Cherry hand pies

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Hand Pies

Cherry hand pies are the perfect dessert for when you want something sweet, flaky, and easy to enjoy without utensils. Their compact size makes them perfect for parties, picnics, lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself. Unlike store-bought options loaded with preservatives, homemade cherry hand pies offer a fresh, real-fruit flavor with a golden, buttery crust that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers delicious results with easy-to-follow steps. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, and the dough is simple enough to make from scratch or shortcut with store-bought pie crust.

Ingredients for Cherry Hand Pies

For the Pie Crust

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
All-purpose flour	2 1/2 cups	Base for the dough
Unsalted butter (cold)	1 cup (2 sticks)	Creates flakiness and richness
Salt	1/2 tsp	Enhances flavor
Ice water	6-8 tbsp	Brings the dough together

For the Cherry Filling

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Cherries (pitted, halved)	2 cups	Main fruit filling
Sugar	1/3 cup	Sweetens the filling
Cornstarch	1 tbsp	Thickens the filling
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Adds brightness
Vanilla extract	1/2 tsp	Boosts overall flavor

For Assembly

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Egg (beaten)	1	For egg wash (shiny finish)
Granulated sugar (optional)	1 tbsp	For sprinkling on top

Tools You May Need:

• Rolling Pin
• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Sheet
• Pastry Brush
• Oven

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
• Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough comes together.
• Divide dough in two, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
• Cook until mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Roll & Cut the Dough

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
• Cut into 4- to 5-inch circles using a cookie cutter or jar lid.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

• Place 1 tablespoon of cherry filling in the center of each circle.
• Brush edges with water, fold over into a half-moon shape, and press edges to seal.
• Crimp with a fork and cut a small slit on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake

• Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Almond Cherry: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract to the filling.
• Chocolate Cherry: Place a few chocolate chips inside with the cherries.
• Spiced Cherry: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.

How to Store Cherry Hand Pies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with 5 extra minutes.

Common Questions About Cherry Hand Pies

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes! Just thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking the filling.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely. It makes the process even quicker.

What if I don’t have a round cutter?

Use a wide-mouth glass or a small bowl to cut your circles.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Don’t overfill and be sure to seal edges firmly. Crimping with a fork helps!

Final Thoughts

Cherry hand pies are the ultimate balance of rustic charm and rich flavor. With a crisp, flaky crust and juicy cherry center, they’re a must-try for any home baker. You can easily double the recipe, freeze for later, and customize to your liking. Whether you make them for holidays, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon snack, these little pies are guaranteed to impress.

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