Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! They’re like little pockets of joy, bursting with sweet cherry goodness and creamy, dreamy cream cheese. I remember the first time I made these; the kitchen was filled with that irresistible aroma of baked pastry, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, there’s something so satisfying about biting into that flaky crust and getting a taste of the luscious filling. They’re perfect for gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just because you deserve a treat! Plus, they’re super fun to make, especially if you’ve got the kids around to help shape those adorable little pies. You’re going to love every bite of these delightful hand pies!
Ingredients for Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure everything is fresh and ready to go, so here’s what you’ll need for these delicious hand pies:
- 1 cup cherries – make sure they’re pitted and halved for the perfect filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese – it should be softened to mix easily with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sugar – this will sweeten things up just right!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – because a hint of vanilla makes everything better.
- 1 package pie crusts – usually, this comes with 2 crusts which is perfect for our hand pies.
- 1 egg – beaten for that beautiful golden wash on top.
- 1 tbsp milk – this mixed with the egg will give that lovely sheen.
Trust me, having everything prepped ahead of time makes the process so much smoother! You’ll be whipping these up in no time.
How to Prepare Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! I promise, the process is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Follow along, and you’ll be savoring these little treats in no time!
Preheat and Mix
First things first: let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because we want our hand pies to bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your cherries, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy. I like to use a spatula for this part; it makes it easier to get everything well combined. You’ll want to do this for about 2-3 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to meld together!
Prepare Pie Crusts
Next, let’s roll out those pie crusts! If you’re using store-bought, just unroll them carefully on a floured surface. You want to keep the dough about 1/8 inch thick—too thin, and they’ll break, and too thick, and they won’t cook through. Use a round cutter or even the top of a glass to cut out circles. Aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter. Keep any scraps of dough; you can re-roll them to make a few more circles!
Assemble the Hand Pies
Now for the fun part—assembly! Take one of your dough circles and place a generous spoonful of the cherry mixture on one half. Be careful not to overfill, or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands! Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. I like to press the edges down gently with my fingers first, and then seal them with a fork for that adorable crimped look. This step is super important because we want to keep all that yummy filling inside!
Bake and Cool
Once all your hand pies are assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg and milk mixture for that gorgeous shine. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly! Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, the waiting is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These hand pies come together in just 45 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert or snack!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and creamy cream cheese is simply divine, creating a mouthwatering treat.
- Appealing Presentation: Those golden-brown, flaky crusts are not just tasty but also look beautiful on any dessert table.
- Versatility with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the cherries for other fruits or even add a sprinkle of chocolate for an extra twist.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve made a few of these, and I’ve learned some handy tips along the way that I just have to share with you:
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add a big scoop of that cherry filling, but trust me—less is more! Overfilling can lead to bursting pies and a messy baking sheet. Stick to a generous spoonful!
- Seal Those Edges: Make sure you really press down on the edges and crimp them well with a fork. This will keep the filling from oozing out during baking and ensure that all that deliciousness stays inside.
- Chill the Dough: If your pie crusts start to get too warm while you’re working with them, pop them in the fridge for a few minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and will give you a flakier crust.
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your hand pies as they bake. You want that gorgeous golden brown color—if they start to get too dark, take them out a minute or two early!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist that first bite, but letting them cool for a bit enhances the flavor and makes sure the filling sets nicely. Plus, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that hot cherry goodness!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix it up! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the filling for an unexpected twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating hand pies that will impress everyone around. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, let’s talk about how to take your serving game to the next level! Trust me, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience tremendously.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm hand pie paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top. The contrast of temperatures and textures is simply divine!
- Coffee or Tea: A nice cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea complements the sweetness of the pies beautifully. I love an espresso with mine—it really brings out the flavors!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side adds a light and airy touch that balances the richness of the cream cheese filling.
- Fruit Compote: Drizzle a little berry or cherry compote over your hand pies for an extra burst of fruit flavor. It’s a delightful way to enhance that cherry goodness!
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a touch of elegance, dust the tops of your hand pies with powdered sugar just before serving. It not only looks beautiful but adds a hint of sweetness that’s irresistible.
These serving suggestions will not only amp up the flavor but also create a delightful presentation that’ll have everyone raving about your baking skills. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these scrumptious Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store them properly so you can enjoy them later!
First off, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This step is key; it helps prevent condensation from making the crust soggy. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 2 days, but if you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for up to a week. Just make sure to reheat them gently to bring back that flaky goodness!
Now, if you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze your hand pies! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them directly into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You might want to cover them with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the tops from getting too brown.
And there you go! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every bite of your delicious hand pies, even days later. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to treating yourself to these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one hand pie), but keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use:
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Just a little reminder: these values are estimates and can vary quite a bit based on the ingredients you choose. So, feel free to enjoy these hand pies without too much worry, but if you’re keeping an eye on your intake, it’s always good to check those labels! Happy baking and treating yourself!
FAQ About Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Got questions about these delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing, so you don’t end up with excess liquid in your filling.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone. Both will give you a creamy filling, just with a slightly different flavor and texture. If you want dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for about 2 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them cool completely first to keep that crust nice and flaky!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the hand pies, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them before baking. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen—no need to thaw!
What other fillings can I try?
The beauty of hand pies is their versatility! Feel free to swap the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, apples, or even mixed berries. You could also add a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Your hand pies are done when they’re golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly. If you can resist, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in—your taste buds will thank you!
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Of course! Homemade pie crust will add a personal touch and flavor to your hand pies. Just roll it out to the same thickness as store-bought crusts and follow the same assembly instructions.
I hope this helps clear up any uncertainties you might have about making these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! Enjoy the baking process and all those delicious bites that come with it!
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies: Indulge in 7 Blissful Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious hand pies filled with cherry and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cherries, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the cherry mixture on one half of each circle.
- Fold the other half over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with the egg and milk mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust sugar based on cherry sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies