If you have a soft spot for delightful, handheld desserts that pack a punch of sweet and tart goodness, you are absolutely going to love this Mini Cherry Pies Recipe. These charming little pies feature a perfectly flaky crust enveloping a vibrant cherry filling that’s bursting with flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering, a cozy family dessert, or simply craving something special, this recipe is an irresistible way to showcase cherries in a fun and approachable fashion. Let’s dive in and make these adorable mini pies that taste like a slice of happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a glass filled with water arranged on a white marbled surface. In the three largest bowls at the back, there are white flour, cubed pale yellow butter, and a bright glass of water. Moving forward, there is a bowl filled with shiny dark red cherries, next to it a smaller bowl with fine white salt. In front, there is a medium bowl holding a raw yellow egg yolk with clear egg white around it, a bowl with white sugar, and a small one with coarse white salt. On the left side, there is a yellow liquid in a small glass and in the front row, three tiny bowls contain light brown cinnamon, dark amber vanilla extract, and a reddish-brown spice, all placed on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Mini Cherry Pies Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appeal. Each item plays its part to create a harmonious bite – from the flaky crust to the luscious filling.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the pie crust.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that flaky, rich texture in the crust.
4–6 tablespoons ice water: Ensures the dough binds just right without losing its flakiness.
2 cups cherry pie filling: Fresh or canned cherries add that juicy, vibrant center.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling to your liking.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the cherry juice so the filling isn’t runny.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor profile.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings brightness that balances the cherries’ natural sweetness.
1 large egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, glossy crust.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle hint of spice that complements the cherries wonderfully.
¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Amplifies the cherry flavor beautifully for an extra-special touch.

How to Make Mini Cherry Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water a tablespoon at a time, stirring gently, until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the crust tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest and chill—it makes rolling out easier and helps the crust hold its shape.

Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling

In a second bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and the optional cinnamon and almond extract. Stir everything until well mixed and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to thicken slightly, which is key for that perfect consistency inside your mini pies.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough and Shape Mini Pies

Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter slightly larger than your muffin tin cavities to cut circles. Carefully place these dough rounds into the muffin tin cups to form the pie shells. The chilled dough helps maintain the edges, so don’t worry if they crack a little—they’ll come together with the lattice top.

Step 4: Fill and Top the Pies

Fill each dough-lined cup with a generous spoonful of the cherry filling. Roll out more dough to cut strips for the lattice tops, then artfully weave these strips over each filled pie. The lattice not only looks charming but allows steam to escape as the pies bake. Trim any excess dough around the edges so your mini pies are neat and tidy.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk the egg and lightly brush it over the lattice tops and edges of the crust. This step is essential for that golden, glossy finish that makes these pies look irresistible. Use a sharp knife to cut tiny vents in the lattice, which helps prevent sogginess. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and the filling bubbles gently.

Step 6: Cool and Remove from Pan

Allow the pies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set the filling and make removal easier. Then transfer each mini pie to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures each bite is clean and the filling is perfectly set, so your Mini Cherry Pies Recipe delivers a satisfying texture.

How to Serve Mini Cherry Pies Recipe

Three small pies are shown on a metal cooling rack set over a white marbled surface. Each pie has a golden brown crust with a crimped edge and a lattice pattern on top, showing a deep red filling of fruit inside. The crust is shiny, with a sprinkled sugar texture adding a slight sparkle. The pies look freshly baked, with a warm and inviting color contrast between the crust and the jammy fruit filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your mini cherry pies, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tart filling, making each bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Mini cherry pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy yogurt parfait. For a brunch or tea party vibe, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a sparkling rosé to complement the cherries’ brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini pies on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching centerpiece, or place them in small, decorative paper cups for individual servings. Adding edible flowers or festive sprinkles around the display can turn your Mini Cherry Pies Recipe into a celebration-ready treat that everyone will admire before tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store mini cherry pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping them covered prevents the crust from drying out while preserving that delightful filling texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these pies before or after baking. For unbaked pies, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Baked pies freeze well too—just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping to avoid condensation. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your pies warm, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the crust regains its flakiness and the filling is warm. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that signature crisp crust and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries for this Mini Cherry Pies Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully—you’ll just need to pit and chop them, then cook down slightly with sugar and cornstarch to achieve the right filling consistency.

Is it okay to substitute store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using store-bought pie dough can save you time while still producing delicious mini cherry pies, especially if you’re short on prep time or new to making pie crust from scratch.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to roll out?

Chill the dough longer and dust your workspace and rolling pin lightly with flour. Keeping the dough cold is key to a smooth rolling process.

How do I prevent the cherry filling from bubbling over during baking?

Make sure to cut small vents in the lattice top to allow steam to escape, and don’t overfill the pies. The cornstarch in the filling also helps keep it thick and contained.

Can I make these mini pies gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough texture since gluten-free dough may behave differently and might need a bit more water or chilling.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Mini Cherry Pies Recipe becomes one of your go-to desserts when you want something charming, delicious, and perfectly portioned. They’re fun to make, delightful to share, and simply irresistible to eat. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every step of making these mini bursts of cherry goodness that will brighten any table or celebration!