Christmas Cranberry Pie Recipe

 When the chilly air of December arrives and homes are filled with twinkling lights, a Christmas Cranberry Pie is just what you need to bring everyone together. This pie is a holiday classic! Its sweet and tart cranberry filling paired with a buttery crust is not only festive but also irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings or as a centerpiece on your dessert table, this pie is sure to spread good cheer and warm hearts.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

• 3 cups fresh cranberries (you can also use frozen cranberries)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of ½ orange
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a cozy hint of spice)

Optional Decorations

• Cookie cutter shapes from extra pie dough (like stars or holly leaves)
• Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, whisked together)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Cranberries: Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the cranberries start to pop and break down (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Thicken the Filling: Stir in the cornstarch and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Cool the filling completely.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and trim any overhang.
2. Add the Filling: Pour the cooled cranberry mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
3. Top the Pie: Roll out the second disk of dough. You can either cover the pie completely (cut slits for steam) or create a lattice pattern. Be as creative as you'd like with decorative cutouts from the extra dough!
4. Seal the Edges: Crimp or press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal.

4. Bake the Pie

1. Egg Wash and Sprinkle: Brush the crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie on the center rack for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Check after 30 minutes and cover the edges with foil if they’re browning too quickly.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

Tips for Serving and Customization

• Serving Ideas: Serve slices of warm cranberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy contrast complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
• Customization:
  • Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry filling for texture.
  • Swap the orange juice and zest with lemon for a tangier flavor profile.
  • If you want a sweeter filling, stir in a handful of chopped apples or pears along with the cranberries.
• Storage: Store the cooled pie in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for another holiday treat later on.

This Christmas Cranberry Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of holiday magic. The vibrant red filling against the golden crust screams Christmas spirit, and its flavors are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Make it once, and it’ll become a cherished family tradition for years to come. Happy baking and happy holidays!