Irresistibly Flaky Sour Cherry Hand Pies Recipe

Crafting delightful sour cherry hand pies brings pure magic to your kitchen adventure.

Summer’s sweetest treasures peek from buttery pastry folds.

Compact and portable, these little pastries pack intense fruity flavor into every bite.

Small pockets of tart cherries mingle with delicate, flaky crusts that crumble perfectly.

Each hand pie promises a personal dessert experience bursting with homemade charm.

Precision matters when creating these miniature treats, so gather your ingredients with care.

Baking these pies will transport you to a world of pure culinary joy.

Ingredient List for Sour Cherry Hand Pies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the pie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the pastry.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky texture with rich, buttery taste.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking.

• Sour Cherries: Tangy core ingredient with bright, fruity flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart cherry taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling and prevents runny texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cherry mixture.

• Egg: Creates golden, shiny surface for the hand pies.
• Milk: Helps egg wash adhere and creates glossy finish.
• Coarse Sugar: Provides crunch and decorative sparkle on top.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional sweet glaze for extra indulgence.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for optional frying method to create crispy exterior.

How to Bake Hand Pies with Tangy Cherry Filling

Step 1: Prepare Magical Pie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Slice cold butter into tiny pieces and work into flour mixture using fingertips until it looks like coarse sand. Gradually add ice water, blending until dough forms soft clumps. Divide dough into two round discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for half an hour.

Step 2: Create Luscious Cherry Filling

• Fresh sour cherries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. After 5 minutes, cherries will release beautiful ruby juices. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into cherry mixture. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, fold in vanilla extract, and let cool completely.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Hand Pies

Dust work surface with flour. Roll chilled dough to thin consistency. Cut into circles or rectangles using round cutter or knife. Chill cut shapes for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Tasty Pockets

Place cherry filling in center of dough pieces. Brush edges with egg wash. Fold and seal edges using fork tines. Cut small venting slits on top. Brush with additional egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Step 5: Baking Brilliance

Preheat oven to 375F. Bake pies for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Variation

Heat oil to 350F. Carefully fry pies 1-2 minutes per side until extra crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Let pies cool slightly. Optional: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze for ultimate decadence.

Tips for Golden Crust and Juicy Centers

• Butter Brilliance: Use truly cold butter for the flakiest, most tender pie crust. Cut butter into small cubes and freeze for 10 minutes before mixing to ensure maximum pastry perfection.
• Smart Sealing Strategy: When crimping pie edges with a fork, press firmly and evenly to prevent filling leakage during baking or frying. Ensure complete seal around the entire perimeter.
• Cherry Filling Control: Let the cherry mixture cool completely before adding to pie dough to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain structural integrity of your hand pies.
• Temperature Precision: Use a kitchen thermometer when frying to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, guaranteeing evenly golden and crispy exterior without burning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough elasticity and prevent crumbling during preparation.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Cherry Hand Pies

• Store hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated pies on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Warm hand pies at 350F for 3-4 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning. This method restores the original crispiness quickly.

Drinks and Dips That Pair Perfectly

• Select crisp white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complement the sour cherry's bright acidity and balance the pie's sweetness.
• Serve vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream alongside the hand pies to provide a smooth, cool contrast against the warm, crispy pastry.
• Brew chamomile or lavender tea to drink with the hand pies, which will highlight the delicate fruit flavors and add a subtle aromatic dimension to the dessert experience.
• Add a small glass of chilled limoncello as a digestif to echo the lemon juice used in the cherry filling and cleanse the palate with its zesty, refreshing profile.

Sour Cherry Pie Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Cherry Hand Pies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original texture and flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Hand Pies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based egg wash substitute like almond milk, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Hand Pies: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate fresh cherries with natural sweetness to minimize added sugars.
• Air Fryer Cherry Hand Pies: Cook pies in an air fryer at 360F for 8-10 minutes, creating a crispy exterior with less oil and faster preparation time.

FAQs About Hand Pies You Should Know

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork, don’t overfill the pies, and make sure to cut small venting slits to release steam during baking.

• Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance. Store the dough wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator and keep the filling in an airtight container.

• Is it necessary to fry the hand pies after baking?

No, it’s optional. You can either bake them until golden brown or fry them for a crispier texture. Choose the method you prefer or that suits your cooking style.

Why Sour Cherry Hand Pies Hit the Spot

• These miniature pies offer perfect single-serving portions that are easy to grab and enjoy anywhere without messy cutting or plating.
• Enjoy baking these hand pies in the oven for a traditional approach or try deep-frying for a crispy, golden exterior that adds delightful texture and crunch.
• Sour cherries provide a tangy-sweet balance that appeals to both kids and adults, making these hand pies an instant hit at gatherings, picnics, or casual dessert settings.
• With straightforward ingredients and basic kitchen skills, home cooks can effortlessly create these impressive pastries that look and taste like they're from a professional bakery.

Sour Cherry Hand Pies Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Buttery, flaky pastry hugs luscious sour cherry hand pies, inviting sweet-tart indulgence with each bite. Crisp edges and ruby-red filling promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons ice water
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate pastry dough by whisking flour, sugar, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs.
3. Gradually introduce ice water, blending carefully until the dough forms a cohesive mass.
4. Partition the dough into two equal portions, shape into flat discs, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up.
5. Prepare the cherry filling by combining cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Simmer the mixture, stirring intermittently, allowing cherries to release their natural juices for approximately 5 minutes.
7. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then fold into the cherry mixture to enhance thickness.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the filling reaches a luscious, jam-like consistency.
9. Remove from heat, infuse with vanilla extract, and allow the filling to cool completely.
10. Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface to a uniform thin layer.
11. Use a circular or rectangular cutter to shape precise dough portions, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
12. Briefly return the cut dough to the refrigerator to maintain its structure.
13. Delicately spoon cherry filling onto one half of each dough round, leaving a small border around the edges.
14. Brush the edges with an egg wash mixture to help seal the pies.
15. Carefully overlay a second dough round atop the filled portion, pressing edges with a fork to create a secure seal.
16. Craft small ventilation slits on the pie tops to allow steam escape.
17. Enhance the pies’ appearance by brushing with additional egg wash and sprinkling with coarse sugar.
18. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment.
19. Bake the hand pies until they transform into a golden, crisp delicacy, approximately 18-22 minutes.
20. Optionally, for an alternative preparation, heat oil to 350F (175C) and briefly fry the pies until achieving a crispy exterior.
21. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving, optionally drizzling with a delicate powdered sugar glaze for added indulgence.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to ensure flaky, tender pastry that separates into delicate layers when baked.
• Adjust cherry filling sweetness by tasting before adding sugar, allowing natural fruit tartness to shine through.
• Use frozen or fresh sour cherries interchangeably, thawing and draining frozen cherries completely to prevent excess moisture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar texture and structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg