These Cherry Hand Pies are the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling. Using frozen cherries and a quick stovetop filling, these hand pies come together easily for a delightful dessert or snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy the irresistible combination of buttery crust and juicy cherries in no time. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a handheld treat, these pies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these cherry hand pies for their simplicity and incredible flavor. The tartness of the cherries paired with a hint of sweetness and lemon brings a bright and fresh taste to each bite. The hand-held size makes them fun to eat and easy to serve, and with store-bought crust, they’re quick to assemble. Perfect for any occasion, these pies are a crowd-pleaser and can be customized with your favorite fruits or fillings.
Perfect Occasion:
These cherry hand pies are ideal for picnics, barbecues, or holiday parties when you need a portable and easy dessert. They’re great for serving at gatherings, packing for lunch, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of coffee or tea. Their size and ease of preparation make them perfect for sharing or gifting.
Decoration Tips:
Brush the tops of the pies with an egg wash before baking for a golden finish, and sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture. For a fun touch, use a small cookie cutter to create decorative slits in the top crust before sealing. You can also drizzle a bit of glaze over the pies after baking for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Light squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Pie crust (enough for top and bottom layers)
- Optional: egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir occasionally as the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cherries are softened and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. - Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles or rectangles, depending on the size and shape of your hand pies. You can use a cookie cutter or knife to shape the dough. - Assemble the Hand Pies:
Place a tablespoon of the cherry filling in the center of each piece of pie crust. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leaks.Fold the crust over the filling to form a hand pie and press the edges down with a fork to seal them. You can also use an egg wash to help seal the edges and brush over the tops for a golden finish. - Bake the Hand Pies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the hand pies on it.If using, brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. - Cool and Serve:
Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
These Cherry Hand Pies are the perfect combination of sweet cherries and buttery crust—ideal for any occasion!
