These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are a fun and tasty treat! They have a flaky crust filled with gooey brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Making these is a breeze—it’s like bringing a little festive magic to your kitchen! I love serving them warm; they’re just so cheesy and berry delicious, who can resist? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is crucial for that crispy texture. If you’re short on time, you can find it in the freezer section at most grocery stores. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pastry sheets.
Brie Cheese: The rich, creamy flavor of Brie makes these pies special. If you can’t find Brie, cream cheese works as a great substitute. You can also try goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Cranberry Sauce: I love using whole berry cranberry sauce for its texture. If you have homemade sauce consider using that! You can also swap in other jams like raspberry or even a savory chutney for a unique flavor.
Egg Wash: This gives the hand pies a beautiful golden color. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try brushing with almond milk or a mixture of cornstarch and water.
How Do You Make Sure Your Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfect?
Getting the puff pastry just right is key to a delicious mini hand pie. Here’s how to work with it effectively:
- Thaw the puff pastry in the fridge overnight for best results, or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, but do this gently—no need to flatten it too much!
- Don’t overfill the pies; a little goes a long way, and this prevents leaks during baking.
- Make sure to seal the edges well by pressing with a fork or crimping them with your fingers; this keeps the filling inside!
With these tips, your hand pies will be the star of any gathering! Happy baking!
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hand Pies:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying these delicious mini hand pies in less than an hour, perfect for a quick appetizer or festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the hand pies from sticking. This will make clean-up a breeze!
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it out. Then, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into squares about 4×4 inches. This will be the base for your hand pies.
3. Fill the Hand Pies:
Now comes the fun part! On one half of each pastry square, place a small piece of Brie cheese and about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Be sure not to overfill—keeping it simple helps prevent any delicious messes during baking!
4. Seal the Edges:
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg; this acts like glue to help seal it. Fold the square over to create a triangle, or keep it square, and press the edges firmly together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they stay closed while baking.
5. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place your mini hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a nice brush with the remaining egg wash on top to help them turn golden and shiny. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on top of each one—this allows steam to escape and prevents them from getting soggy.
6. Time to Bake!
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until your pies are puffed up and golden brown. They’ll smell amazing!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain that crispiness. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving warm.
Enjoy these delightful mini pies as an appetizer or festive snack! They’re bound to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Different Types 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 make sure to cut it into small pieces for easy melting!
How Can I Make These Hand Pies Vegan?
To make these hand pies vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the Brie with a dairy-free cheese alternative. For the egg wash, brush the tops with almond milk or a mixture of flour and water.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the filling ahead of time! Just store the Brie and cranberry sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the pastries just before baking for the best texture and taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
