Description

Delight in these charming Cherry Hand Pies, perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. Featuring a luscious filling of fresh or frozen cherries thickened with cornstarch and brightened with lemon juice and vanilla, all encased in flaky pie crust. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a crunchy sugar sprinkle, these hand pies are easy to make and ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cherry Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pie Crust:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted and chopped cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Pie Crusts: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pie crusts. Use a round cutter or a cup to cut out 4 to 6 circles, depending on your preferred size for the hand pies.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges to add a decorative touch and reinforce the seal.
Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for added texture and sweetness. Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set the filling before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute the egg wash with a mixture of maple syrup and water or milk alternatives.
Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, but frozen cherries work well too—just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup.
Hand pies can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in a warm oven before serving for a fresh taste.
For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated baking stone or steel if available.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American