Cherry Hand Pies Recipe

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Cherry Hand Pies Recipe

Cherry hand pies are one of those delightful treats that remind me of my childhood. I remember my grandmother making these sweet little pastries during cherry season, and the smell would fill the entire house. The combination of flaky crust and sweet cherry filling was simply irresistible. Today, I want to share my favorite Cherry Hand Pies Recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Hand Pies

Cherry hand pies are perfect for any occasion. They are portable, easy to make, and a great way to enjoy fresh cherries. Whether you want a sweet snack, a dessert for a gathering, or a treat for a picnic, these hand pies fit the bill. Plus, they are a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cherry Hand Pies

To make these delicious hand pies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

Pie Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Cherry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Making cherry hand pies is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to coat the cherries.
  2. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to thicken.

3: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should get about 8 circles from one disk.

4: Assemble the Hand Pies

  1. Place a tablespoon of cherry filling in the center of each dough circle.
  2. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra seal.
  3. Repeat with the second disk of dough.

5: Bake the Hand Pies

  1. Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown.

6: Cool

  1. Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.
  2. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Cherry Hand Pies

Making cherry hand pies can be easy, but a few tips can help you achieve the best results.

  • Use Fresh Cherries: If possible, use fresh cherries when they are in season. They have the best flavor and texture.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps keep the butter cold, which results in a flakier crust.
  • Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pies. Too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a different flavor profile.

Serving

Cherry hand pies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them in various ways:

  • With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a delightful dessert.
  • With Whipped Cream: Top them with whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness.
  • With a Drizzle of Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk to create a glaze and drizzle it over the cooled pies.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), here’s how to store them:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze unbaked hand pies. Just assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations

While cherry hand pies are fantastic, you can mix things up with different flavors and fillings:

  • Mixed Berry: Combine cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry filling.
  • Chocolate Cherry: Add chocolate chips to the cherry filling for a delicious twist.
  • Peach Cherry: Mix fresh peaches with cherries for a summer-inspired pie.

Enjoying Your Cherry Hand Pies Recipe

Cherry hand pies hold a special place in my heart. They are a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and summer days. I hope you find joy in making these delightful pastries. They are sure to become a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine.