Name: Cherry Hand Pies: Sweet and Tart Pockets of Summer Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Sour Cherries ((pitted or frozen)); ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar (adjust if using sweet cherries); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (for thickening); 1 batch Pie Dough (make from scratch); 1 large Egg (for egg wash)

The sound of sizzling pie crusts fills the air as I prepare to share one of my summer favorites: Cherry Hand Pies. These delightful, hand-held snacks are a perfect way to capture the juicy sweetness of cherries, either sour or sweet, wrapped in a flaky pastry that practically melts in your mouth. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a fantastic option for potlucks and outdoor gatherings, whether you’re pulling together a last-minute dessert or looking to dazzle your friends. Imagine the smiles when you serve these warm, golden treats at your next get-together! Are you ready to discover how to whip up this scrumptious delight? Let’s dive in!

Why are Cherry Hand Pies a Must-Try?

Handheld Delight: These Cherry Hand Pies are the ultimate summer treat, effortlessly combining sweet and tart flavors in a portable format. Versatile Fillings: You can easily switch it up with sweet cherries or even other fruits, like blueberries, to suit your taste. Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, these pies can be made in advance and frozen for a future craving. Quick to Prepare: With simple ingredients and an easy process, you’ll have delicious desserts ready in no time. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether at a picnic or a cozy dessert night, they’re sure to impress your friends and family just like my Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes or Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu!

Cherry Hand Pie Ingredients

For the Filling
• Sour Cherries – Use fresh (pitted) or frozen varieties like Montmorency or Morello for a perfect tart flavor; substitute with sweet cherries and add ⅓ cup of sugar.
• Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the cherry filling; adjust the amount if using sweeter varieties.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds acidity to balance the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your cherry hand pies.
• Cornstarch – This is essential for thickening the filling, ensuring that it sets beautifully when baked.

For the Dough
• Pie Dough – Make this from scratch for the flakiest crust, and remember to chill overnight for best results.

For the Glaze
• Egg Wash – Brush on the assembled pies for a golden finish; you can sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for an extra crunch that elevates your cherry hand pies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Hand Pies

Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by preparing your pie dough from scratch, ensuring all butter is very cold for optimal flakiness. After mixing and forming your dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This chilling time is crucial to achieve that coveted tender, flaky texture in your Cherry Hand Pies.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your pitted sour cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir gently and cook for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. Once done, transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely before assembling your hand pies.

Step 3: Roll Dough
Remove the chilled pie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier rolling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 4-inch circle cutter to create rounds for your Cherry Hand Pies; gather and reroll scraps as needed until all dough is used.

Step 4: Assemble Pies
Take one dough circle and spoon about ¼ cup of the cooled cherry filling onto its center. Gently place another dough circle on top, lining up the edges. Press gently to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure no filling escapes during baking. Don’t forget to poke a few holes in the top for steam to escape!

Step 5: Freeze (Optional)
If you aren’t baking the pies immediately, place the assembled Cherry Hand Pies on a lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This step helps to maintain the shape during baking and enhances the flaky crust. You can store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months if you want to save them for later.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while your Cherry Hand Pies are chilling. Once heated, arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish, then bake for 30-40 minutes or until they become beautifully golden brown. Adjust baking time as needed for frozen pies.

Cherry Hand Pies Variations & Substitutions

Get ready to play with flavors and textures in your Cherry Hand Pies that will delight your taste buds!

Sweet Cherry Swap: Use sweet cherries instead of sour; just reduce sugar to ⅓ cup for balance.
Berry Burst: Replace cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a refreshing twist; perfect for summer picnics!
Peachy Keen: Try diced peaches in place of cherries for a deliciously sweet alternative that’s just as delightful.
Nutty Flavor: Add a hint of almond extract to the filling for an aromatic depth that complements the fruit beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Utilize a gluten-free pie crust to make these hand pies accessible to everyone, without sacrificing taste.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the egg wash before baking to add a delightful crunchy texture.
Savory Switch: For a fun twist, try combining cherries with a hint of goat cheese for a sweet-savory showdown.
Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a surprising spicy kick, perfect for adventurous palates!

Feel free to explore these variations and create your own unique versions, just like when I whip up my Cherry Tomato Pasta in all sorts of delightful combinations!

Make Ahead Options

These Cherry Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade desserts without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cherry filling up to 7 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container after it cools completely. Additionally, you can make the pie dough and chill it overnight, ensuring it’s ready for assembly whenever you’re ready to bake. For those extra busy days, assemble the pies and freeze them for up to 3 months. When it’s time to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the frozen pies directly for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. This way, you’ll have freshly baked Cherry Hand Pies with minimal effort, just as delightful as if you made them from scratch that day!

Storage Tips for Cherry Hand Pies

Room Temperature: Store baked Cherry Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their flaky texture.

Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate baked pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but they may lose some crispiness.

Freezer: Unbaked Cherry Hand Pies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for easy access later.

Reheating: To reheat, bake thawed pies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm and crispy. Enjoy those delightful flavors again!

Expert Tips for Cherry Hand Pies

Cool Dough: Keep your pie dough chilled until ready to use; this prevents the fat from melting and keeps your crust wonderfully flaky.
Filling Amount: Avoid overfilling your pies; about ¼ cup of cherry filling per pie is perfect to ensure a secure seal and prevent leaks during baking.
Chill Before Baking: After assembling, chill your hand pies for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps create an even flakier crust.
Monitor Baking Time: Watch your pies closely as they bake; ovens may vary, and you want them perfectly golden brown without burning.
Storage Solutions: Store baked Cherry Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked ones for later use.

What to Serve with Cherry Hand Pies

Experience the joy of serving warm, sweet-tart Cherry Hand Pies alongside delightful pairings that enhance every bite.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness perfectly contrasts the tart cherry filling, making each bite indulgent and refreshing.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious touch that brings out the flavors of the cherries.
Greek Yogurt: Serve with a side of tangy Greek yogurt for a nutritious, tasty accompaniment that balances the sweetness.
Fresh Mint: Garnish with mint leaves to provide a burst of fresh fragrance, elevating the overall flavor profile of your dessert.
Lemonade: A glass of chilled lemonade with its bright acidity enhances the fruitiness of the hand pies, perfect for a summer gathering.
Sparkling Water: Offer a fizzy option with lemon or cherry-flavored sparkling water, keeping it light and refreshing.
Cherry Compote: Drizzle some cherry compote over your hand pies for an extra layer of cherry goodness that’s sure to impress.
Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a rich chocolate drizzle combines sweet and tart in a luxurious way that indulges any sweet tooth.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the hand pies and introduces varying textures for a balanced meal.

Cherry Hand Pies Recipe FAQs

What type of cherries should I use?
For the best flavor, I recommend using sour cherries like Montmorency or Morello, either fresh or frozen. If you prefer a sweeter taste, sweet cherries work perfectly as well; just remember to increase the sugar to about ⅓ cup to balance the tartness.

How long can I store baked Cherry Hand Pies?
Baked Cherry Hand Pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but be aware they may lose some of their delightful crispiness.

Can I freeze unbaked Cherry Hand Pies?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked Cherry Hand Pies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. Once they are set, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, and you can bake them directly from frozen – no need to thaw!

What should I do if my filling is too runny?
If your cherry filling turns out runny, don’t worry! You can fix this by simmering it on medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-10 minutes). If you’re looking for a quicker fix, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to help the filling set.

Is there a gluten-free option for the pie crust?
Yes, you can easily make these Cherry Hand Pies gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust. There are many store-bought options available, or you can prepare your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to follow the chilling instructions for the dough to maintain that heavenly flakiness!

Can I make the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the cherry filling up to 7 days ahead of time. After cooking it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge. Just be sure to cool it thoroughly to prevent condensation!