Cherry Hand Pies are delightful mini pie crusts filled with homemade cherry pie filling, fried to a golden brown, and drizzled with an almond glaze. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a bite-sized piece of pie heaven. This recipe combines the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of a flaky crust and a touch of almond glaze for a truly irresistible dessert. Let’s dive into the details of creating these delectable cherry hand pies from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Cherry Hand Pies with Almond Glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cherry Hand Pies:
- 1 homemade pie crust recipe or 2 boxes store-bought pie crust: The base of the hand pies, providing a flaky and buttery shell.
- 2 ⅓ cups (595 g) cherry pie filling, homemade or 1 can (21 ounces) store-bought pie filling: The sweet and tart filling for the pies.
- Canola or vegetable oil, for frying: The medium for frying the hand pies to a golden brown.
For the Almond Glaze:
- 6 cups (750 g) confectioners’ sugar: Provides the sweetness and base for the glaze.
- 7-9 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a delightful almond flavor to the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pie Crust
- Roll Out the Dough: If you’re using homemade pie crust, roll it out to about ⅛ inch thick. If you’re using store-bought crust, unroll the pre-made dough. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into 4-5 inch rounds. You should get about 26-28 pie crust rounds if using homemade dough, but you may get fewer if using store-bought.
- Add the Filling: Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough round. If you made your own cherry pie filling, ensure it’s cooled before adding it to the crust to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Shape the Hand Pies: Fold each dough round in half to form a half-moon shape. Use a little water to wet the edges, which will help seal the crust. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are securely sealed.
Making the Almond Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and 7 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Set the glaze aside.
Frying the Hand Pies
- Heat the Oil: In a medium pot, heat 2-3 inches of canola or vegetable oil over medium heat. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 375°F. It’s important to maintain this temperature to ensure the pies cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
- Fry the Hand Pies: Carefully place 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pies to a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Before adding the next batch, make sure the oil temperature is back to 375°F, as it may cool down after each batch.
Glazing the Hand Pies
- Apply the Glaze: While the hand pies are still warm, coat them with the almond glaze. You can do this by drizzling the glaze over each pie or by dipping each pie into the bowl of glaze using a large fork. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Hand Pies
- Consistent Dough Thickness: Ensure the dough is rolled out to a consistent thickness to promote even cooking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Pinch and crimp the edges of the dough securely to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure it stays at 375°F for even frying.
Variations to Try
- Different Fillings: Experiment with other pie fillings such as apple, blueberry, or peach for a variety of flavors.
- Baked Hand Pies: If you prefer a healthier option, bake the hand pies instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the almond glaze for an extra touch of decadence.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Hand Pies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- With Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing accompaniment.
- With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying treat.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one hand pie):
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugars: 27g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Making Hand Pies
Making Cherry Hand Pies is not just about preparing a dessert; it’s about enjoying the process of crafting a delicious and beautiful treat. The act of rolling out the dough, filling it with sweet cherries, and watching the pies fry to golden perfection is both satisfying and rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the pies cook is simply irresistible and will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste.
Hosting with Cherry Hand Pies
Cherry Hand Pies are perfect for parties and gatherings. Here are a few tips to make them a hit at your next event:
- Presentation: Arrange the hand pies on a nice serving platter and garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. This makes them look inviting and encourages guests to dig in.
- Personalize: You can personalize the hand pies with different fillings or toppings to suit the theme of your party. For example, adding colorful sprinkles can make them more festive for a birthday party.
- Pairing Drinks: Consider serving the dessert with a selection of beverages that complement its flavors, such as milk, coffee, or tea.
Making Memories with Family and Friends
Cherry Hand Pies are not just about enjoying a delicious treat; they’re also about making memories with family and friends. Whether you’re making them with your kids, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying them as a simple dessert, it’s a recipe that brings people together.
Storing and Reheating
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The hand pies taste best when fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze Cherry Hand Pies for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm hand pies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the dough soggy.
Tips for Success
- Softening the Butter: If you’re in a hurry, soften the butter by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds.
- Mixing by Hand: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand using a whisk. Just make sure to blend thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the glaze.
The Versatility of Cherry Hand Pies
The simplicity and versatility of Cherry Hand Pies make them a go-to recipe for many occasions. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors and garnishes, making them suitable for everything from casual family nights to festive celebrations.
Conclusion
Cherry Hand Pies are a sweet, crispy, and versatile treat that’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with fresh berries, ice cream, or enjoying them on their own, these Cherry Hand Pies are sure to be a hit.
The combination of a flaky pie crust, tart cherry filling, and a touch of almond glaze creates a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and irresistibly delicious. The ease of preparation and the delightful flavors make Cherry Hand Pies a must-try recipe.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Cherry Hand Pies, and savor every sweet, flaky bite. Happy baking!