These sweet and cheesy cranberry brie mini hand pies are like little bundles of joy! Flaky pastry holds a delicious mix of tart cranberries and creamy brie.
Honestly, who can resist a pastry that oozes gooey cheese? I love serving these for snacks or parties—they’re always a hit, and they vanish fast! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry gives these hand pies their flaky texture. If you’re looking for something healthier, try whole wheat pastry dough or even phyllo dough, but bake them for a little less time since they cook faster.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness. If you can’t find it, Camembert works well too! Or for a non-dairy option, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce can be made by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice. Canned sauce saves time, but fresh cranberries provide a more vibrant taste. Adjust sweetness to your preference!
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pies a beautiful golden color. If you want a vegan option, use almond milk or any plant-based milk with a pinch of turmeric for color.
How Do You Ensure the Pastries are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing the hand pies properly is crucial for keeping the filling intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a fork to press down the edges, ensuring they’re tightly sealed.
- Brush the edges with egg wash before sealing to help them stick together better.
- Don’t overfill the pies as this can cause them to burst open during baking.
Taking these steps helps ensure you get beautiful, flaky pastries that burst with flavor inside!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small chunks
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole fresh cranberries mixed with 2 tbsp sugar and a splash of orange juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be spending around 40 minutes to have these delightful hand pies ready to serve. They’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips from your hand pies.
2. Get the Puff Pastry Ready:
On a floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet just a bit to make it easier to handle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 4 equal squares. This is where the magic begins!
3. Fill Your Pastry Squares:
Take a small spoonful of cranberry sauce (or the fresh cranberry mix) and place it right in the center of each pastry square. Next, add a few chunks of Brie cheese on top of the cranberry. This combination is going to be so delicious!
4. Seal the Hand Pies:
Using the beaten egg, brush the edges of each pastry square. This will help them stick together. Fold each square over to create a triangle shape, or place another square on top if you prefer closed mini pies. Use a fork to press down the edges firmly, sealing in all that goodness.
5. Make Them Golden:
Brush the tops of the hand pies with more of the beaten egg. This is the secret to that lovely golden color as they bake. Fancy your hand pies? Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to let the steam escape during baking.
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to place the hand pies on your prepared baking sheet. If you want to add a little sparkle, sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar and fresh thyme leaves on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The aroma will be incredible!
7. Serve and Savor:
Once baked, remove those little treasures from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’re best served warm, so dig in and enjoy these flaky, melty, tart hand pies that are perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce is a convenient option and works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose your favorite brand, or opt for a whole berry sauce for added texture!
How Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the hand pies and assemble them ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Bake them straight from the fridge, though they may need a minute or two longer in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Mini Hand Pies?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just place the assembled, unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time when ready to enjoy!