These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are a tasty little treat! With flaky pastry filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, they’re perfect for snacks or parties.
They’re super easy to make; just fill, fold, and bake! I love to serve them warm, and I might just eat a few more than I should—who can resist that gooey cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is the star of the show. If you don’t have puff pastry, you could use phyllo dough, but the texture will be different. A pie crust could also work in a pinch, giving you a more rustic hand pie.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with cranberry. If you prefer a stronger flavor, goat cheese is a good alternative. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese blend!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste, or canned for convenience. If you want something different, consider using raspberry or cherry sauce. A hint of orange zest can also add a nice twist!
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a lovely aroma and flavor. If you can’t find it, dried thyme will work too, but use a bit less since it’s more concentrated. Rosemary is also a nice alternative!
How Can You Ensure Your Hand Pies Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing the edges properly is crucial to keep the filling inside during baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After folding the pastry over the filling, pinch the edges together firmly first with your fingers to seal it.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them better but also gives a nice decorative touch.
- Make sure the filling isn’t overstuffed. Too much filling can cause bursting.
- Consider poking a small hole in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape as they bake, preventing soggy bottoms!
With these tips, your cranberry brie mini hand pies should turn out delicious every time! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes (rind removed if preferred)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Flour, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for baking, making the total time about 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you’ll want to get your oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze later on.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Unfold and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 equal squares. If you’d like smaller hand pies, you can make 6-8 squares instead!
3. Add the Brie Cheese:
On one half of each square, place a few small cubes of Brie cheese. Don’t worry about being too precise; just make sure the cheese is evenly spread to get that melty goodness in each bite!
4. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Next, add about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce over the Brie. This adds a lovely sweetness and tartness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese. Get just the right amount in there for that perfect flavor burst!
5. Fold and Seal:
Now, fold the puff pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle. Gently press the edges together to seal them. Crimp the edges with a fork for a fun design and to make sure they’re closed tight!
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a pastry brush, gently coat the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This will make them golden and shiny when baked—yum! Be careful not to let the egg wash drip down the sides, as this can make sealing difficult.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the hand pies on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the hot oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and wonderfully puffed up. The aroma will be amazing!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re baked, take the hand pies out of the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. If you like, garnish them with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious mini hand pies warm and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you want a savory treat.
Enjoy your delightful Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a milder flavor, or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hand pies and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, follow the same instructions for baking—no need to adjust the time!
What Should I Serve with These Hand Pies?
These mini hand pies are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of extra cranberry sauce or some mixed greens for a light salad. They pair wonderfully with a glass of wine or warm cider, especially in the fall and winter!
