Cherry Hand Pies are sweet, flaky pastries filled with a rich homemade cherry filling and baked until golden brown. These handheld mini pies are made with buttery pie crust and juicy cherries, creating a comforting dessert that is easy to enjoy anytime.
They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, brunch, or even as a quick snack with coffee or tea. The crisp crust and warm fruity center make every bite taste cozy and homemade.
Many home bakers love them because they are simple to prepare and easy to serve at parties or holidays. Cherry Hand Pies are a classic fruit dessert that combines buttery pastry with sweet cherry flavor in the most delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Hand Pies Recipe?
- Easy to make with refrigerated pie crusts
- Sweet cherry filling with a flaky buttery crust
- Perfect handheld dessert for parties or lunch boxes
- Beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients
- Delicious warm or cold
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
Recipe Overview
Cherry Hand Pies are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet homemade cherry filling and baked until perfectly golden. These handheld desserts are simple to make, easy to serve, and perfect for beginners who love classic fruit pies without the extra work.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert, Snack
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Calories: Approximately 290 calories per serving
- Yield: 8 hand pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Add the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently while the cherries release their juices. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut circles about 4 to 5 inches wide.
Step 3: Fill the Hand Pies
Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of cherry filling into the center of each circle. Leave space around the edges so the filling does not leak out.
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Add Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and milk or water in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and flaky. Let the Cherry Hand Pies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving because the filling will be very hot.
Pro Tips for This Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
🟢Cool the cherry filling before adding it to the crust to prevent soggy dough.
🟢Do not overfill the pies or the filling may leak while baking.
🟢Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
🟢Crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal in the filling.
🟢Frozen cherries work great when fresh cherries are out of season.
Variations For This Cherry Hand Pies Recipe
1. Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies
Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a rich dessert twist.
2. Cream Cheese Cherry Hand Pies
Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese inside before adding the cherries.
3. Mixed Berry Hand Pies
Replace half the cherries with blueberries or raspberries.
4.Glazed Hand Pies
Drizzle cooled pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Hand Pies taste amazing served:
1. Warm with vanilla ice cream
2. With hot coffee or tea
3. As a brunch pastry
4. Packed in lunch boxes
5. On dessert trays for parties and holidays
Storage & Reheating
1. Storage
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing
Freeze baked pies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating
Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds.
FAQs About Cherry Hand Pies
Can I Use Canned Cherry Pie Filling?
Yes, canned filling works well if you want a quicker option
Can I Make Cherry Hand Pies Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble them a day in advance before baking.
Why Did My Filling Leak Out?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges tightly can cause leaks.
Can I Air Fry These Hand Pies?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
Do I Have To Use Almond Extract?
No, it is optional, but it adds a classic bakery-style flavor.
Conclusion
These Cherry Hand Pies are flaky, buttery, and filled with sweet homemade cherry goodness that makes every bite feel comforting and homemade.
They are easy enough for beginner bakers but delicious enough to impress guests at brunch, holidays, or family gatherings. Whether served warm with ice cream or packed as a sweet snack, these Cherry Hand Pies are a simple dessert recipe you will want to make again and again.
Cherry Hand Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Add the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently while the cherries release their juices. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut circles about 4 to 5 inches wide.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of cherry filling into the center of each circle. Leave space around the edges so the filling does not leak out.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Whisk together the egg and milk or water in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and sweetness. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and flaky. Let the Cherry Hand Pies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving because the filling will be very hot.
