Cherry Hand Pies
Cherry hand pies are the perfect fusion of flaky pastry and luscious fruit filling. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, followed by a burst of sweet, tangy cherry flavor that dances on your palate. Not only are they irresistibly delicious, but these little handheld treats also happen to be incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re having a lazy afternoon snack or planning a casual gathering, they’re bound to impress!
Table of Contents
I first made cherry hand pies on a rainy day when I craved something comforting yet special. Gathering plump, ripe cherries from the farmer’s market, I felt inspired—there’s just something about the sweetness of fresh fruit nestled in a golden crust that adds a touch of homemade warmth. These hand pies are a fantastic alternative to store-bought options; they easily surpass the bland, mass-produced versions you might find on the shelf. Once you experience the fresh flavors of your own cherry filling, you may never look back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With about 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have fresh cherry hand pies baked and ready to serve.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherries, brown sugar, and almond extract creates a heavenly flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden and flakily puffed, these pies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, dessert, or even at a picnic!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free puff pastry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 ounces fresh cherries: Look for plump, juicy cherries that are ripe. If fresh cherries aren’t available, consider using frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds a warm sweetness to the cherry filling, enhancing its natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: A small amount goes a long way in elevating the flavor profile and giving a slightly nutty touch.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity balances the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the juices from the cherries so that you don’t end up with watery hand pies.
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted: Puff pastry gives a wonderful flaky texture. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes.
- 1 large egg yolk: Used to create a beautiful golden brown glaze on the crust.
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream: This will enrich the glaze, adding a slight sheen and flavor.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top: A light dusting will provide sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies
Prep the Cherries: Begin by pitting the fresh cherries until you have almost 1 cup. Place your pitted cherries in a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Gently stir to combine everything and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: While your cherry mixture is resting, flour a clean countertop and unfold the defrosted sheet of puff pastry. Lightly roll it out, expanding it about 1/2 inch larger on all sides. Using a 6-inch round cutter, cut out 2 circles from the pastry and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Divide the cherry filling evenly between the two pastry circles, placing the filling on one side and leaving about 1/2 inch from the edge. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream. Brush the mixture around the edges of each dough circle to help seal the pies.
Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over the filling and carefully crimp the edges with a fork to secure them. Remember to slice three small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. For an extra sweet touch, sprinkle granulated sugar over each pie.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake the hand pies for 18-21 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn golden brown and puff up nicely, creating an enticing aroma in your kitchen.
Cool and Serve: Let your delicious cherry hand pies cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, you’ll want to wait just a bit to avoid that hot cherry lava explosion!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftover cherry hand pies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to store them longer, freeze the baked pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You might notice the pastry is a tad softer after freezing, but a quick reheat will refresh their delightful texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch the Pastry: Puff pastry can easily go from golden to burnt, so keep an eye on your pies as they bake.
- Egg Wash Alternatives: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use just an egg wash with the yolk and a bit of water instead.
- Chill the Pastry: For the flakiest results, keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it.
- Make-It-Your-Way: Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or apples. Just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.
- Prevent Sogginess: Ensure your cherry filling isn’t overly juicy by allowing it to sit and thicken before filling the pastries.
Cherry hand pies are fantastic treats that bring a touch of home to your table, embodying the essence of nostalgia and joy. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and suited for almost any occasion. Whether you choose to indulge alone or share them with friends, there’s a simple pleasure in enjoying a dessert made with love.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to crimp the edges of the pie securely. You can also place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any spills while baking.
Can these hand pies be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and keep them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with cherry hand pies?
They’re delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat! Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 2 hand pies 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful treat featuring fresh cherries enveloped in flaky puff pastry. With just a few ingredients, they deliver a burst of flavor and comfort, perfect for dessert or a quick snack.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Pit the cherries and place them in a bowl. Add the brown sugar, almond extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch, stirring to combine.
- Flour the counter, unfold the pastry sheet, and roll it out slightly larger. Cut out 2 circles with a 6" round cutter and transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
- Divide the cherry filling between the pastry circles on one side, leaving a 1/2" edge.
- In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush the edges of the pastry circles with the mixture, fold them over, and crimp to seal. Cut 3 slits in the tops of each pie and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes until golden and puffy. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the cherries are pitted to avoid any bitterness.
You can substitute the fresh cherries with frozen ones, but let them thaw and drain excess liquid.
For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
