Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are little pockets of joy! They’re filled with gooey brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for any snack or party!
Baking these is like a fun treasure hunt! When you bite into one, the warm cheese and fruity filling are totally worth it. I love serving them hot, and watch everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is the star here! It gives the pies their flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, but the texture will be different. Just keep it covered while working to prevent it from drying out.
Brie Cheese: I love using brie for its creamy texture and flavor, but you could also try camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you want a twist!
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce works great, but homemade is even better! You can substitute with other fruit fillings like cherry or raspberry for a different taste.
Egg Wash: This gives the pies a golden finish! If you’re avoiding eggs, use a bit of milk or plant-based milk for brushing instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Hand Pies Stay Sealed?
Sealing the edges of your hand pies is crucial to keep all that melty filling inside. After placing the filling, brush the edges with the egg wash, then press them together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges, making it pretty and also reinforcing the seal.
- Work on a clean, floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overfill! A tablespoon of filling is just right.
- Always make a small slit on top to release steam—this prevents bursting!
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar or sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the pies from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth them out. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into 6 squares, about 4 inches in size. You should have 12 squares in total.
3. Fill the Pastry Squares:
Take one pastry square and place it on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce in the center, then add a few small pieces of brie cheese on top. Remember not to overfill—keep it balanced for the best results!
4. Seal Your Pies:
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Place another square on top of the filled one and press the edges firmly to seal. To make sure they stay closed, use a fork to crimp the edges nicely.
5. Prep for Baking:
Transfer the hand pies to your lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash for that beautiful golden color. If you want, sprinkle a little coarse sugar or sea salt on top for extra flair!
6. Slice and Bake:
Cut a small slit or two in the top of each pie to let steam escape. This is important to prevent them from bursting in the oven! Now, bake the pies in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious, flaky mini hand pies!
These delightful Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a tasty treat for yourself. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can try camembert, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep the filling similar in texture for best results.
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 minutes to regain their crispiness, or microwave for a quick fix, though the texture may vary.
Can I Make These Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the hand pies up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold when placed in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Pies?
These mini hand pies are fantastic served warm as is, but you could also accompany them with a side of cranberry sauce or a simple salad to balance the richness. They make great appetizers or snacks for any gathering!