These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are little pockets of joy filled with creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for any gathering!
Making these pies is super easy! You just fill some pastry with the yummy mixture, fold, and bake. They are so good, you’ll want to keep them all to yourself—good luck sharing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! It creates that flaky and airy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you could use phyllo dough, but remember to layer it with some melted butter for the best results.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy element that’s hard to resist. If you can’t find it, camembert is a great substitute, or try a mild cream cheese mixed with some herbs for a different taste.
Cranberry Sauce: I love using homemade cranberry sauce for freshness, but store-bought works perfectly, too! If you’re looking for a twist, mix in some orange zest or even a hint of spice like cinnamon.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheese and cranberry. You can replace it with rosemary or even dried thyme in a pinch—just use less since dried is more concentrated.
How Do I Make Perfect Mini Hand Pies Without a Mess?
To ensure that your mini hand pies come out beautifully without oozing filling everywhere, follow these tips:
- After cutting your puff pastry, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fill and bake. Keeping the pastry cold helps it puff up nicely.
- Be sure to seal the edges well. A little water brushed along the edges does wonders for sticking. Use a fork to crimp down for an extra tight seal.
- Don’t overfill them! About a tablespoon of the filling is just right. This helps prevent spillovers and keeps them neat during baking.
- Make small slits on the top of each pie before baking. This lets steam escape and helps them bake evenly while staying cute!
These tips will help you create delicious hand pies that impress everyone. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional: pinch of black pepper or a small drizzle of honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes to bake. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious mini hand pies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pies will bake evenly and become beautifully golden. While that heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet. This helps smooth out any creases in the dough. Then, cut the pastry into rectangles that are about 3×4 inches. You’ll need a total of 12 rectangles to make 6 pies!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, toss together the Brie cubes, cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme leaves. If you like, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper or drizzle some honey for extra sweetness—this is your chance to customize the flavor!
4. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Take about a tablespoon of the Brie and cranberry mixture and place it in the center of half of your pastry rectangles. Be careful not to overfill them! Next, lightly brush the edges of these rectangles with water—a quick dip of your finger will do. This helps seal the pies tightly.
5. Seal and Decorate:
Top each filled rectangle with another piece of pastry. Gently press the edges together to seal them, then use a fork to crimp the edges—this gives them a cute, finished look!
6. Create the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top of each pie to achieve a beautiful golden color as they bake.
7. Bake the Pies:
Place your mini hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. Enjoy them warm for that lovely melty Brie and sweet tart cranberry goodness!
These Cranberry Brie Mini Hand Pies are absolutely delightful, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce saves time and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just choose your favorite variety, whether it’s whole berry or jellied!
Can I Make These Mini Hand Pies in Advance?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the pies ahead of time. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If they’re already baked, store them in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days, reheating as needed.
What Can I Substitute for Brie Cheese?
If you can’t find Brie, camembert is a great alternative! You could also use a mild cream cheese mixed with some herbs for a different flavor profile if you’re looking for a variation.
How Can I Ensure My Pies Don’t Leak Filling While Baking?
To prevent any leaks, make sure to seal the edges of the pies well with water and crimp them tightly with a fork. Additionally, avoid overfilling them to ensure they bake nicely without bursting open!