Cherry Hand Pies From Scratch

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Hi Bold Bakers!

There’s an unfair bias when it comes to pies, and I think people are seriously missing out! 

Pies are a popular dessert around the holidays — some Americans can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without a pumpkin or pecan pie. But they’re missing an entire season’s worth of delicious fruit and veggies to pack into some pie crust and enjoy.

Just like pumpkin pie tastes like a bite of fall, a good cherry pie tastes like a mouthful of summer and cherry hand pies are perfect for the busy hustle and bustle, or lazy heat-filled days, of summer. 

Everything you love about a classic cherry pie is in this homemade Cherry Hand Pie recipe — sweet, juicy cherries all wrapped up in a little pie crust for a lovely, portable treat. You can bring them to picnics, make them for brunch, or serve them as a dessert at a backyard BBQ!

What Are Cherry Hand Pies?

Cherry hand pies are just a classic cherry pie in a handheld form! It’s great for when you’re hosting a socially distant BBQ or if you have young ones who might bicker over which slice is the biggest. I find that they’re easier to serve, and a bonus is you get even more of that delicious, crispy pie crust to balance out the sweetness of the cherry pie filling. 

What You Need To Make Cherry Hand Pies

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Two baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls

How To Make Cherry Hand Pies

If you aren’t ready to try your hand at a traditional cherry pie (You should be! It’s easier than you think!), then cherry hand pies won’t only give you some baking confidence, they’ll give you a delicious treat you’ll turn to again and again. And don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below:

1. First, make the filling. In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine your sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened.
2. Remove this from the heat and stir in your pitted and halved cherries. Set aside to cool.
3. As the filling cools, roll out your pie crusts and cut them into 5-inch (12.5 cm) circles.
4. Spoon a small amount of the cherry filling into the center of your cut out crust. Moisten the edge with egg wash and fold over to create a half-moon shape. Press down with your fingers or use a fork to seal.
5. Place your assembled pies onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
6. When you are ready to bake, cut a few slits into the top of the crusts of the pies and brush with the egg wash. 
7. Bake the pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
8. As the pies are baking, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until blended. It should be pourable, but thick — if it is too thick, add more milk.
9. Remove the pies from the oven, let them cool, and pour the glaze over them, which will create a beautiful “shell.”

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Making Cherry Hand Pies

• Don’t fret if your pie crust cracks when you are trying to fold it into a half-moon shape. Instead, try cutting the circles in half, spooning the filling on the bottom, and then sealing the top all around.
• Let your filling cool completely before trying to assemble the pies; otherwise, the crust may become too soft to handle. 
• Allow your pies to cool before pouring the glaze on so it sticks properly to the crust. 
• Defrosted frozen cherries work just as well as fresh in this recipe, but be sure to drain the juice released after defrosting!
• Make my pie crust for these or use store-bought.
• Your pie filling can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can use it in these hand pies, a full cherry pie, or in a crumble!

How To Store Cherry Hand Pies

These cherry hand pies can be stored, loosely covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days. Help them taste fresh from the oven by popping them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes!

Make More Pie!

• The Only Blueberry Pie Recipe You Need
• Classic Cherry Pie
• How to Make Pie Crust
• Flakiest Gluten-Free Pie Crust

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Full (and printable) recipe below!

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Apple Blueberry and Vanilla Bean Galette Recipe

Flaky Sour Cream Pie Crust Recipe

Pâte Sucrée Recipe (French Sweet Shortcrust Pastry)