Cherry hand pies are sweet little pockets filled with juicy cherries and wrapped in a flaky crust. They’re perfect for dessert or a tasty snack on-the-go!
Making these is a fun activity, especially when you can sneak bites of the cherry filling! I love them warm, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They’re so yummy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the best for flavor! If they’re out of season, frozen pitted cherries work just as well. You could even try other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a different twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use honey or a sugar substitute. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste since they can be sweeter!
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: The vanilla adds depth, while almond extract gives a nice touch of flavor. If you don’t have almond extract, you can skip it or replace it with a drop of almond essence or extra vanilla.
Pie Crust: Store-bought crust is convenient, but homemade crust can taste even better. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free pie crust mix!
How Do I Prevent My Hand Pies from Leaking Filling?
To keep your hand pies from leaking so the filling stays inside, here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t overfill—1-2 tablespoons of filling is usually perfect.
- Seal the edges well by pressing with a fork or crimping. A little water or egg wash helps the edges stick together.
- Make sure to cut slits on top for steam to escape—this is key for avoiding pressure build-up.
Following these tips can help you create beautiful hand pies that stay perfectly sealed during baking!
Cherry Hand Pies
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Dough:
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Garnish:
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the cherries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently. You’ll see the mixture start to thicken and the cherries will release their juices—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once ready, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Let this filling cool to room temperature before using it.
2. Prepare the Dough:
If you’re using store-bought pie crust, unroll the dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter that’s about 4 to 5 inches in diameter (or you can cut squares if you prefer), cut out circles or squares. You should get about 8-10 pieces, depending on your cutter size.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
Take one piece of dough and place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to leak during baking. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with a little water or beaten egg to help them stick together. Then, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or a square shape if you chose to cut squares.
4. Seal the Edges:
Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them completely; this also creates a nice design. You can crimp the edges with your fingers if you like. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on the top of each pie to let the steam escape while baking.
5. Bake the Pies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the hand pies on it. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to give them a nice golden color while baking. Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
6. Enjoy Your Hand Pies:
Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the crust looks nicely cooked. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If you’d like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. These cherry hand pies are perfect warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using in the filling.
How Can I Make the Dough from Scratch?
Making homemade pie dough is easy! Combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cut in 1 cup of cold butter until crumbly, then slowly add 6-8 tablespoons of cold water until the dough comes together. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Filling?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or apples. Just adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
