These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are little pockets of joy! They’re filled with creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky pastry.
Perfect for parties or a cozy night at home, they’re super easy to make. I love how they disappear fast—everyone wants a second (or third!) bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is a game changer for these hand pies. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous, but store-bought is super convenient. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pastry dough.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melty, perfect for these pies. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert works well too. For a dairy-free alternative, try a nut-based cheese spread that melts nicely.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is lovely, but store-bought works just as well. You can also use other fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, for a different flavor profile!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a nice touch, but you can swap it with rosemary or omit it entirely if you prefer a simpler taste.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Sealed Hand Pies?
Sealing the edges of hand pies is key to keeping the filling inside while baking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After placing your filling in the center of the pastry, fold it over carefully without overstuffing.
- Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp down the edges. This creates a tighter seal and gives a nice design!
- Cutting a small slit on top helps steam escape during baking, preventing any exploding pies.
Taking these steps will help ensure your hand pies are perfectly golden and intact when ready to serve!
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Fresh cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, so you’ll have tasty treats ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a delightful snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, you want to pop your oven on to preheat at 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy later on.
2. Cut the Pastry:
Next, open your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Take a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice each sheet into 4 equal squares (about 4×4 inches) so you have a total of 8 squares ready to fill.
3. Add Filling:
Now, it’s time for the deliciousness! Place a small spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of cranberry sauce in the center of each square. Then, add a few pieces of Brie cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. If you’re using thyme, sprinkle a pinch over the cheese.
4. Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold each pastry square over to make a triangle or bring the edges together to form squares. Gently press down on the edges to seal them closed. Make sure not to overstuff, or they might burst open while baking!
5. Crimp the Edges:
To ensure a tight seal, use a fork to press down along the edges of each hand pie. This also gives them a cute look!
6. Vent and Brush:
Lay the hand pies on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a small vent slit on the top of each pie. This helps steam escape while they bake to keep them from getting soggy. Finally, brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and puffed up! Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a few cranberries for a festive touch.
Enjoy your Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or as a tasty appetizer! They’re bound to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Brie on hand, you can substitute it with Camembert or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions—no need to thaw!
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Hand Pies?
Definitely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked hand pies. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.