Cherry hand pies are little pockets of happiness! These sweet treats are filled with juicy cherries and wrapped in a flaky crust—perfect for any occasion!
They’re so fun to eat, and you can take them anywhere. I love to enjoy mine with a nice cup of tea. Who can resist that sweet cherry goodness? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal for the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen cherries work great too! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid first.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is classic for sweetness. You can swap it for coconut sugar or honey if you prefer natural sweeteners, but adjust to taste, as honey is sweeter.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cherry filling. If you’re out, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute, but it may not thicken quite as much.
Pie Crusts: While store-bought is super convenient, homemade pie crust can add a personal touch. I love using butter for a rich flavor, but you can also try store-bought puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Egg Wash: If you want a vegan option, try brushing with almond milk or a mix of water and aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for similar browning.
How Do I Seal Hand Pies Properly?
Sealing your hand pies correctly is key to keeping the filling inside while they bake. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the cherry filling in the center, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges together gently to secure the filling, ensuring to work out any excess air.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only improves the seal, but adds a decorative touch!
- Cutting slits on top will allow steam to escape, helping to prevent bursting in the oven.
With these sealing techniques, you’ll have perfectly enclosed hand pies that look great and taste even better!
Cherry Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, totaling around 45 minutes to have these delicious hand pies ready to enjoy. Plus, they can be served warm or at room temperature!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the pies from sticking.
2. Make the Cherry Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the almond extract if you’re using it. Stir well until everything is nicely combined, and the cherries are coated. This will thicken the filling while baking.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts:
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (around 4-5 inches in diameter), cut circles out of the dough. Repeat until you have enough circles for your filling.
4. Fill and Fold the Pies:
Take a spoonful (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of the cherry filling and place it in the center of each round. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spills while baking! Fold the circle in half to make a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice seal.
5. Get Ready to Bake:
Place the hand pies onto your prepared baking sheet. With a small knife, cut 2-3 small slits on the top of each pie for steam to escape during baking.
6. Brush and Sprinkle:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk or water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with this mixture for a beautiful golden color. Finally, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the top for an extra sweet touch!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the hand pies in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The smell in your kitchen will be wonderful!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the hand pies cool on a wire rack for a bit before serving. They are delightful warm, but they taste great at room temperature too!
There you have it! Enjoy your cherry hand pies as a lovely snack or dessert. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Cherries?
Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and cornstarch according to the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit you’re using.
How to Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in an oven for the best texture.
Can I Make Hand Pies Ahead of Time?
You can certainly prep the pies in advance! Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with the egg wash right before you bake them!
Why Use Almond Extract?
The almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully! If you’re not a fan, you can simply omit it, and the pies will still taste fantastic.