1 Shares

There’s a special kind of joy that fills the kitchen during the holiday season, especially when you can create something both festive and delicious in under an hour. Imagine the delightful aroma of tart cranberries mingling with zesty oranges as you prepare these charming Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies. This easy recipe combines the sweetness of jellied cranberry sauce with a hint of citrus, all tucked inside a flaky pastry crust shaped like holiday trees.

When the first snowflakes start to fall, I can’t help but think about cozy gatherings filled with laughter and treats. These hand pies are perfect for holiday parties or simply to bring some cheer to your own home. Not only are they a breeze to whip up, but they also give you the chance to impress guests with a festive touch without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist a sweet little pie shaped like a Christmas tree? Let’s dive into the magic of holiday baking with this foolproof recipe!

Why Are Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies So Great?

Festive Fun: These adorable hand pies bring holiday cheer, adding a whimsical touch to your celebrations.
Quick Preparation: They can be ready in just over 40 minutes, making holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable.
Deliciously Tart and Sweet: The combination of jellied cranberry sauce and zesty orange creates an irresistible flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.
Versatile Shapes: While I love the Christmas tree design, feel free to use different cookie cutters for year-round variations.
Impressive Yet Simple: This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking to add a festive flair to gatherings.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies Ingredients

For the Pie Crust
• Store-Bought Pie Crust – Provides a flaky and convenient base for the pies; homemade crust can be used, but keep it chilled for best results.

For the Filling
• Jellied Cranberry Sauce – Adds tartness and sweetness, making up the main filling; can substitute with homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the filling, balancing the tartness beautifully.
• Oranges (Zested) – Gives a fresh citrus aroma and flavor, perfectly complementing the cranberry; don’t skip this step!

For Assembly
• Eggs – Used for the egg wash to give the pies a golden finish and help seal the edges; make sure they are well-beaten.

For the Drizzle
• Vanilla Almond Bark – Perfect for drizzling over the cooled pies, adding a touch of sweetness and decorative flair; feel free to use white chocolate chips if almond bark isn’t available.
• Christmas Sprinkles – Adds a festive touch for decoration, making these pies even more delightful during the holiday season.

These Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies are deliciously festive and foolproof, making them a must-try for your holiday celebrations!

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked pies!
Roll Out Dough: Unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes. You’ll need 48 shapes total for 24 pies.
Arrange Base Shapes: Place half of the tree shapes on the prepared baking sheets, allowing some space between them for expansion.
Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the jellied cranberry sauce and brown sugar, mixing until well blended. Spoon this delightful mixture onto the center of each tree shape, ensuring not to overfill.
Add Zest: Sprinkle freshly zested orange over the cranberry filling to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing aroma.
Seal Pies: Brush egg wash around the edges of each base tree shape. Carefully place a second tree shape on top of each and press the edges firmly to seal them.
Vent for Steam: Use a sharp knife to cut three small slits on top of each pie. This allows the steam to escape while they bake, preventing any bursting.
Egg Wash Top: Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Drizzle: Let the pies cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, melt the vanilla almond bark, drizzle it over the cooled pies, and immediately add your festive Christmas sprinkles.

Optional: Sprinkle some extra orange zest on top for a zesty finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the filling (jellied cranberry sauce mixed with brown sugar and orange zest) up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its delicious flavor. You can also cut out the tree shapes from the pie crust a day before, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pies, brush with egg wash, and simply pop them in the oven. They’ll come out just as delightful, letting you enjoy the festive spirit without the last-minute stress!

Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies

• Choose the Right Cutter: Use a cookie cutter at least 3 inches tall to ensure ample filling and easy sealing.

• Mind Your Filling: Don’t overfill the pies with cranberry-orange mixture; 2 tablespoons per pie is ideal to prevent spilling during baking.

• Seal Carefully: Ensure edges are well-sealed by pressing firmly to avoid leaks while baking, keeping each pie’s filling intact.

• Vent Wisely: Cut three small slits on top before baking; this step lets steam escape and prevents pie bursting for a perfect finish.

• Chill for Drizzle: After drizzling with almond bark, briefly chill the pies to speed up the setting process and maintain that beautiful decor.

These tips will help you create magnificent Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies that impress everyone at your holiday celebrations!

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies?

There’s nothing quite like the festive spirit that surrounds a holiday meal, especially when paired with delightful treats.

Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider elevate the charming flavors of the pies, creating a heartwarming experience.
Nutmeg Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy dip with a hint of nutmeg adds a velvety contrast to the tartness of the pies. It’s perfect for dunking!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy, nutty flavors of crispy Brussels sprouts provide a beautiful balance to the sweetness of the cranberry filling.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced notes of gingerbread enhance the holiday theme, making your dessert spread feel festive and cohesive.
Chocolate Mint Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies with a hint of mint are an indulgent way to finish off the meal, creating a sweet ending.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm pies, adding a delightful creaminess to each bite.
Eggnog: The creamy, spiced drink perfectly complements the flavors of the filling, making it a classic holiday pairing.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with citrus and berries offers a light, vibrant contrast to the decadent pies.

The combinations are endless, and each pairing enhances the joy of sharing these festive delights!

Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies

Room Temperature: These pies can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving at a gathering; however, they are best stored in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Fridge: Store any leftover pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled pies in a single layer for up to 2 months; wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: To enjoy your stored Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies Variations

Explore the delightful possibilities of customizing these festive treats to match your taste and festive spirit!

Apple Filling: Substitute cranberry sauce with apple pie filling for a sweet twist perfect for autumn gatherings.
Cherry Burst: Use cherry pie filling instead of cranberry for a deliciously sweet and tart alternative; it brings a pop of color!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free pie crust for a delightful treat that accommodates gluten-sensitive guests; they won’t even miss the gluten!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry filling for a warm, cozy flavor that embodies holiday cheer.
Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of almond bark, melt some dark chocolate for a rich and indulgent topping; it adds a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the tart filling.
Decorative Touch: Use colorful edible glitter instead of regular sprinkles for an eye-catching finish that dazzles; it’s perfect for special occasions.
Nutty Boost: Toss in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and a delightful texture contrast; it elevates the pies’ heartiness.
Mini Pie Shapes: Roll and use mini cookie cutters to create smaller versions of these pies; they make a fun snack-size option for parties or gifts.

These variations inspire creativity and allow you to personalize your Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies while keeping the festive spirit alive!

Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought jellied cranberry sauce for convenience, but if you’re looking for a fresher flavor, I highly recommend making your own homemade cranberry sauce. Simply cook fresh cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they burst and thicken—about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll capture the vibrant flavors of the season!

How should I store leftover Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies?
To keep your delicious pies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together, ensuring they remain perfectly flaky when you enjoy the leftovers!

Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled pies. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to revive that delightful flakiness!

What if my pie crust tears while shaping?
If you encounter a tear in your pie crust, don’t worry! Just take a small piece of dough from the edge of the crust and gently patch it up. A bit of egg wash can help seal the patch. Remember, a little imperfection adds character, and the filling will hide most flaws!

Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can simply use white chocolate chips in place of the vanilla almond bark for drizzling. Just ensure that the chocolate you choose is from a trusted source to avoid any cross-contamination with nuts. Enjoy making this festive treat for everyone!

Is there a way to modify the filling for dietary restrictions?
For those with dietary restrictions, you can swap out the jellied cranberry sauce for a homemade version using fresh cranberries and an alternative sweetener if needed. Just combine the cranberries with your choice of sweetener and cook them down until thickened. This way, you can personalize it to fit various dietary needs!