Introduction to Cranberry Hand Pies
Hey, foodies! So, warm flaky pastries that brim up with tarty cranberries do offer solace, and if that’s the case, then I am with you there. Take for instance my Cranberry Hand Pies recipe, it contributes just that bit towards making life so much more bearable. Whether you are preparing something quick for your children after their school hours or to delight your guests at a party, these hand pies are completely acceptable in both the scenarios. A sugar-laden bakery made with very simple ingredients and a bit of love is bound to brighten up your day.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Hand Pies
These Cranberry Hand Pies are a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re quick and easy to whip up, making them a perfect last-minute dessert or snack. Not only are they bursting with vibrant flavors, but their flaky pastry holds a heavenly tart-sweet filling. Plus, who can resist a dessert that travels well? These hand pies are ideal for lunches or picnics, delighting everyone in their path!
Ingredients for Cranberry Hand Pies
To create these scrumptious Cranberry Hand Pies, you’ll need a variety of staples you’ll likely have on hand. Start with all-purpose flour, which gives the pastry its delightful flakiness. Baking powder adds that perfect lift, while salt enhances the flavors beautifully. A warm hug of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom—will make your kitchen smell amazing!
For the filling, fresh or frozen cranberries provide the tart burst that pairs lovely with sweet orange zest. Don’t forget butter for richness and sugar to balance the tartness. If you want, add a dash of orange extract for an extra flavor twist! You’ll find exact measurements for all these delicious ingredients at the end of the article for easy printing.
How to Make Cranberry Hand Pies
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients prepped, let’s dive into making these delightful Cranberry Hand Pies. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch, and don’t forget to put on your favorite playlist—you’re in for a treat!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners. A light spray of non-stick baking spray will keep your hand pies from sticking. Trust me, this extra precaution is worth it!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Properly mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the baking powder activates evenly, giving your hand pies that lovely rise and a delightful texture. Your kitchen will soon smell like a cozy bakery!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream the room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about three minutes. This airy texture creates that melt-in-your-mouth feel we all love in a good pastry.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each addition. Scraping the sides of the bowl is essential here! It helps to integrate everything smoothly, ensuring that every bite of your Cranberry Hand Pies is wonderfully rich and delicious.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
In a spouted bowl, whisk together your sour cream and orange juice. Now, with your mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture. Start and finish with the flour to avoid overmixing. Just fold until everything is combined—you want a tender batter, not a gummy one!
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries
Time to add the star of the show: the cranberries! Gently fold them into your batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without breaking them apart. This step ensures that the tart surprises are spread throughout each savory hand pie, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Bake the Hand Pies
Now, evenly divide your batter among the prepared muffin tins. Bake your Cranberry Hand Pies for 25 to 27 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The tops will be a beautiful golden brown when they’re ready!
Step 8: Prepare the Orange Glaze
For an optional finishing touch, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a sprinkle of orange zest for your glaze. The glaze elevates your hand pies, adding a shiny sweetness that complements the tart cranberry filling beautifully. Drizzle it on before serving for that wow factor!
Tips for Success
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps make your crust extra flaky.
- Use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor; frozen ones can be a great shortcut too.
- Keep an eye on baking time; ovens can vary!
- Experiment with spices to find your perfect flavor blend.
Equipment Needed for Cranberry Hand Pies
- 12-cup muffin tin (or a baking sheet if you prefer free-form hand pies)
- Parchment paper or paper liners to prevent sticking
- Mixing bowls for ingredients (a large and a medium bowl work best)
- Handheld electric mixer or stand mixer for easy creaming
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient portions
Variations of Cranberry Hand Pies
- Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour to make a delightful gluten-free version.
- Add a pinch of ginger for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Consider using apple or pear with the cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Top with a brown sugar crumble instead of glaze for a different texture.
- Use almond extract instead of orange extract for a nutty flavor profile!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Hand Pies
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a steaming cup of spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation at gatherings.
- Make a fruit platter with fresh oranges and berries for color.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and richness.
FAQs about Cranberry Hand Pies
Here are some common questions I get about these delightful Cranberry Hand Pies:
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe? Absolutely! Just toss them in straight from the freezer. It’s an easy shortcut!
How do I store leftovers? Keep your hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make the pastry ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance; just chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt works as a great alternative and adds a nice tang to the filling.
If you have more questions about these irresistible hand pies, feel free to ask in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
Making these delightful Cranberry Hand Pies is not just about baking; it’s a joyful journey in your kitchen. Each bite brings a warm blend of tart and sweet flavors, evoking cherished memories and creating new ones with those you love. Whether for a family picnic, a cozy gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these hand pies are sure to brighten your day. So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite dessert! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Hand Pies
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cranberry hand pies filled with a tart and sweet cranberry-orange mixture, encased in a flaky pastry, perfect for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze, optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice (for glaze, more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze, finely grated)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and spray lightly with non-stick baking spray. Set aside until needed.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; set aside.
- 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, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- In a spouted bowl or measuring cup, add the sour cream and orange juice and whisk well to combine.
- With the mixer speed on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Be sure not to over mix here. Fold the cranberries into the batter, mixing just until evenly combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among prepared muffin tins.
- Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool muffins for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the Orange Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth, adding more orange juice as needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over the muffins right before serving.
Notes
- Ensure room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- You can substitute frozen cranberries without thawing them for added convenience.
- The orange glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
