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 treat that capture the essence of summer in every bite. These small, golden pastries offer a flaky outside and a sweet, juicy cherry filling, creating a perfectly portable dessert that’s begging to be shared. The combination of fresh cherries, just the right amount of sweetness, and a hint of almond extract makes every mouthful a little burst of happiness. Whether you’re looking for a special addition to an afternoon picnic or simply something small to satisfy your sweet tooth, these hand pies check all the boxes.

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

The beauty of cherry hand pies lies not only in their taste but also in their simplicity. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re a perfect opportunity to be creative in the kitchen without spending hours on preparations. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up fresh cherries during the peak season. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, making these delightful pastries is easier than you might think. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only about 30 minutes of prep and bake time, you can enjoy these pies in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh cherries, brown sugar, and almond extract brings a unique sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their adorable size and golden finish make them perfect for sharing or bringing to gatherings.
Flexible Serving: These cherry hand pies are great as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat on the go.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust the recipe easily for gluten-free alternatives or try using other fruits for variety!

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 ounces fresh cherries: Pit and chop them to create a fresh, flavorful filling. Sweet, ripe cherries are essential, but feel free to substitute with frozen cherries if necessary.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor to balance the tartness of the cherries.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: It enhances the natural cherry flavor and adds a pleasant nuttiness.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity, which brightens the cherry filling and prevents it from becoming too sweet.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This ingredient thickens the filling, preventing it from being runny and helping maintain that perfectly portable pie structure.
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry: Pastry makes for an easy, flaky crust that bakes beautifully. Look for a high-quality brand for the best results.
1 large egg yolk: Used to wash the pastry, giving it a shiny finish once baked.
2 teaspoons heavy cream: Mixed with the egg yolk, it creates a rich wash for the pie crust to enhance coloration and flavor.
Granulated sugar for sprinkling: A sprinkling of sugar on top adds texture and a little extra sweetness.

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures that the hand pies will begin baking at the right temperature, allowing for that golden, flaky crust.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: Pit your 5 ounces of fresh cherries and chop them up. You should have nearly one cup of chopped cherries. Place them in a bowl and mix in the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir the mixture gently until well combined and set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your counter with flour and carefully unfold the sheet of frozen puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to roll it out slightly bigger—about 1/2 inch on all sides. This extra space will help when you’re sealing the hand pies.
Cut Out Circles: Grab a 6-inch round cutter and cut out two circles from the pastry. Carefully transfer the circles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Fill the Pastry: Spoon the cherry filling evenly onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. This space is essential for sealing later.
Seal the Pies: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream. Brush this mixture around the edges of the dough circles. Fold the pastry over the filling to create half-moons and gently crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. It’s essential to ensure they’re sealed well to avoid any filling leakage while baking.
Add Slits and Sprinkle: Use a sharp knife to cut three small slits in the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape during baking and creates a cute design. Finish with a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and a crunchy finish.
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-21 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The sweet smell of cherries and pastry will fill your kitchen.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cherry hand pies from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. They will be extremely hot, so avoid biting into them straight away unless you want a burst of cherry lava!

Storing & Reheating

To maintain the deliciousness of your cherry hand pies, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days in a sealed container. If you want to freeze the baked pastries, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Just be aware that reheating may slightly alter the freshness of the cherries, but they will still taste delightful!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your puff pastry is thoroughly defrosted but still cold when you roll it out; this will help the texture when baked.
Avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent them from bursting during baking; a generous scoop is enough!
If you don’t have fresh cherries, try using sliced strawberries or blueberries for a delicious twist.
Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the cherry filling for a comforting seasonal touch.
Don’t skip the egg wash; it’s what gives the hand pies that appealing golden-brown finish.

These cherry hand pies are simple yet delightful, delivering a taste of summer whenever you crave something sweet. Experiment with different fillings or adjust sugar levels to your liking. Baking is all about having fun, and these handheld treats are a great way to celebrate seasonal fruits. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these marvelous pastries!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Just ensure you thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing them with the other filling ingredients. You may need to adjust the sugar depending on the tartness of the cherries.

How do I tell when my hand pies are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on the crust and a slight puff to the pastry. If the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling slightly through the slits, they are ready to come out!

Can I make these cherry hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the hand pies ahead of time. Just cover them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover hand pies?

To reheat, place the pies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their flaky texture rather than microwaving them, which can lead to soggy pastry.

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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 hand pies 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful blend of fresh cherries and almond extract, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack, these hand pies are easy to make and bursting with flavor!

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 fresh cherries and place them in a bowl. Add brown sugar, almond extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir to combine and set aside.
Flour the counter, unfold the puff pastry, and roll it out to be about 1/2" larger on all sides. Use a 6" round cutter to cut out 2 circles and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Divide the cherry filling evenly on one half of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2" edge.
Mix the egg yolk and heavy cream in a small bowl and brush the mixture around the edges of the dough circles. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Cut 3 slits on top of each pie and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 18-21 minutes, until golden and puffy.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving to avoid hot cherry filling spilling out.

Notes

Ensure cherries are fresh for the best flavor.
You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time.
Adjust the sugar quantity based on cherry sweetness.