If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, the Cherry Hand Pies Recipe is calling your name. These flaky, golden parcels bursting with luscious, homemade cherry pie filling are the perfect handheld dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up a cozy family dinner or surprising friends with something sweet and unexpected, these cherry hand pies combine buttery crust and vibrant fruit in a way that’s truly unforgettable. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make but feel like a special indulgence every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Hand Pies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, all of which work harmoniously to create those perfect pockets of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the flakiness of the pie crust to the juicy sweetness of the filling, enhanced by a touch of coarse sugar for that irresistible crunch on top.
- Pie crust for 9-inch double-crust pie: Choosing a tender, buttery crust sets the foundation for flaky hand pies every time.
- 2 cups homemade cherry pie filling: Fresh, sweet-tart cherries make this filling sing with authentic summer flavor.
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar: A sprinkle on top adds delightful texture and a subtle caramelized sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Whisked for an egg wash, this ensures a gorgeous golden shine and seals the pies perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg to create the perfect wash that gives the crust its beautiful color.
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze. A well-prepared workspace sets you up for smooth sailing when assembling these beauties.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pie crust into about a 12 by 20-inch rectangle. You want it thin enough to get that flaky texture but not too fragile. Then, cut the dough into eight rectangles approximately 5 by 6 inches each. If you’re feeling a bit creative, circles about 5 inches across work wonderfully as well, changing the shape but not the deliciousness.
Step 3: Fill and Fold the Hand Pies
Place around two tablespoons of your cherry pie filling in the center of each dough piece. Brush the edges with the egg wash to keep everything sealed tightly, then fold the dough over—fold rectangles by bringing the short ends together to create a 5 by 3-inch packet, or fold circles into half-moons. Use a fork to crimp the edges which not only seals but adds a charming decorative touch.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Carefully transfer the filled pies to your baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut three small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the tops with egg wash again and sprinkle generously with coarse or turbinado sugar to add a delightful crunch and sparkle.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your hand pies for about 20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, and you can see the cherry filling bubbling through the slits. After baking, let them cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to enjoy.
How to Serve Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes go a long way with these Cherry Hand Pies. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness on top. For an extra pop, drizzle them with a little vanilla glaze or a dollop of freshly whipped cream right before serving. Fresh mint leaves make for a lovely bright contrast as well.
Side Dishes
These hand pies bring their own show-stopping flavor, but pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a side of tangy Greek yogurt can turn dessert into an unforgettable experience. Fresh berries or a small green salad with a balsamic drizzle also balance the sweetness beautifully if you’re serving these as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
The beauty of these hand pies is all in the presentation. Arrange them neatly on a rustic wooden board with linen napkins for a charming casual vibe. Alternatively, serve each on individual small plates with decorative garnishes like edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. You could even turn them into a delightful brunch item paired with mimosas or fresh lemonade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cherry hand pies store wonderfully at room temperature for a day or two, but refrigeration is best if you want to keep them fresh longer. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezing
One of the best things about the Cherry Hand Pies Recipe is how well these pies freeze. Assemble the pies on a lined baking sheet, make the slits, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. This makes preparing a sweet treat in advance so easy and convenient!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen pies, bake them straight from the freezer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes. For a shiny golden finish, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking. They come out tasting fresh and flaky as if you just baked them from scratch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! While homemade cherry pie filling adds a fresh flavor, store-bought filling works perfectly for convenience and still delivers fantastic taste in the Cherry Hand Pies Recipe.
What type of pie crust should I use?
A sturdy yet flaky double-crust pie dough works best. You can make it yourself or buy pre-made, but avoid crusts that are too soft or crumbly since they need to hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I use frozen cherries for the pie filling?
Yes, frozen cherries are a great option. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to prevent soggy crusts.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Sealing the edges thoroughly with egg wash and crimping with a fork helps keep the cherry filling locked inside. Also, cutting slits allows steam to escape, stopping the pies from bursting open.
Are these hand pies suitable for freezing before or after baking?
You can freeze the hand pies before baking as described, or freeze fully baked pies for an easy grab-and-go dessert. Just reheat them properly for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Making and sharing this Cherry Hand Pies Recipe is truly a joyful experience that brings comfort and sweetness to any day. With flaky crusts and vibrant cherry filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to bake a batch and see just how effortlessly charming these little pies can be—you’ll be reaching for them again and again!
Print
Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
Description
These Cherry Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with luscious homemade cherry pie filling encased in flaky pie crust. Perfect for a grab-and-go dessert or snack, they bake to golden perfection with a crispy sugar-coated top, combining the sweetness of cherries with buttery crust in every bite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Pie crust for 9-inch double-crust pie
Filling
- 2 cups homemade cherry pie filling
Toppings and Wash
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and cut the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust into a 12×20-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 rectangles roughly 5×6 inches each. Alternatively, you can cut the dough into eight 5-inch circles if you prefer round pies.
- Fill and seal the pies. Place about 2 tablespoons of the homemade cherry pie filling in the center of each dough piece. Mix the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush the edges of the dough. Fold the dough in half so the short edges meet, forming a 5×3-inch packet if rectangles are used. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
- Prepare for baking. Arrange the sealed hand pies carefully on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut three small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse or turbinado sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake the pies. Bake the hand pies for about 20 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and the cherry filling is bubbling through the slits. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Freeze the pies for later. To freeze, place the assembled but unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut 3 slits into the tops but do not brush with egg wash or sugar before freezing. Freeze until solid, then transfer the pies to a zip-top freezer bag to store for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen. When ready to enjoy frozen hand pies, place them on a lined baking sheet. Optionally brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a fresh finish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust depending on your preference.
- Ensure the cherry filling is not too watery to prevent soggy crusts.
- Press the edges firmly to avoid leakage during baking.
- If baking from frozen, do not thaw hand pies before baking to maintain the best texture.
- Let the pies cool slightly before eating as the filling will be very hot.
- To make egg wash vegan, use a plant-based milk with a little maple syrup instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
