These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are tiny pockets of joy! Flaky pastry holds a gooey mix of creamy brie and tangy cranberry, making each bite a perfect treat.
They’re great for a snack or a party starter. I love popping them in the oven and enjoying the yummy smell while I wait—it’s like a cozy hug in the kitchen!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! For ease, I recommend store-bought puff pastry. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using phyllo dough, but keep in mind it will be flakier and less rich.
Brie Cheese: While Brie is creamy and delightful, you can substitute with Camembert for a similar texture. If you want a non-dairy option, go for cashew-based cheese, though the flavor may differ a bit.
Cranberry Sauce: I like using homemade cranberry sauce for fresher flavors. If you don’t have any, store-bought will work just fine! You can even use a different fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, for a fruity twist.
Fresh Thyme: Rosemary or parsley can both make good substitutes if you don’t have thyme. They’ll add their own unique flavor to these hand pies.
How Do I Make Sure My Hand Pies Stay Sealed?
Sealing the edges of the mini hand pies is key to keeping the filling inside! Here’s how:
- After placing the filling on the pastry, lightly moisten the edges with water using your fingertip. This helps the dough stick together better.
- Press down firmly with a fork along the edges to create a decorative seal, ensuring no filling leaks out during baking.
- Don’t overload the filling! A teaspoon per pie is usually just about right.
Enjoy these tricks to achieve perfect hand pies every time! Great sealing means you’ll get to fully enjoy the gooey goodness inside.
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
- Flour (for dusting surface)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you can have these tasty hand pies ready in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures our hand pies bake up nice and crispy! While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Get a clean surface and sprinkle a bit of flour to prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Roll out the thawed sheets gently to smooth out any creases. Then, cut each sheet into rectangles that are about 3×4 inches. You should end up with enough pieces to create delicious hand pies!
3. Assemble the Filling:
Now, take half of your pastry rectangles and place a small piece of Brie cheese in the center of each. Remember, we want a nice cheesy bite inside! Then, top each piece of Brie with about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce for that sweet and tangy flavor.
4. Seal the Hand Pies:
Grab the remaining pastry rectangles and place them on top of the filled ones. Gently press down the edges all around and use a fork to pin down and seal the edges tightly. This helps keep all that delicious filling inside while they bake!
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful, glossy finish when they bake. For a little touch of fresh flavor, you can press a small thyme sprig on top of each pie!
6. Bake Away!
Place your hand pies on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown—just look for that lovely color that says “delicious!”
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the hand pies cool for a few minutes. This waiting will make it easier to handle them and give the filling a moment to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, cranberry-filled bite!
These mini hand pies combine creamy Brie with the tart sweetness of cranberries wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry—perfect as appetizers or a cozy snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar creamy texture. For a sharper flavor, consider using a goat cheese or cheddar, but keep in mind that the taste will be different.
Can I Prepare These Hand Pies in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the hand pies up to the point of baking and then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge and brush with egg wash before popping them in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get the pastry crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Hand Pies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Place uncooked hand pies on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.