There’s something magical about the moment you bite into a warm Sour Cherry Hand Pie. The flaky crust gives way to a luscious, tangy cherry filling that dances on your taste buds. The aroma of sweet cherries wafts through the air, and just like that, you’re taken back to sunlit summers spent in grandma’s kitchen, where every pie was a promise of joy.
These hand pies are not just a delicious treat; they hold stories. I still remember the day my cousin and I attempted to bake our first batch. Flour flew everywhere, there were more spoonfuls of cherry filling on our faces than in the pies, and let’s not even talk about the “creative” ways we tried to seal the edges. But oh boy, did we laugh! And when those little beauties finally came out of the oven, all crispy and golden, we knew we had created something special. no bake Easter fudge Perfect for picnics, parties, or just a cozy night in with your favorite Netflix series; these hand pies promise an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Sour Cherry Hand Pies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
- Their sweet-tart flavor profile is simply irresistible, making them a crowd favorite.
- Visually appealing with their golden crust and vibrant filling, they are perfect for any occasion.
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or cold!
Ingredients for Sour Cherry Hand Pies
For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the flaky crust; sift it well to avoid lumps.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key for that perfect flaky texture; cut it into small cubes before using.
- Sour Cherries: Fresh or frozen work well; just make sure they’re pitted for easy eating.
- Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar sweetens up those tart cherries beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness in the filling.
- Water: Ice-cold water helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sour Cherry Hand Pies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs—think beach sand! Gradually add ice-cold water until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix; you want those chunks of butter to stay intact for flakiness!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step allows the gluten to relax—and trust me, your future self will thank you for this!
Step 3: Make the Filling
While your dough chills out like it’s on vacation, prepare your filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted sour cherries with sugar. Cook until bubbly and thickened—about five minutes will do! Set it aside to cool.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about an eighth-inch thick. Use a round cutter (or a glass if you’re feeling thrifty) to cut circles from the dough.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Place a tablespoon of cooled cherry filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over and use fingers or a fork to seal those edges tight—no one wants pie leakage!
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your hand pies on lined baking sheets and brush them with an egg wash for that golden color. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Transfer them onto cooling racks—but resist temptation! Letting them cool slightly ensures you don’t burn your tongue on those juicy cherries when you take that first glorious bite.
There you have it—deliciously flaky Sour Cherry Hand Pies ready for sharing (or hoarding). These little pockets of bliss will undoubtedly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen as they have in mine! delicious Easter cookie bars.
You Must Know
- These delightful Sour Cherry Hand Pies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
- Their flaky crust and sweet-tart filling make them perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to fancy dinner parties.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve pie perfection, start by making the dough first and letting it chill while preparing the sour cherry filling. Roll out the chilled dough, fill with cherries, and seal. Bake until golden brown for that irresistible crispy crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sour cherries for blueberries or raspberries if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract to elevate the flavor profile of your hand pies.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter when making your dough; it helps create those flaky layers we all love.
- Always taste your cherry filling before sealing; adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Lastly, brush with egg wash before baking for that beautiful golden color.
I remember the first time I made these Sour Cherry Hand Pies; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! Their excitement made me feel like a baking superstar, even though I almost forgot to add sugar to the filling!
FAQs:
What are Sour Cherry Hand Pies?
Sour cherry hand pies are delightful pastries filled with tart and sweet sour cherries, encased in a flaky pastry crust. These hand-held treats are perfect for snacking or dessert. They are often made with fresh or frozen sour cherries, sugar, and a hint of lemon to enhance the flavor. apple pear crumble with oats The dough can be homemade or store-bought for convenience. Each pie is typically baked until golden brown, resulting in a crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the juicy filling. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples recipe recipe.
How do I make the best crust for Sour Cherry Hand Pies?
To create the best crust for sour cherry hand pies, use cold butter and ice water when mixing your ingredients. This technique helps achieve a flaky texture that complements the tart filling. Combine flour, salt, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water until the dough holds together. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This chilling step is crucial for a tender yet crisp crust.
Can I use frozen cherries for Sour Cherry Hand Pies?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries when making sour cherry hand pies! Just ensure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them as a filling. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy during baking. sourdough French toast recipe You may need to adjust the sugar content depending on how sweet or tart your cherries are once thawed. Frozen cherries can be just as delicious as fresh ones, making this recipe accessible year-round.
How should I store leftover Sour Cherry Hand Pies?
To store leftover sour cherry hand pies, allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them where they will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion for Sour Cherry Hand Pies:
Sour cherry hand pies are an irresistible treat that combines a flaky crust with a flavorful cherry filling. By using fresh or frozen cherries and mastering the art of pie crust preparation, you can create these delightful pastries at home. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy these sweet bites later on. Whether served warm or at room temperature, sour cherry hand pies remain a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere!
Sour Cherry Hand Pies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Sour Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful combination of a flaky, golden crust and a sweet-tart filling of luscious sour cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these handheld pastries evoke childhood memories of baking with loved ones. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, each bite is an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a tasty treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 cup pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp ice-cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually add ice-cold water until the dough forms. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Cook sour cherries with sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly (about 5 minutes). Let cool.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles.
- Fill and Seal: Place a tablespoon of cherry filling on half of each circle, fold over, and seal edges tightly.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush pies with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry filling. Leftover hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days or refrigerated for up to one week.
