Oh, the joy of baking hand pies! There’s something so delightful about creating these little pockets of happiness, especially when they’re filled with a luscious blend of sweet cherries and creamy cream cheese. I remember the first time I made these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies for a family gathering. The aroma wafting through the kitchen drew everyone in, and before I knew it, they were all fighting over the last one! The way the tart cherries complement the smooth cream cheese is just magical. Every bite feels like a hug from the inside out, and trust me, you’ll want to share these with everyone you love. They’re perfect for any occasion, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!
Ingredients for Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved – You can use fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice if you’re using frozen.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – This needs to be nice and creamy for that dreamy filling.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Adjust this depending on how sweet your cherries are!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – This adds a lovely hint of warmth to the filling.
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts) – Store-bought is totally fine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crust is a game changer!
- 1 egg, beaten – For that beautiful golden finish on top.
- 1 tbsp milk – This helps make that egg wash extra shiny.
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start, and trust me, you’ll be snacking on these hand pies in no time!
How to Prepare Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—preparing these scrumptious Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to impress in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for those beautiful golden crusts!
- Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the pitted and halved cherries, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until it’s all well blended. The colors will be gorgeous!
- Now, roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect circles; they’ll still taste amazing! Cut them into about 4-5 inch circles using a round cutter or a glass.
- Take a spoonful of that luscious cherry mixture and place it on one half of each circle. Be careful not to overfill; you want to leave some space around the edges to seal them up!
- Now, fold the other half of the circle over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently and then seal them with a fork, so no delicious filling escapes during baking!
- For that gorgeous finish, brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg mixed with milk. This will give them that lovely golden glow.
- Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. Let them cool slightly before diving in!
Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite of warm, flaky goodness filled with sweet cherry and creamy cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: These hand pies come together in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute treat.
- Deliciously sweet: The combination of tart cherries and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family get-together or a casual brunch, these hand pies are always a hit.
- Portable goodness: Grab one and go! They’re easy to pack for picnics or snacks on the run.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruit or add spices for a twist on this classic recipe!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, consider the sweetness of your cherries. If they’re on the tart side, don’t hesitate to add a bit more sugar to the filling to balance the flavors. You want that perfect sweet-tart harmony!
When rolling out your pie crusts, make sure your surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking. A well-rolled crust means flaky, delicious pies. And don’t rush the sealing process! Press the edges firmly and use the fork method to ensure no filling escapes during baking. Trust me, it’s heartbreaking to lose even a little of that delicious filling!
Lastly, let the hand pies cool for a few minutes after baking. This not only helps with handling but also allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even more delightful!
Variations on Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! Try swapping out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches for a completely different vibe. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a cozy, spiced flavor. For a chocolate twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips with the cherries. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these hand pies your own!
Nutritional Information
Each Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pie is a delightful treat, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these delicious hand pies as a sweet indulgence in moderation!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. If you want to save time, you can also assemble them and freeze before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking from frozen!
How should I store leftover hand pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Can I substitute the cherries for another fruit?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the cherries for any fruit you love—blueberries, apples, or even a mix of berries work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use mascarpone cheese or even ricotta for a different creamy texture. Just make sure it’s nicely blended with the other ingredients for that delightful filling!
Hope this helps! Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful hand pies!
For more delicious recipes, check out this canned cherry pie recipe or this strawberry cheesecake recipe!
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Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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