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Cherry Hand Pies

A classic American dessert with a sweet-tart cherry filling encased in a buttery, flaky crust. These handheld treats are perfect for picnics, snacks, or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes (baking) / 35-40 minutes (frying)
  • Yield: 8-12 hand pies (depends on size)

Ingredients

  • Pie Crust:
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
    • 1/2 cup ice water, plus more if needed
  • Cherry Filling:
    • 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness of cherries)
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • Pinch of salt
  • Other:
    • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
    • Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until pea-sized pieces form. Add water gradually, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide in half, form disks, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened and bubbly (about 5 minutes). Cool completely.

  3. Assemble: Roll out dough on a floured surface (1/8 inch thickness). Cut into circles or rectangles. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of half the dough pieces. Brush edges with egg wash. Fold over, seal, and crimp edges with a fork. Cut vent slits.

  4. Bake or Fry:

    • Baking: Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar (if desired). Bake in a 400°F (200°C) preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden.
    • Frying: Heat oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Notes

  • Fresh or frozen cherries work, adjust sugar levels accordingly.
  • For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the filling.
  • Play with spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of almond extract add warmth and complexity.
  • Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.
  • To make a vegan version, use a vegan pie crust recipe and ensure your filling doesn’t contain any animal-based products (some sugars are processed with bone char).
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) / 2-3 minutes per side (frying)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking or Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hand pie
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg