Introduction

These Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, they combine the comfort of homemade pie with the convenience of a handheld snack. They’re fun to make and even better to share.

The image shows a pile of small hand pies shaped like Christmas trees, stacked on a white plate. Each pie has a golden brown crust with a slightly cracked, sugary texture on top. Three diagonal slits in each pie reveal a bright red fruit filling, giving a contrast of red and golden colors. The edges of the pies are pressed and crimped neatly, showing a ridged pattern. The background has a white marbled texture, and part of a red and black checkered cloth is visible beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 boxes refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts each box)
1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces)

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water

Coarse sanding sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Thaw the refrigerated pie crusts according to package directions.

Step 2: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and water to create an egg wash, then set it aside.
Step 3: Roll out one thawed pie crust using a rolling pin, smoothing out any cracks or holes. Aim for a thickness between ¼ inch and ⅛ inch.
Step 4: Use a 3-4 inch holiday tree cookie cutter to cut out about 7 tree shapes from the crust. Save the excess dough. Repeat this process with all remaining pie crusts.

Step 5: Combine all saved excess dough, roll it out to the same thickness, and cut out the remaining hand pies.
Step 6: Place the tree-shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each tree. Brush the area around the filling with the egg wash.
Step 7: Gently place another tree-shaped crust on top of each filled crust. Starting at the trunk, press the edges together carefully, avoiding the filling.

Step 8: Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges tightly around each hand pie. Make a few small slits in the top crust with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
Step 9: Brush the top of each pie with the remaining egg wash. If you like, sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies turn golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a festive twist, try using different cookie cutter shapes like stars or hearts instead of trees.
Make sure the edges are sealed well to prevent the cherry filling from leaking during baking.
Use fresh or frozen cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and lemon juice if you prefer homemade filling.

Brush the tops with a little milk instead of egg wash for a vegetarian option, though the color may be less glossy.

Storage

Store leftover cherry hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350-degree F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden brown hand pies shaped like Christmas trees and leaves. Each hand pie has three slits on top where a glossy red filling is visible, giving a hint of the sweet inside. The crust looks flaky and sprinkled with coarse sugar that sparkles under the light. The edges of each hand pie are crimped, giving a textured border all around. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some soft focus holiday decorations in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

You can substitute other fruit pie fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach. Just make sure the filling is thick enough so it doesn’t leak during baking.