Name: Cherry Hand Pies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 ounces fresh cherries; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons heavy cream; granulated sugar for sprinkling on top

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Cherry hand pies are a delightful bite-sized treat that brings an irresistible combination of crispy, flaky pastry and warm, juicy cherry filling. With just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness from the cherries, they epitomize home-style comfort dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these hand pies are bound to make you smile.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cherry Hand Pies

I still remember the first time I baked cherry hand pies; it was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of buttery pastry filled my kitchen. The excitement of biting into that golden crust and discovering the warm cherry filling inside was pure joy. These little pies aren’t just food; they’re a memory waiting to be created, perfect for sharing with friends and family (if you’re feeling generous!). They’re simple enough to whip up on a whim, and everyone will be raving about them in no time. Let’s dive into making your very own cherry hand pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have these cherry hand pies ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for when cravings strike.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh cherries, almond extract, and a touch of lemon creates a burst of sweet-tart goodness.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These hand pies are adorable and will impress anyone you serve them to—perfect for gatherings!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. They’re versatile for any time of day.
Space for Creativity: Feel free to add your take by mixing in different fruits or spices for a twist on the classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 ounces fresh cherries: Cherry is the star of the show! Make sure they’re ripe and sweet for the best flavor. You can substitute them with blueberries or diced apples if needed.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds sweetness and a slightly deeper flavor to the filling. You can replace it with granulated sugar, but brown sugar gives a richer taste.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. If you’d rather not use almond, vanilla extract is a great substitute.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the filling and balances the sweetness. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works too.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the filling by absorbing the excess juice from the cherries. You can use flour instead, but cornstarch gives a smoother texture.
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted: This makes the crust light and flaky. Alternatively, a homemade pie crust can be used if you’re feeling ambitious!
1 large egg yolk: This is for the egg wash, which gives the pies a gorgeous golden color. You could use just egg white or skip the wash if you prefer.
2 teaspoons heavy cream: Mixing this with the egg yolk adds richness to the egg wash. Milk can be used in a pinch for a lighter touch.
Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top: Just a little sprinkle adds a sweet crunch to the crust before baking.

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
Prepare the Filling: Start by pitting your cherries—you should gather about 1 cup. In a bowl, combine the cherries with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir everything together gently so the cherries are well-coated and set aside.
Roll Out the Pastry: Sprinkle a little flour on your counter surface and unfold your defrosted puff pastry sheet. Lightly roll it out until it’s about 1/2″ larger on all sides. Using a 6-inch round cutter, cut out 2 circles. Transfer these to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Fill the Pastry: Divide the cherry filling evenly between the two dough rounds, placing the mixture on one side of the circle about 1/2″ away from the edge.
Seal the Hand Pies: In a small bowl, beat together 1 large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons heavy cream. Brush this mixture along the entire edge of the dough circles. Next, fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Don’t forget to slice 3 small slits in the top of each pie for steam to escape. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top to enhance the sweetness.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-21 minutes or until the hand pies are nicely golden and puffy. Once done, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Trust me—nothing compares to that initial hot cherry explosion in your mouth, but patience is key!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cherry hand pies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you prefer to save them for later, refrigerate them in a sealed container for about 4-5 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the pies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture. Just keep in mind that the crust might lose a bit of its initial crispness over time, but a quick reheat should help revive it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Select ripe cherries for the best flavor; under-ripe fruit can make for a less delicious filling.
When rolling out your pastry, keep it slightly chilled for easier handling. If it gets too warm, stick it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Be generous with the filling, but remember not to overfill; an inch of space at the edges will help prevent leaking.
If you can, try using a mix of different berries for a fun twist on the flavor!
Don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool not only makes them safer to eat but also allows the filling to set a little.

There’s something magical about crafting these charming little cherry hand pies. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also showcase the beauty of fresh fruit encased in perfectly flaky pastry. Each bite is a reminder of home, warmth, and sweet afternoons spent with loved ones.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to create your own versions by mixing in different seasonal fillings or creating icing drizzles on top. The possibilities are endless! Whether you enjoy these as a simple dessert or present them at a gathering, they’re sure to bring joy. So roll up your sleeves and treat yourself—your taste buds will thank you!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your filling.

How can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, you can swap out the puff pastry with a gluten-free dough or pastry wrap available at most grocery stores. Just follow the package instructions for best results.

Can I add spices to the filling?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavors of the cherries and give a warm, comforting essence to your hand pies. Feel free to experiment!

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent instead. Just use about 1 tablespoon of flour to achieve a similar consistency for your cherry filling.

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Cherry Hand Pies

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 21 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cherry Hand Pies boast an irresistible flavor with a delightful balance of sweetness from fresh cherries and brown sugar. With simple prep and flaky pastry, they’re perfect for a quick dessert or a comforting snack. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces fresh cherries
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons heavy cream
granulated sugar for sprinkling on top

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Pit the cherries and place them in a bowl, adding the brown sugar, almond extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
Flour the counter, unfold the pastry sheet, and roll it out to be about 1/2 inch larger on all sides. Cut out 2 circles using a 6-inch round cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Divide the cherry filling between the dough rounds, placing it on one side about 1/2 inch from the edge.
Beat together the egg yolk and heavy cream in a small bowl, then brush the mixture along the edges of the dough circles. Fold over the dough and crimp the edges to seal. Make 3 slits in the top of each pie and sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake for 18-21 minutes, until golden and puffy.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cherries are fresh for the best flavor.
These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Experiment with different fruits for a variety of flavors!