When it comes to delightful baked treats, few desserts can rival the charm of these cranberry hand pies. Imagine a warm, flaky pastry bursting with a sweet-tart cranberry-orange filling, perfectly balanced to dance on your taste buds. Not only do these hand pies offer a scrumptious taste, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia that many of us associate with cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, making them the ideal dessert for both amateur bakers and seasoned pros alike.

These cranberry hand pies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re welcoming friends and family for a gathering or simply indulging in a moment of quiet bliss. Their golden crust and the rich filling create an irresistible combination, while the orange zest adds a bright pop of flavor that elevates the entire experience. Plus, with minimal prep and an uncomplicated baking process, you can whip up a batch in no time!

Join me as we dive into the art of creating these delightful cranberry hand pies. Not only will they please your palette, but they’ll also make your kitchen smell divine. Let’s get started on treating ourselves to these mouthwatering bites!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Hand Pies

Balanced Flavor: The sweet and tart filling, balanced with orange zest, creates a delightful flavor that satisfies every palate.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward instructions, you’ll find these hand pies easy to prepare and great for bakers of all levels.
Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these hand pies fit any occasion!
Make Ahead: Bake them in advance and freeze, making it easy to have a delicious treat on hand at any time.
Beautiful Presentation: Their golden, flaky exterior and colorful filling makes these hand pies a stunning addition to any dessert table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before we dive into making these delightful cranberry hand pies, let’s prepare our kitchen to ensure everything flows smoothly. The tools you’ll need include a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls (both large and medium), a whisk, and your trusty electric mixer or stand mixer. Make sure to have all your ingredients within arm’s reach to streamline the process.

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F, as this will ensure the pies bake perfectly. While the oven is heating up, line your muffin tin with paper liners and give it a light spray of non-stick baking spray to prevent any sticking. This is crucial when you’re working with a sweet filling that can sometimes cling to the tin.

Gather all your dry ingredients and sift them together; this aeration will result in a lighter, fluffier pastry. By taking the time to prepare both your workspace and your ingredients, you’ll set yourself up for success with these cranberry hand pies!

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

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tray

Always begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. While it heats, take a moment to prepare your 12-cup muffin tin. Line the cups with paper liners and give them a light spray of non-stick baking spray. This ensures the hand pies release easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. These aromatic spices enhance the flavor of your hand pies, so make sure they are well mixed, and set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, and optional orange extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about three minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Combine Sour Cream Mixture

Next, add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the full-fat sour cream and orange juice until smooth. This creamy mixture is the key to keeping your pies moist.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, with your mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to dense hand pies. After everything is well combined, gently fold in the cranberries. They add the perfect burst of flavor!

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin tins. Smooth the tops if necessary, and then place them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While the hand pies cool, you can whip up a quick orange glaze. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice if necessary. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled muffins right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!

Variations

Protein: For added protein, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, which also give a nice crunch.
Vegetables: If you want to experiment, you might try adding a hidden layer of shredded carrot for added moisture and sweetness.
Spices: Feel free to modify the spice blend. Using pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices will add a different dimension to these hand pies.

Cooking Notes

Ensure that your butter and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and to create a consistent batter.
If you are using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them beforehand; just fold them into the batter directly.
Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry muffins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s truly delightful.
Pair these hand pies with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon snack.

Tips

For extra flavor, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
If you want a sweeter glaze, feel free to adjust the sugar content in the orange glaze to your preference.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 to 27 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 220 per pie
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe, just remember not to thaw them before adding to the batter.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter, scoop it into the muffin tins, and freeze it for later baking.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

How should I store leftover cranberry hand pies?

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

These delightful cranberry hand pies are not just a delicious treat; they embody the essence of comfort food at its finest. The sweet-tart filling paired with the flaky pastry is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a light breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, they have something for everyone to love. So why not give these hand pies a try? Don’t forget to explore the variations and find your favorite twist on this classic recipe! Your taste buds will thank you, and we would love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!