These yummy cranberry brie mini hand pies are perfect little treats. They’ve got a flaky crust wrapped around creamy brie cheese and sweet tart cranberry filling—so tasty!
Who wouldn’t love a bite-sized pie? I can’t help but munch on these during movie nights. They’re easy to make and the perfect finger food for sharing—or not! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is easy to work with and gives those flaky layers we love. If you don’t have it, you can use a shortcrust pastry, but it won’t be as flaky. Make sure to thaw it completely before using!
Brie Cheese: I really enjoy the creaminess of Brie, but Camembert is a good substitute. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using a soft goat cheese, which adds a different flavor profile that pairs nicely with cranberry.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce works great here. If you want to make your own, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and thicken. You can also use a different fruit preserve like raspberry or fig for variety.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herby touch. If you don’t have it, consider dried thyme, but use less since it’s more concentrated. You can also skip the thyme altogether if it’s not your thing!
How Do I Ensure My Hand Pies are Perfectly Sealed?
A common issue with hand pies is the filling leaking out during baking. To avoid this, make sure to moisten the edges of the pastry with a little water before sealing. Firmly press the edges with a fork to create a good seal.
- Roll out the puff pastry to smooth it out.
- Cut into squares and place the filling in the center without overloading.
- Crimp the edges well to keep the delicious filling inside during baking.
- Also, cutting slits on top allows steam to escape and avoids a soggy pie.
Take your time here, and you will end up with beautiful, flaky hand pies filled with melty cheese and savory cranberry goodness!
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to have these delightful mini hand pies ready for your enjoyment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you pop in your mini hand pies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Easy cleanup is a win!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry. This helps to smooth it out and makes it easier to work with. Cut the puff pastry into about 8 equal squares—these will be the bases for your hand pies!
3. Add the Filling:
In each square, place a small cube of Brie cheese in the center. Then, add about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves right on top of the cheese. If you want a herby kick, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves over the filling. Yum!
4. Seal the Hand Pies:
Now, it’s time to get those pies ready to bake! Moisten the edges of each pastry square with a little water—this will help seal them. Then fold each square over to form either a triangle or a rectangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to make sure they stay closed during baking. No leaks here!
5. Bake Them Up:
Carefully transfer the sealed hand pies to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—this gives them that glossy, golden finish we all love. Don’t forget to cut small slits on the top of each pie so steam can escape while they bake!
6. Final Touches:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden and puffy. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving to make them extra special. Enjoy these flaky, buttery mini hand pies warm as a delightful appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress!
These mini hand pies are not only delicious but also perfect for any gathering. Enjoy making and sharing them!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can substitute it with Camembert for a similar creaminess or use a soft goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Hand Pies?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked hand pies. Just prepare them up to the baking step, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Serve with These Hand Pies?
These mini hand pies pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a fruit chutney for dipping. You can also serve them as part of a holiday spread alongside other appetizers.