Description
Delight in these irresistible Cherry Hand Pies, featuring flaky pie crusts filled with sweet cherry pie filling and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a portable dessert or snack, these hand pies can be easily customized with almond extract and topped with a powdered sugar glaze for an added touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter about 4 inches in diameter or cut into squares to create 8 to 10 evenly sized pieces.
- Fill Pies: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the center of half of the dough pieces. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking. If desired, mix almond extract into the filling before spooning.
- Seal Pies: Place a second piece of dough on top of each filled piece. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal them securely. Cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Whisk the beaten egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each hand pie, then sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar for a sweet, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Add Glaze (Optional): To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled hand pies for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought cherry pie filling depending on your preference.
- Adding a touch of almond extract to the cherry filling gives a delightful bakery-style flavor.
- These hand pies are freezer-friendly once baked and cooled, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Make sure not to overfill the pies to avoid leaks and keep edges sealed properly for best results.
