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Cranberry Hand Pies

These rustic Cranberry Hand Pies feature a buttery, flaky crust and a tangy orange-cranberry filling. Their petite handheld size makes them perfect for sharing at holiday parties or serving alongside coffee on Christmas morning!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pies
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • Crust
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 8 oz unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup cold full-fat sour cream
  • Cranberry Filling
  • 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp Grand Marnier
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Egg Wash
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp sparkling sugar (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Rolling Pin
  • 3.5-inch biscuit cutter
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar. Add in the butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in the sour cream until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface, knead briefly, then roll into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Fold into thirds like a letter, rotate, and repeat. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, both sugars, orange zest, and orange juice. Cook for 3 minutes until sugar dissolves. Stir in flour, cooking another 3 minutes until thickened. Add Grand Marnier and vanilla; cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Set aside with a pastry brush for assembly.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Roll the chilled dough into a 16×16-inch square. Cut out 16 circles using a 3.5-inch cutter. Brush 8 circles with egg wash, then place 1 heaping tablespoon of cranberry filling in the center. Cut vents in the remaining 8 circles, place over the filled ones, and seal edges with a fork.
  5. Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with sparkling sugar, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: The crust can be made up to 5 days in advance, and the filling up to 3 days ahead. Assemble and bake the pies just before serving.
Storage: Store baked pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

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