These cherry hand pies are like little pockets of joy! With a flaky crust filled with sweet, tangy cherries, every bite feels like a treat from the bakery.
They’re perfect for a quick snack or dessert on the go. I love making them when I want to impress friends with something cute and delicious without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is the star here, giving that flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use pie crust, but the texture will be more crumbly.
Cherry Pie Filling: You can use store-bought cherry filling for convenience or make your own with fresh or frozen cherries. If cherries aren’t available, blueberries or apples work great as alternatives!
Cornstarch: This is key for thickening the filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you could use flour, but the filling may be slightly less thick.
Lemon Juice: This is optional, but it brightens the cherry flavor. If you want a sweeter pie, you can skip it or swap it for a bit of vanilla extract.
How Do I Make Sure My Hand Pies Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing the hand pies properly prevents the filling from leaking during baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to pinch the edges of the pastry firmly before sealing them with a fork. This creates a tight seal.
- Cutting slits on top allows steam to escape. Be gentle, so you don’t tear the pastry!
- Use a little egg wash on the edges to help them stick together even better.
With these tips, your hand pies will look great and hold in all that delicious filling! Enjoy making them!
Cherry Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for filling)
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (14 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
For Topping:
- Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling (about 1 tablespoon)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you can have these tasty cherry hand pies ready to enjoy in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready when you’re done with your pies! Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Mix everything together well. This will help thicken the filling when it bakes, keeping it nice and gooey!
3. Roll Out the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into about a 12-inch square. Once rolled out, cut each sheet into 6 squares, so you have pieces that are about 4×4 inches.
4. Fill the Pastries:
Place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Don’t overfill, or they might burst open while baking!
5. Fold and Seal:
Now, gently fold the pastry over to form a triangle (or rectangle, whichever you prefer!). Press the edges tightly with a fork to seal them. This keeps all that delicious filling inside.
6. Create Steam Vents:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut 3 small slits on the top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pies from bursting.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Brush this mixture over the tops of each hand pie with a pastry brush. It’ll give them a lovely golden color when they bake!
8. Sprinkle with Sugar:
For an extra sweet touch, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each pie before baking.
9. Bake:
Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. They’ll be hot inside! Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Fillings for the Hand Pies?
Absolutely! While cherry filling is classic, you can use other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches. If you use a fruit that’s less sweet, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
How Can I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for a couple of months.
Can I Make These Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pies and freeze them unbaked. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap individually. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Do I Have to Use Puff Pastry?
While puff pastry gives a wonderfully flaky texture, you can use pie crust if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, and the texture will be more crumbly, but they’re still delicious!
