Cranberry Handpies
Cranberry handpies offer a delightful blend of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts encased in flaky pastry, perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling, very coarsely chopped (undrained)
- 1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 2 packages all-ready pie crusts ⓘ
- 1 large egg yolk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir apple pie filling, chopped Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and grated lemon peel; mix and set aside.
- Roll out prepared pie crusts into 11-inch rounds.
- Cut out four 4-inch circles from each crust. Set scraps aside for decorations.
- You should have 16 circles in total.
- Work with 2 circles at a time and refrigerate the remaining circles between sheets of wax paper.
- Place 1/2 cup of filling in the center of one circle.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with cold water to make an egg wash.
- Brush the edges of the circle with the egg wash.
- Place a second circle on top of the filled circle and press to seal the edges using your fingers.
- Carefully lift the assembled handpie onto an ungreased large cookie sheet.
- Refrigerate remaining handpies while fitting 4 to 8 on the cookie sheet.
- Brush all handpies with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle each with sugar.
- Refrigerate the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the handpies for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, ensure your pie crusts are cold. You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries for a different flavor profile. If you want a sweeter filling, add a tablespoon of sugar to the apple mixture. For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. These handpies are perfect for using up leftover pie crust scraps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry handpies warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a cup of spiced cider or coffee. These handpies also make a wonderful treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack during the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover handpies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze unbaked handpies, then bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Handpies contains roughly 300 calories, with 9g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), protein (18% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. When you're ready to make the handpies, just assemble them with the chilled filling.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, chopped pecans or almonds would work well too, providing a different flavor without compromising texture.
How can I tell when the handpies are done baking?
The handpies are done when they are golden brown and have a crispy crust. You can also check if the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).