Cranberry Hand Pies: 12 Flaky Treats You'll Adore

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Cranberry Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines tart cranberries with a hint of orange, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion. These flaky pastries are not only delicious but also versatile, making them suitable for holidays, parties, or a cozy afternoon snack. Their combination of flavors and textures will surely make them a favorite among friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Hand Pies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Cranberry Hand Pies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. They also offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, thanks to the cranberries and orange. These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any gathering. Additionally, they can be customized with various fillings, including cranberry pastries or even cranberry turnovers. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or just a casual get-together, these hand pies are sure to impress!

Ingredients for Cranberry Hand Pies

Gather these items:

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (14g) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (71g) light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
1 cup (227g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
1/3 cup (76ml) orange juice
2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen; if using frozen, do NOT thaw
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice, more if needed
1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated

How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and spray lightly with non-stick baking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; set aside.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, sugars, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 5: In a measuring cup, whisk together the sour cream and orange juice, then alternate adding this mixture and the flour mixture into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Do not over mix.
Step 6: Fold the cranberries into the batter.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly among prepared muffin tins.
Step 8: Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool muffins in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 9: For the Orange Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth, adding more juice as needed. Drizzle over muffins before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Hand Pies

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
For extra flaky cranberry-filled hand pies, don’t overwork the dough.
Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent shrinking.
Use a mix of fresh and frozen cranberries for varied texture.
Experiment with adding spices like ginger or allspice for additional flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Hand Pies

These delectable sweet cranberry hand pies can be served warm or cold. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. They make an excellent addition to your holiday dessert table, especially during Thanksgiving. You can also cut them into smaller pieces to create mini cranberry hand pies for a fun party treat.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Hand Pies

To store your delicious Cranberry Hand Pies, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their flaky texture and fresh taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Hand Pies

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Hand Pies?

The secret lies in using cold ingredients and not overmixing the dough. This ensures your cranberry hand pies remain flaky and tender. Experimenting with the filling can also enhance the overall flavor!

Can I make Cranberry Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. This way, you can have fresh Cranberry Hand Pies anytime you want!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Hand Pies?

To avoid soggy bottoms, ensure you bake your homemade cranberry hand pies until golden brown. Also, avoid overfilling them, as this can lead to leaking during baking.

Variations of Cranberry Hand Pies You Can Try

If you’re looking for delicious cranberry hand pie filling ideas, consider adding diced apples for a delightful twist. For a healthier version, try making gluten-free cranberry hand pies using almond or coconut flour. You can also create a vegan cranberry hand pie recipe by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based milk alternative.