Description
Heart-Shaped Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful treat with a buttery, flaky crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling. Perfect for any occasion, these hand pies are fun, portable, and full of love.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4–6 tablespoons ice water
- For the cherry filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- For the egg wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the cherry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Repeat with the second disc.
- Assemble the hand pies: Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of one dough heart. Top with another dough heart and press edges together gently. Crimp with a fork to seal and cut a small slit on top for steam.
- Apply the egg wash: Mix egg and water in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash.
- Bake the pies: Place hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Unbaked hand pies can be frozen before egg-washing for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes.
- For a different fruit filling, you can substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg