Introduction
Indulging in homemade treats doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. These delightful cherry hand pies are quick to prepare and equally satisfying. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these hand pies are filled with luscious cherry pie filling and encased in a flaky crust. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 box (14 oz.) premade pie crust dough
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Sugar for sprinkling
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
12 hand pies
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Using a 4-inch star cookie cutter, cut out 6 stars from each pie crust.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the center of half of the stars.
4. Moisten the edges of the filled stars with water using your fingertips.
5. Place the remaining dough stars over the filled ones, aligning the edges.
6. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
7. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
8. Lightly coat the top of each pie with the egg mixture using a brush or your fingers.
9. Sprinkle sugar over the tops.
10. Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Allow the hand pies to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
These cherry hand pies are sure to bring a smile to your face and make your kitchen smell delightful. Enjoy the process of creation as much as the delicious results!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to create a perfectly baked crust.
Step 2: Cut Out the Stars
Using a 4-inch star cookie cutter, cut out a total of 12 stars from the premade pie crust dough.
Step 3: Fill the Stars
Take half of the star cutouts (6 stars) and spoon about 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each.
Step 4: Moisten the Edges
Using your fingertips, moisten the edges of each filled star with a bit of water. This helps to seal the pies.
Step 5: Cover the Filling
Carefully place the remaining 6 star cutouts over the top of the filled stars, making sure to align the edges.
Step 6: Seal the Pies
Press the edges of the stars together firmly to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Step 7: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat together one egg and 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.
Step 8: Apply the Egg Wash
Lightly brush the top of each pie with the egg mixture using a pastry brush or your fingers to give them a nice golden color when baked.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Sugar
Sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the tops of the pies for added sweetness and texture.
Step 10: Bake
Place the prepared pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 11: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the hand pies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
Notes
Note 1
Ensure the pie crust is chilled before use for best results in texture.
Note 2
Feel free to substitute cherry filling with other fruit fillings based on your preference.
Note 3
Be cautious not to overfill the stars, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
Note 4
If the edges aren’t sealing properly, a little extra water can help them adhere better.
Note 5
These pies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure the oven is preheated to 425°F before baking the hand pies. This step is crucial for achieving a golden and flaky crust.
Using a Cookie Cutter
Utilize a 4-inch star cookie cutter to create fun shapes from the pie crust. Press down firmly to cut through the dough, and gently remove the stars.
Filling the Dough
Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the center of half of the cut stars. Avoid overfilling to ensure the edges can seal properly.
Moistening the Edges
Dab water along the edges of the filled stars using your fingertips. This moisture helps the dough to stick together when sealing.
Sealing the Pies
Carefully place the remaining stars on top of the filled ones, making sure to align the edges. Press down gently and crimp with a fork to create a secure seal.
Egg Wash Application
In a small bowl, combine an egg with a tablespoon of water. Use a brush or your fingers to apply a light coat of this mixture to the tops of the pies for a shiny finish.
Sugar Sprinkling
Sprinkle sugar lightly over the tops of the hand pies before baking. This adds texture and a touch of sweetness to the finished product.
Baking the Pies
Place the prepared pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach a golden brown color.
Cooling the Pies
After baking, allow the hand pies to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
FAQ
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of premade?
Yes, you can use homemade pie crust if you prefer, but ensure it is rolled out to a suitable thickness for cutting and filling.
What can I substitute for cherry pie filling?
You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as apple, blueberry, or mixed berries.
How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?
The hand pies are done when they are golden brown on top. Check for a crispy texture as well.
Can I make these hand pies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies in advance. Assemble them and refrigerate until you are ready to bake, or freeze them for longer storage.
What should I serve with cherry hand pies?
Cherry hand pies pair well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
These cherry hand pies are a delightful treat that combines the buttery goodness of pie crust with sweet, tangy cherry filling. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress friends and family with their charming presentation and delicious flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peach Hand Pies
Substitute the cherry pie filling with peach pie filling for a sweet and summery twist.
Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies
Use apple pie filling and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a comforting fall favorite.
Chocolate Hazelnut Hand Pies
Fill the crusts with chocolate hazelnut spread for an indulgent dessert.
Mixed Berry Hand Pies
Combine different berry fillings like blueberries and strawberries for a colorful and fruity treat.
Coconut Cream Hand Pies
Use coconut cream filling and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
Lemon Cream Hand Pies
Fill the crust with lemon curd for a zesty and refreshing dessert option.
Almond Cherry Hand Pies
Add a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling for a gourmet taste.
Nutella Banana Hand Pies
Spread Nutella and add thinly sliced bananas before sealing for a delicious combination.
