Adorable tree-shaped hand pies filled with sweet cherry filling and baked until golden and sparkling. Great for gifting or cookie trays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: The tree-shaped design adds a charming touch to holiday gatherings.
Portable Treats: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as edible gifts.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes readily available components for easy preparation.
Versatile: Can be customized with different fillings or shapes to suit various occasions.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of flaky crust and sweet cherry filling is a classic favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie crust dough
Cherry pie fillingBon Appétit
Egg washWikipedia
Coarse sugar (for topping)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut Shapes: Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of shapes from the dough.
Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of half of the cutouts, leaving a border around the edges.
Seal Pies: Brush the edges with egg wash, then top with the remaining cutouts. Press the edges together gently, then crimp with a fork to seal.
Vent and Glaze: Cut small slits on the top of each pie for steam to escape. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake: Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool: Allow the pies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 8 hand pies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Different Fillings: Substitute cherry filling with apple, blueberry, or peach for variety.
Shape Options: Use different cookie cutter shapes to match various themes or occasions.
Glaze Finish: Drizzle a simple icing over the cooled pies for added sweetness.
Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts into the filling for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place pies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cherry filling?

Yes, homemade cherry filling can be used for a fresher taste.

Is it necessary to use a tree-shaped cutter?

No, any shape of cookie cutter can be used based on preference or occasion.

Can these pies be frozen?

Yes, assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the edges are well-sealed and avoid overfilling the pies.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely, homemade pie crust can be used for a more personalized touch.

What is the purpose of the egg wash?

Egg wash helps to seal the edges and gives the pies a golden, glossy finish.

Can I add spices to the filling?

Yes, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

How do I achieve a crispier crust?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated and avoid overhandling the dough.

Are these pies suitable for gifting?

Yes, once cooled, they can be packaged in decorative bags or boxes for gifting.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture, though baking times may vary.

Conclusion

Cherry Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these hand pies are a wonderful addition to any festive occasion.

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These Cherry Hand Pies are festive, tree-shaped treats filled with luscious cherry pie filling, sealed in buttery pie crust, and sprinkled with coarse sugar for a sparkling golden finish. Perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or edible gifting!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 10 hand pies (depending on cutter size)
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought)
Cherry pie filling
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out tree or desired shapes in pairs.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry filling onto the center of half the cutouts.
Place a second piece of dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Cut a small vent slit in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling slightly.
Cool slightly before serving or packaging.

Notes

Use thick filling to avoid leaks—drain excess liquid from pie filling if needed.
Swap cherry with apple, raspberry, or your favorite seasonal jam.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.