Name: Cherry Hand Pies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Pinch of salt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon almond extract

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Short description

I bring you these delightful Cherry Hand Pies—tiny pockets of golden, flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and slightly tart cherry filling, finished off with a light almond glaze. They’re portable, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious.

Cherry Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly these hand pies come together. With just a few simple ingredients, I end up with a bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re great for summer picnics, potlucks, or a cozy weekend bake. I can freeze them, bake them fresh, and they always turn out beautifully golden and packed with cherry flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk

For the glaze:
2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon almond extract

Directions

I start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. I stir the mixture until it begins to bubble and thicken. Once thickened, I let it cool completely for about 30 minutes.
While the filling cools, I preheat my oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
I roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and use a 3½-inch round cutter to create dough circles. I gather and re-roll any scraps to make as many rounds as possible.
I place half the circles on the prepared baking sheets and spoon about 2 tablespoons of cooled cherry filling into the center of each. I top them with another dough circle and use a fork to crimp the edges shut.
I whisk the egg with milk to make an egg wash, then brush it over each hand pie. I bake them for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
As they cool on the baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make a smooth glaze. I drizzle the glaze over the cooled pies before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10 to 12 hand pies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the cherry filling with blueberry, peach, or apple for a seasonal twist.
Instead of the almond glaze, I occasionally sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a rustic, crunchy finish.
For a richer flavor, I add a splash of vanilla extract to the cherry filling or a pinch of cinnamon.

storage/reheating

I keep the baked hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to store them longer, I freeze the unbaked assembled pies (before brushing with egg wash) on a tray until solid, then store in freezer bags. When ready, I bake them straight from frozen at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes until golden.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen cherries. I just make sure to thaw and drain them first before cooking into the filling.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

I make sure the filling is cooled completely before assembling, and I seal the edges tightly with a fork. I also avoid overfilling the pies.

Can I make these pies gluten-free?

Yes, I can use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or store-bought gluten-free dough. I just handle it gently as it can be more delicate.

Can I make the glaze without almond extract?

Absolutely. I can replace it with vanilla extract or leave it out altogether for a simple sugar glaze.

How far ahead can I make these?

I can make and freeze the assembled hand pies ahead of time. They bake beautifully straight from frozen, making them perfect for planning ahead.

Conclusion

These Cherry Hand Pies are one of my favorite go-to desserts when I want something sweet, simple, and shareable. I love how easily they can be customized, prepped ahead, and enjoyed warm right from the oven. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just treating myself, these pies always hit the spot.