t wait for you to try baking these up and share them with your favorite people!
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
Description
Delightful Cranberry Hand Pies made using leftover cranberry sauce and flaky pie dough. These portable treats feature a perfectly golden crust filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, ideal for a festive snack or dessert. The recipe involves simple assembly, chilling the pies for a crisp finish, and baking until golden brown.
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
- Cut 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 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 beaten egg to help seal the pies.
- Fill with Cranberry Sauce: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of leftover cranberry sauce onto the center of each bottom dough circle.
- Seal Hand Pies: Top each filled circle with a second dough circle. Press and crimp the edges using a fork to seal. Cut a small slit or an X shape on top of each pie for steam to escape. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Chill before Baking: Arrange the assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes while preheating the oven. This helps the dough maintain its shape and prevents shrinking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough for even baking.
- Bake Pies: 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 for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cranberry sauce is not too watery to prevent soggy crusts.
- If dough scraps are left, re-roll gently to avoid toughening the crust.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for clean edges to help with sealing.
- Store leftover hand pies refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
- For a festive touch, add some orange zest to the cranberry sauce filling.
