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Apple Cranberry Hand Pies Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

These Apple Cranberry Hand Pies offer a perfect combination of tender apples and tart cranberries nestled inside a flaky homemade pie crust. With warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these small individually sized pies make a delightful and festive dessert or snack, ideal for fall and holiday seasons.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours including cooling and chilling time
  • Yield: 12 hand pies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Filling 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

Pie and Topping

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Make apple cranberry filling: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, cranberries, both sugars, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well to combine, cover, and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit starts to soften.
  2. Thicken filling: In a small dish, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add this mixture to the pan and cook uncovered while stirring until the filling thickens and fruit is coated in a glossy sauce. Stir in ground cinnamon and nutmeg, then remove from heat.
  3. Cool the filling: Allow the apple cranberry filling to cool completely to prevent soggy crusts. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  4. Prepare egg wash: Beat the egg with 2 teaspoons of water in a small bowl using a fork.
  5. Prep pie crust: Remove pie crusts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15–30 minutes until they soften slightly and are easier to roll.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Choose pie shape: Decide whether to make half-moon pies for more filling or round circle-shaped pies for more crust.
  8. Make round pies: Roll out pie dough to just under 1/8 inch thick. Use a 3½-inch round cutter to cut circles. If dough softens too much, chill cut circles on baking sheet for 30 minutes.
  9. Fill and seal round pies: Place about 1 heaped tablespoon of filling on each circle’s center. Brush edges with egg wash. Top with another circle and crimp edges firmly with a fork to seal. Repeat.
  10. Brush and score round pies: Lay pies about 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Brush tops with egg wash. Cut a small cross on each for steam release. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
  11. Bake round pies: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until tops turn deep golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet before serving.
  12. Make half-moon pies: Roll out dough slightly less than 1/8 inch thick. Use a 4 to 5 inch round cutter to cut circles. Chill if dough becomes too soft.
  13. Fill and fold half-moon pies: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons filling in center of each circle. Brush edges with egg wash, fold over to form half-moon, and crimp edges with a fork.
  14. Brush and slit half-moon pies: Place pies 1 inch apart on baking sheets, brush tops with egg wash, make three slits on top, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  15. Bake half-moon pies: Bake for 14 to 19 minutes until tops are deep golden. Cool before serving.

Notes

  • Make the filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days to save time and avoid soggy crusts.
  • Be careful not to overfill the pies to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Chill dough circles if they become too warm or soft to make shaping easier.
  • Use coarse or white granulated sugar for a nice crunchy topping.
  • Cut steam vents on top of pies to allow escaping moisture and prevent bursting.
  • Adjust baking time depending on oven performance; ensure pies are deeply golden.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/apple-cranberry-hand-pies-recipe/