Cherry Hand Pies Holiday Treat

Cherry Hand Pies are a festive treat shaped like Christmas trees that bring holiday cheer to any gathering. With only five simple ingredients, these hand pies have a wonderfully flaky crust and a juicy cherry filling that makes every bite delightful. They are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want a sweet and charming dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress.

I first made these cherry hand pies during a holiday baking party and now they are an essential for every Christmas celebration. Their whimsical tree shape invites smiles and always makes the holiday table feel extra special.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crust: for consistent flavor and flaky texture choose a high quality brand or homemade if preferred
• Eggs: used for brushing to give the pies a gorgeous golden brown finish helps seal the edges
• Cherry pie filling: provides a sweet and tart burst of flavor go for homemade or your favorite canned brand
• Coarse sanding sugar: adds a sweet sparkle and a little crunch on top optional but highly recommended
• Parchment paper: for easy cleanup and prevents sticking during baking

Instructions

Roll and shape the pie crust:

Roll out one pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it is about one quarter inch thick this ensures the crust will bake evenly without becoming too thick. Use a Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter to cut seven trees out of the dough. Gather scraps, reroll gently, and cut out additional trees until you use all the dough.

Fill hand pies:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place half of the tree shaped crusts on it. Spoon roughly one tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each tree. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.

Seal:

Lightly brush the edges of each crust with beaten egg using a pastry brush this acts like glue for the top crust. Place the remaining tree crusts over the filling and gently press the edges together without pressing down on the filling itself. Use the fork tines to crimp and pinch the edges for a secure seal and decorative touch.

Prepare for baking:

Make three small slits in the center of each hand pie top crust this allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess. Brush the pies all over with more egg wash for a shiny, inviting crust. Sprinkle generously with coarse sanding sugar for that snow dusted holiday look.

Bake and cool:

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until the hand pies turn golden brown and the filling starts to bubble slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. These pies are delicious served warm or cooled to room temperature.

My favorite part of these pies is the flaky crust that holds the juicy cherry filling just right. One holiday, my kids helped me cut out the tree shapes making it a fun tradition and now they ask every year to bake these together.

Storage tips

Store leftover cherry hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage place them in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months. To enjoy, reheat in a warm oven to revive the flaky crust.

Ingredient substitutions

If you prefer different fruit fillings try blueberry or apple pie filling for equally delicious results. Homemade cherry filling works beautifully for a fresher taste but canned filling is a major time saver. For an egg free option brush the crust with milk or melted butter instead to help with browning.

Serving suggestions

Serve these hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cider or holiday coffee for a cozy treat while decorating or gift wrapping.

These cherry hand pies make a simple festive dessert that always delights a crowd. Make them ahead and freeze raw for quick holiday baking.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of crust works best for these hand pies?

Refrigerated pie crust is recommended for consistent flavor and ease, though homemade crust can also be used.

→ How can I achieve the golden brown finish on the pies?

Brush the tops and edges with a mixture of beaten egg and water before baking to get a beautiful golden finish.

→ Can I use fillings other than cherry?

Yes, blueberry or other fruit fillings can be substituted depending on your preference.

→ What is the purpose of sanding sugar on top?

Sanding sugar adds a sweet crunch and a festive, snow-dusted appearance to the hand pies.

→ How should I shape the hand pies for a festive look?

Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut the crust, creating charming holiday-themed hand pies.