Cranberry Hand Pies – Delicious Holiday Treat

These Cranberry Hand Pies are a perfect handheld dessert for the holidays. Flaky pastry envelopes a sweet-tart cranberry filling, making them festive, flavorful, and easy to share. They’re ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting at holiday parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and tangy cranberry filling wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry.
• Easy to make and perfect for portion control — each guest gets their own hand pie.
• Make-ahead friendly — bake in advance and serve fresh or reheat.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive dessert.
• Great for gifting or bringing to holiday gatherings.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~40 minutes
• Yield: ~8–10 hand pies (depending on size)
• Category: Dessert / Snack
• Method: Bake in oven
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: cranberry hand pies, holiday pastries, mini pies

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie dough)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water

For the Cranberry Filling

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken filling)

Optional Topping

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Cook until the cranberries start to burst.
   Stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water and cook until thickened. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Pastry
   Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles or circles, depending on your preferred hand pie shape.
4. Fill the Pies
   Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cranberry filling in the center of each pastry piece. Fold over and seal the edges with a fork.
5. Egg Wash
   Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush over the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish.
6. Bake
   Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
7. Cool & Serve
   Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

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You Must Know

• Make sure the cranberry filling is not too runny to avoid leaks during baking.
• Seal edges well with a fork to keep filling inside.
• Allow pies to cool slightly; hot filling can be very runny and may burn.
• Can use homemade pie dough or store-bought for convenience.

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Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore flakiness.
• Hand pies can also be frozen before baking — bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use pre-made puff pastry for extra flakiness.
• Swap cranberries with apples, blueberries, or cherries for different flavors.
• Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming holiday touch.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack.
• Arrange on a festive platter for parties or brunch gatherings.
• Package in clear treat bags with ribbon for gifting.

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Pro Tips

• Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion filling evenly.
• Dock the pastry with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
• Brush with egg wash carefully to avoid filling leaks.
• Cool pies on a wire rack to maintain crisp pastry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely — just thaw slightly before cooking.

→ My pies leaked filling — what happened?
Likely overfilled or pastry not sealed tightly. Reduce filling or press edges firmly.

→ Can I dust with sugar or glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Yes — a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk works beautifully.

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✨ These Cranberry Hand Pies are festive, portable, and bursting with holiday flavor — a perfect combination of flaky pastry and tangy-sweet cranberries that everyone will love.

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