Looking for a delicious and portable dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further! Our homemade cherry hand pies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Made with a flaky pie crust and filled with a sweet cherry filling, these hand pies are easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a batch of these cherry hand pies ready to enjoy in no time. Whether you’re snacking on-the-go or serving them at a party, these homemade cherry hand pies are sure to impress.
Key Takeaways:
- Create your very own delicious cherry hand pies with our easy-to-follow recipe.
- Enjoy the convenience of a portable dessert that can be enjoyed on-the-go.
- Experiment with different fillings and toppings to personalize your hand pies.
- Store any leftover hand pies for future enjoyment or freeze them for later.
- Serve warm or cold, alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients and Tools for Cherry Hand Pies
To make these delicious cherry hand pies, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- A pre-made refrigerated pie crust
- Homemade cherry pie filling (either made from scratch or store-bought)
- An egg wash for brushing the crust
These simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering cherry filling encased in a flaky crust.
Tools:
- A rolling pin to roll out the pie crust
- A sharp paring knife or biscuit cutter for cutting the dough
- A fork for crimping the edges of the pies
With just these tools, you’ll be able to create perfectly shaped and beautifully crimped hand pies.
“The right ingredients and tools are essential for creating the perfect cherry hand pies. With a pre-made pie crust and homemade cherry filling, you’ll have a delicious combination of flavors. Using a rolling pin, paring knife, and fork, you’ll be able to prepare and shape the pies with ease.” – Cherry Pie Enthusiast
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies
Bake the Perfect Hand Pie with These Easy Steps
To indulge in the irresistible goodness of cherry hand pies, follow these simple instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Start by rolling out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Ensure it is evenly rolled to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the Dough: Using a round cookie cutter or knife, cut the rolled-out crust into circles or rectangles, depending on your preference for hand pie shape and size.
- Add the Cherry Filling: Spoon a generous amount of cherry pie filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a pocket. Press the edges together to seal the pie. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Create Ventilation: Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits or decorative cuts on the top of each pie. This will allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from becoming soggy.
- Egg Wash and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk an egg and brush it onto the surface of each hand pie. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle some sugar on top for an added sweet crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn golden and the filling starts to bubble.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cherry hand pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. Their flaky crust and warm, gooey cherry filling make them a delightful handheld treat.
Now, you’re ready to savor the deliciousness of your homemade cherry hand pies!
Troubleshooting Tips:
“If your hand pies are leaking filling during baking, make sure the edges are tightly sealed. You can also chill the pies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking to help prevent leakage.”
| Tips for Perfect Cherry Hand Pies | Common Mistakes to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Roll out the pie crust to the right thickness for a balanced ratio of crust to filling. | A too-thin crust may result in leakage, while a too-thick crust can overpower the filling. |
| Seal the edges of the pies well with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. | Poorly sealed edges can lead to filling leakage, resulting in messy pies. |
| Cut slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the pies from becoming soggy. | Omitting the slits can result in steam build-up, causing the pies to become watery. |
| Brush the pies with an egg wash for a beautiful golden crust. | Skipping the egg wash may result in a dull and pale crust. |
| Sprinkle sugar on top for a sweet and crunchy crust. | Forgetting the sugar can lead to a less satisfying texture and flavor. |
Freezing and Baking Hand Pies
Don’t have time to enjoy all your homemade cherry hand pies right away? No problem! You can freeze them for later, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand. Here’s how to freeze and bake your mini cherry hand pies to perfection:
1. Assemble the cherry hand pies as directed in the previous section, making sure to skip brushing them with egg wash. This step is essential for maintaining the quality of the pies during freezing and baking.
Pro Tip: If you have limited space in your freezer, you can place parchment paper between the pies to prevent them from sticking together.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a zip-top freezer bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure if the pies are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of one pie. If it comes out piping hot, the pies are ready.
8. Remove the baked hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before indulging in their deliciousness.
There you have it – frozen and baked mini cherry hand pies that taste just as delicious as fresh ones. They make for a perfect dessert, snack, or even a lunchbox treat. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions for Cherry Hand Pies
While cherry hand pies are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different fillings and toppings to create unique flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Peach Filling: Instead of cherry pie filling, try using peach filling for a summery twist. The sweet and juicy peaches will add a delightful burst of flavor to your homemade hand pies.
- Blueberry Filling: If you’re a fan of blueberries, swap out the cherry filling for blueberry pie filling. The juicy blueberries will provide a tart and tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the buttery crust.
- Raspberry Filling: For a vibrant and slightly tart filling, consider using raspberry pie filling. The bright red raspberries will add a burst of color and a refreshing taste to your hand pies.
- Apple Filling: If you prefer a classic flavor, you can’t go wrong with homemade apple filling. The combination of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and buttery crust will make for a comforting and delicious treat.
If you want to get even more creative, you can experiment with different toppings and crust variations:
- Powdered Sugar Glaze: If you’re not a fan of the coarse sugar topping, you can leave it off and drizzle the pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead. This will add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch to your homemade cherry hand pies.
- Streusel Topping: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling a buttery streusel topping over the cherry filling before sealing the pies. The combination of crunchy streusel and luscious cherry filling will take your hand pies to the next level.
- Almond Crumble: If you love the nutty flavor of almonds, try incorporating it into your hand pies by sprinkling an almond crumble on top of the cherry filling. The toasted almonds will add a delicious crunch and a hint of richness.
Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and come up with your own variations and substitutions for these delightful handheld treats. After all, the joy of baking is in the creativity and exploration of flavors. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your delicious cherry hand pies!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cherry Hand Pies
To ensure the best results when making cherry hand pies, follow these simple tips:
- Use a pre-made refrigerated pie crust: Opting for a pre-made crust saves time and effort, making the process of creating homemade cherry hand pies even easier.
- Roll out the pie crust to the right thickness: Be sure to roll out the pie crust to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking and a flaky texture.
- Seal the edges of the pies well: Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges of the hand pies tightly. This will help prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Cut slits on the top to allow steam to escape: Before baking, make a few small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent the pies from becoming overly soggy.
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of flaky crust and delicious cherry filling in your homemade cherry hand pies. Now, let’s move on to the next step: oven and air fryer instructions for baking hand pies.
Oven and Air Fryer Instructions for Baking Hand Pies
If you prefer to bake the hand pies instead of frying them, you can easily do so in the oven. Simply place the assembled hand pies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
If you have an air fryer, you can also cook the hand pies in it for a quick and crispy result. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the hand pies in batches for 6-8 minutes.
Now that you have the tips for making the perfect cherry hand pies and the instructions for baking them in the oven or air fryer, you’re ready to create a batch of these delectable treats. In the next section, we’ll explore storage and serving suggestions for cherry hand pies.
Oven and Air Fryer Instructions for Baking Hand Pies
If you prefer to bake the hand pies instead of frying them, you can easily do so in the oven. Simply follow these instructions:
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the assembled hand pies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake the hand pies for 15-17 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions:
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to cook the hand pies for a quick and crispy result. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Place the assembled hand pies in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Cook the hand pies in batches for 6-8 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden.
- Remove the hand pies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your specific oven or air fryer. Keep an eye on the hand pies to ensure they don’t burn.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Cherry Hand Pies
After making these delectable mini cherry hand pies, you may find yourself wondering how to store them and serve them for maximum enjoyment. Fortunately, we have some suggestions that will ensure your homemade cherry hand pies stay fresh and flavorful.
Once your cherry hand pies have cooled completely, you can store them at room temperature for 2-3 days. Simply place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This way, you can enjoy them throughout the week whenever the craving strikes.
If you happen to have leftover cherry hand pies, don’t fret! You can freeze them for later indulgence. Just place the pies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
When it comes to serving these delightful homemade cherry hand pies, the options are endless. Whether you prefer them warm or chilled, these handheld treats are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. They make a wonderful addition to picnics, parties, or any occasion where you want to treat your taste buds to a burst of cherry goodness.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make cherry hand pies?
To make cherry hand pies, you’ll need a pre-made refrigerated pie crust, homemade cherry pie filling, and an egg wash for brushing the crust. You’ll also need a rolling pin, a sharp paring knife or biscuit cutter, and a fork for crimping the edges of the pies.
How do I make cherry hand pies?
Start by rolling out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cutting it into circles or rectangles. Spoon the cherry pie filling onto each piece of dough, fold it in half, and use a fork to crimp the edges closed. Cut slits on the top of each pie, brush with an egg wash, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Can I freeze cherry hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze cherry hand pies for later enjoyment. Assemble the pies as directed, but don’t brush them with egg wash. Place the assembled pies on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Bake frozen pies at 400°F for 20-25 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I use different fillings and toppings for cherry hand pies?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is classic, you can experiment with other fillings like peach or blueberry. You can also customize the toppings by leaving off the coarse sugar or drizzling the pies with a powdered sugar glaze. Get creative and try your own variations and substitutions.
What tips can you share for making the perfect cherry hand pies?
Use a pre-made refrigerated pie crust for convenience, roll out the crust to the right thickness, seal the edges of the pies well with a fork, and cut slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking. These tips will help you achieve flaky and delicious cherry hand pies every time.
Can I bake cherry hand pies instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake cherry hand pies in the oven. Simply assemble the hand pies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-17 minutes until golden brown. If you have an air fryer, you can also cook them in it at 360°F for 6-8 minutes for a quick and crispy result.
How should I store cherry hand pies?
Cherry hand pies can be stored at room temperature, covered, for 2-3 days. If you have leftover pies, you can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Serve the hand pies warm or cold, on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a perfect treat for picnics, parties, and any occasion.
