Name: Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-490098H4M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks); 3/4 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen); 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 2 homemade pie crusts (see recipe link); 1 egg (for egg wash); Coarse or white granulated sugar (for topping, as needed); 2 teaspoons water (for egg wash)

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If you’re anything like me and love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a perfectly portable treat, then you’re going to adore this Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks mingling with bright, tangy cranberries inside buttery, flaky pie crusts that bake up golden and crisp. These hand pies are sweet, tart, and just the right size for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether for a festive gathering, afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe brings all the warmth and happiness of homemade baking right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a white pot filled with a bright red and orange chunky fruit mix, likely made of small diced pieces of apples and cherries or cranberries simmering in a thick syrup. A woman's hand holding a wooden spoon is stirring the mixture gently. The pot sits on a small black electric stove against a white marbled surface background. The colors in the fruit mix are warm tones of red, orange, and deep burgundy blending together as the fruit softens and cooks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are essential to achieving that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Each one plays a vital role, from the fresh apples providing juicy texture, to the cranberries adding a pop of color and zing, and the spices bringing everything together with warmth and depth.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into the filling for richness and helps soften the fruit beautifully.
2 large apples (peeled, cored, chopped into 1/2-inch chunks): Your base fruit that adds sweetness and tender bites.
3/4 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen): Adds vibrant tartness and gorgeous color that balances the apples.
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the fruit naturally while enhancing caramelization.
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses note for warmth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly juicy but not runny.
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses that iconic cozy spice everyone loves.
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that enhances the cinnamon.
2 homemade pie crusts: The buttery, flaky shell to hold all the delicious filling (perfect if you want to make it extra special from scratch).
1 egg: Beaten to create that beautiful glossy sheen on the crusts.
Coarse or white granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunchy finish.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Cranberry Filling

First, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your chopped apples, cranberries, both sugars, salt, and a little water, then stir everything together. Cover the pan and let the fruit cook gently for around 4 to 6 minutes until the apples start to soften and the cranberries begin to pop. This step awakens the fruits’ natural juices and blends the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Thicken and Spice the Filling

Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then pour it into the simmering fruit mixture. Continue cooking uncovered as you stir—the filling will thicken and turn glossy, perfectly coating every bite of fruit. Finally, blend in the warm scents of ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg to complete the cozy filling base. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool completely—this part is crucial to avoid making a soggy crust later on.

Step 3: Prepare Your Workspace and Egg Wash

Beat the egg with a splash of water to create your egg wash, which will give the hand pies that gorgeous golden finish. Set your homemade pie crust out at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to soften slightly—that way, it will roll out easily and won’t crack when you cut your shapes.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Pie Crust

Roll each pie dough to just under an eighth of an inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles—smaller ones if you want a classic round hand pie, or a 4- to 5-inch cutter for a larger half-moon shape. Don’t worry if the scraps need to be rerolled; just chill the dough if it gets too soft to work with. This extra step helps keep everything crisp and manageable.

Step 5: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

Spoon about 1 slightly heaped tablespoon of your cooled apple cranberry filling onto the center of every dough circle. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash to help seal the crust when you top it with the second piece of dough. Use a fork to crimp the edges completely—this is your secret to keeping all that juicy filling inside as it bakes. For the half-moon option, fold over the dough, seal the edges the same way, and give the pies three tiny slits on top to let steam escape during baking.

Step 6: Final Touches and Baking

Lay your hand pies spaced out on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush each with the egg wash, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a little sparkle and crunch, and then slide them into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake about 15 to 20 minutes until the crusts turn a rich, golden color—you’ll know by the beautiful aroma filling your kitchen that they’re ready to come out and cool just slightly before enjoying.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe

A group of small round hand pies with a golden brown, flaky crust sits on a metal cooling rack, each pie showing a small X-shaped cut on top with red fruit filling peeking through. The edges of the pies are crimped with fork marks, giving a textured border. Bright red whole cranberries are scattered around and under the pies on the rack. The image is set against a simple white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These hand pies are stunning on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance for guests. For an even cozier vibe, a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm hand pies turns them into a dreamy dessert that everyone will remember.

Side Dishes

If you want to serve these Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe at brunch or as part of a spread, pair them with warm spiced tea or a robust coffee. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad provides a balanced contrast to the pies’ sweet richness, making the meal feel fresh and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of cinnamon sugar or honey for dipping to add an interactive element. Wrapping each one in a colorful napkin or placing them in cute paper bags makes them an irresistible grab-and-go treat that’s perfect for parties or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them crisp on the outside and moist inside—just as delicious the next day as fresh.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze beautifully! Arrange uncooked pies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy treat, bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that flaky texture. Reheated Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe taste almost as good as freshly baked, making them perfect for leftovers or quick snacks any time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a lovely personal touch, store-bought pie dough works perfectly well and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture in this Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe.

Are fresh cranberries necessary or can I use frozen?

Frozen cranberries are a fantastic option and often more convenient. They work just as well and require no extra prep—just thaw slightly before beginning the filling.

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan pie crust recipe. For the egg wash, you can brush the pies with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup to get that beautiful golden finish.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Cooling the filling completely before assembling is the key step in keeping the crust crisp. Also, ensuring the edges are properly sealed will keep juices locked in during baking so your pies don’t leak or get soggy.

Can I change the fruit filling?

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Try mixing pears and cranberries, or swap the cranberries for tart cherries for a slightly different but equally delicious version of this Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe is a little slice of autumnal magic that everyone should experience. It’s comforting, approachable, and irresistibly delicious—plus, it’s fun to make! Whether you’re an avid baker or just love a good hand-held dessert, these pies will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to fill your kitchen with that incredible, cozy aroma that only homemade hand pies can offer.