Name: Cherry Hand Pies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Cherry hand pies are a delightful fusion of crisp, flaky pastry and juicy, luscious cherry filling. These charming little treats are perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Each bite reveals a delectable mix of tangy cherries and a hint of almond, beautifully wrapped in golden puff pastry. They’re not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic memory of childhood summers spent picking cherries and enjoying homemade desserts in the warm sun.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cherry Hand Pies

I first discovered this recipe during a cherry-picking adventure one summer. Armed with a basket and an insatiable appetite for sweets, I could hardly wait to get home and bake something special. Cherry hand pies quickly became a cherished favorite in our household. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, these hand pies are ideal for picnics, parties, or simply as an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe can be made in about 30 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweetness of the cherries is perfectly balanced with a hint of almond, creating a delightful taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their vibrant color and golden crust, these little pies are as pretty as they are delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adjust this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free puff pastry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 ounces fresh cherries: Sweet, juicy cherries are the star of this recipe. Look for ripe cherries that are firm and bright in color. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen ones work too, but drain excess juice before using.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and depth. You can substitute with granulated sugar if needed, though the flavor will differ slightly.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This enhances the cherry flavor and adds a lovely fragrance. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a more straightforward cherry taste.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the filling and balances the sweetness. Fresh juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the cherry filling, preventing it from becoming too runny. You can swap it with arrowroot powder if needed for a gluten-free option.
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted: Puff pastry creates that perfect flaky texture. Be sure to thaw it properly according to package instructions before using.
1 large egg yolk: This creates a beautiful golden crust when brushed on top before baking.
2 teaspoons heavy cream: Mixed with the egg yolk, it helps achieve that rich color and glossy finish.
Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top: A light dusting of sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and a slight crunch.

How to Make Cherry Hand Pies

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to a warm 400 degrees F to get things started. This heat will make your pies perfectly golden.
Prepare the cherries: Pit your cherries and chop them if necessary; you should end up with about 1 cup. In a bowl, mix them with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir until everything is well combined and set aside for a moment.
Roll out the pastry: Dust your counter with flour and unfold your puff pastry sheet. Lightly roll it out until it’s about 1/2 inch larger on all sides. Using a 6-inch round cutter, cut out 2 circles of dough. Carefully transfer these to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Fill the pies: Divide the cherry filling evenly and place it on one side of each dough circle, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edge.
Seal the edges: In a small bowl, beat together 1 large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream. Brush this mixture along the edge of the dough circles. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges securely to seal the pies. Make a few small slits on top for steam to escape and sprinkle granulated sugar over the surface.
Bake: Pop your hand pies into the oven and bake for 18-21 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t over-bake.
Cool down: Allow the pies to cool for about 10 minutes before indulging – hot cherry filling can surprise you with a gooey lava effect if you’re not careful!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cherry hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly after freezing, but a quick bake will help refresh them!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overfilling the pies to prevent leakage! It’s tempting, but too much filling can cause them to burst.
Ensure your puff pastry is chilled while you work; it helps maintain flakiness during baking.
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the cherry filling.
If your pastry starts to get too warm and sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Feel free to experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or strawberries, using the same basic method for filling.

Cherry hand pies are not just a dessert; they’re a fun activity that brings friends and family together. With your rolling pin in hand and cherry filling bubbling away, you can create a treat that elicits smiles with each bite. The combination of flavors and textures transforms an ordinary day into something special. Don’t hesitate to play around with the fillings or toppings to make this recipe your own. Grab those cherries, and let’s get baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent your pies from becoming soggy.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your hand pies and freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer – just add a few minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with cherry hand pies?

These delightful treats pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of cherry or almond-flavored ice cream to complement the filling.

Are there alternatives for the almond extract?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract or simply don’t have it on hand, you could substitute it with vanilla extract for a different yet equally delicious flavor.