Cherry Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love cherry pie but are looking for something more bite-sized, these hand pies are the answer. The crisp, golden-brown crust pairs perfectly with the tangy-sweet cherry filling, while the almond glaze adds a lovely finishing touch. Plus, they can be fried, baked in the oven, or made in an air fryer for extra convenience.

Ingredients

• 1 homemade pie crust (or 2 boxes store-bought)

• 2 ⅓ cups (595 g) cherry pie filling, homemade or 1 can (21 ounces) store-bought

• Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Glaze:

• 6 cups (750 g) confectioners' sugar

• 7-9 tablespoons whole milk, or more or less to reach desired consistency, room temperature

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought, and cut it into small rounds.

2. Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each round and fold them over to create a half-moon shape.

3. Seal the edges of the pie crust with a fork, ensuring the filling stays inside.

4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the hand pies for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Mix the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl, adjusting the milk to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Drizzle the glaze over the hot hand pies once they’ve cooled slightly.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 minutes

• Total Time: 24 minutes

• Servings: Makes about 8-10 hand pies

Variations

• Use different pie fillings, such as blueberry, apple, or mixed berries, to change up the flavor.

• If you prefer, you can bake the hand pies in the oven at 400°F for 15-17 minutes instead of frying them.

• For an air fryer version, cook them at 360°F for 6-8 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

These hand pies can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, covered. For longer storage, freeze the hand pies before baking, and they can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake or air fry from frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly for this recipe.

2. How do I make homemade cherry pie filling?

Homemade cherry pie filling involves cooking fresh or frozen cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Absolutely! Apple, blueberry, or even a mix of fruits would work well in this recipe.

5. How can I make the almond glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the amount of milk to make the glaze as thick or thin as you like.

6. Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie filling and dough ahead of time, or even freeze the assembled hand pies before cooking.

7. What if I don’t like almond extract?

You can omit the almond extract from the glaze if you prefer, or substitute it with vanilla extract.

8. How should I store leftover hand pies?

Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.

9. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, air frying works perfectly! Cook at 360°F for 6-8 minutes.

10. Can I freeze the hand pies after baking?

For the best results, freeze the hand pies before baking. They’ll hold up better that way.

Conclusion

Cherry Hand Pies are an easy, delicious, and portable dessert option. With the choice of frying, baking, or air frying, they’re versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a snack, a party, or just a sweet treat, these hand pies are sure to impress with their crispy crust and flavorful cherry filling.

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