Cherry Hand Pies: A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion

Why You’ll Love Cherry Hand Pies

Cherry Hand Pies are the perfect blend of flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, all wrapped up in a convenient, portable size. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or just craving a quick treat, these little pies are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and bring the delightful taste of cherry pie wherever you go.

Ingredients for Cherry Hand Pies

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make these delicious hand pies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pie Crust: Store-bought refrigerated pie crust works perfectly for this recipe. It’s easy to handle and saves time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pie crust is always an option.
• Cherry Pie Filling: You can use canned cherry pie filling, but for a truly special treat, try making your own homemade cherry pie filling. It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Coarse Sugar or Turbinado Sugar: This adds a sweet, crunchy topping to the pies.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of one egg and a tablespoon of water will give your pies a beautiful golden finish.

Tools You’ll Need

To make these hand pies, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust.
• Biscuit Cutter or Knife: You can use a biscuit cutter to make perfect circles or a knife to cut the dough into rectangles.
• Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Fork: For crimping the edges of the pies.

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Making Cherry Hand Pies is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12×20 inches. If you’re using a homemade crust, divide the dough into two portions and roll each one out to the desired size.
2. Cut the Dough: Use a biscuit cutter to cut out circles or a knife to cut rectangles from the dough. You should get about eight 5-inch circles or rectangles.
3. Add the Filling: Place about two tablespoons of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough piece. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the pies.
4. Seal the Pies: Brush the edges of the dough with egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pies.
5. Add the Finishing Touches: Place the hand pies on a lined baking sheet. Cut three small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
6. Bake: Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Can You Freeze Cherry Hand Pies?

Yes, you can! Cherry Hand Pies are perfect for making ahead and freezing. Here’s how:

• Freeze Unbaked Pies: After assembling the pies, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the pies to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Bake from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the frozen pies at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking.

Recipe Adaptations

Cherry Hand Pies are versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes:

• Different Fillings: If cherries aren’t your favorite, try using a different pie filling like blueberry, apple, or peach. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to these hand pies.
• Homemade Crust: For those who prefer everything homemade, swap out the store-bought crust for your favorite pie crust recipe.
• Glaze Instead of Sugar: If you prefer, you can skip the coarse sugar and drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled pies.

Tips for the Best Cherry Hand Pies

• Chill the Dough: Keep the dough chilled before and after assembling the pies. This helps the pies hold their shape and makes the crust extra flaky.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill the pies. A little filling goes a long way, and overfilling can cause the pies to burst open during baking.
• Serve Warm: Cherry Hand Pies are best served warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Cherry Hand Pies

If you have leftovers, store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the classic taste of cherry pie with the convenience of a handheld dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these pies are sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious hand pies ready to enjoy in no time.

Related Recipes: If you love these Cherry Hand Pies, you might also enjoy some of my other dessert recipes. Check out my Hershey Bar Cake, Pumpkin Pie Cake, and Coconut Flour Brownies for more sweet inspiration. And if you’re a fan of cookies, don’t miss my Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, and Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies.