Cherry Hand Pies: A Delightful Portable Treat
Cherry Hand Pies are the epitome of personal pie goodness! With their flaky pie crust and sweet cherry filling, these hand pies bring the joy of a traditional pie into a convenient, portable form. Whether you are looking for a delightful dessert to bring to a picnic, a quick snack, or a special treat for your loved ones, Cherry Hand Pies are the perfect choice. This detailed guide will take you through the steps to create these delicious hand pies, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather all the necessary equipment:
- Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Baking Sheets: These make cleanup a breeze and prevent the pies from sticking.
- Nordic Ware Aluminum Half Sheet Pans: Durable and reliable, these pans ensure even baking.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pie crust for a 9-inch double-crust pie: You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust. If you’re using store-bought, look for one that is high-quality to ensure the best results.
- 2 cups of homemade cherry pie filling: Homemade cherry pie filling adds a personal touch and ensures the freshest flavor.
- Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar: This adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to the tops of the pies.
For the egg wash:
- 1 large egg: Helps give the pies a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon of water: This helps thin out the egg, making it easier to brush on the pies.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures that your pies won’t stick to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to a 12×20-inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 rectangles, each about 5×6 inches. Alternatively, you can cut the dough into 8 circles, each 5 inches in diameter. The choice of shape is up to you and can add a unique touch to your hand pies.
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Place about 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling in the center of each piece of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst open while baking. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash. This step is crucial as it helps seal the pies and prevents the filling from leaking out.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
If you cut the dough into rectangles, fold each piece so that the short ends meet, creating a 5×3-inch packet. For circular dough, fold in half to create a semi-circle. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough, sealing the filling inside securely. The crimped edges give the pies a charming, rustic look.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Carefully place the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 slits into the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from becoming soggy. Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse sugar or turbinado sugar. This adds a delightful crunch and a bit of sparkle to the finished pies.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Allow the pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This cooling period helps the pies set and makes them easier to handle.
How to Freeze Cherry Hand Pies
One of the great things about Cherry Hand Pies is that they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for future enjoyment.
Step 1: Assemble the Pies
Follow the instructions for assembling the pies, but do not brush them with the egg wash.
Step 2: Freeze
Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut 3 slits into the top of each pie, then place the baking sheet in the freezer. Freeze until the pies are solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step 3: Bake from Frozen
When you are ready to bake the frozen pies, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen pies on a lined baking sheet. You can optionally brush them with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Hand Pies
- Use a quality pie crust: Whether homemade or store-bought, the quality of your pie crust will significantly impact the final product.
- Don’t overfill: Overfilling can cause the pies to burst open during baking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per pie.
- Seal well: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Bake until golden: Keep an eye on the pies and bake until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Variations
While cherry is a classic choice, you can experiment with different fillings for your hand pies:
- Apple: Use homemade or store-bought apple pie filling.
- Blueberry: Fresh or frozen blueberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch make a delicious filling.
- Peach: Fresh peaches or canned peach pie filling can be used for a summery twist.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They are perfect for picnics, parties, or as a sweet snack any time of the day.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your Cherry Hand Pies can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.003g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Potassium: 90mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0.02g
- Vitamin A: 151 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 14mg
- Iron: 1mg
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling Recipe
For those who prefer making everything from scratch, here’s a simple recipe for homemade cherry pie filling:
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain the excess liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to mix.
- Cook the Filling: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken and bubble. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.
- Cool the Filling: Allow the cherry filling to cool completely before using it in the hand pies. This ensures that the filling is set and will not make the crust soggy.
Making Your Own Pie Crust
If you’re up for the challenge, making your own pie crust can add a personal touch to your Cherry Hand Pies. Here’s a basic recipe for a homemade pie crust:
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
- Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to the desired thickness and cut into the shapes needed for your hand pies.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even with a straightforward recipe, you might encounter some challenges. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help ensure success:
- Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Alternatively, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and rolling pin.
- Filling Leaks: If the filling is leaking out during baking, ensure that the edges are well-sealed and that the steam vents are adequately cut.
- Burnt Edges: If the edges of your hand pies are browning too quickly, cover them with a strip of aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Presentation can make your Cherry Hand Pies even more appealing. Here are some ideas:
- Decorative Crust: Use small cookie cutters to cut shapes from extra pie dough and place them on top of the hand pies before baking.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled hand pies for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the hand pies lightly with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Perfect Pairings
Cherry Hand Pies are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated with the right pairings:
- Ice Cream: Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich pie.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your hand pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Hand Pies are a versatile and delightful dessert that is sure to please any crowd. Their portable size makes them perfect for picnics, parties, and lunchboxes. With a flaky crust and a sweet, tangy cherry filling, these hand pies offer a burst of flavor in every bite. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create hand pies that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
Whether you stick to the classic cherry filling or experiment with other fruits, Cherry Hand Pies are a wonderful way to bring the joy of homemade pie to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, roll out that dough, and start baking these delightful treats today! Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy the delicious results.
