Description
Delight in these Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, a perfect blend of tart cherries and creamy cheese nestled in flaky pie crust. These handheld treats are ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, offering a luscious filling wrapped in golden, buttery pastry baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crust and Topping
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the pies.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy, fruity filling.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a round cutter to cut into circles of desired size for hand pies.
- Fill & Seal: Place a spoonful of the cherry cream cheese mixture on one half of each circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal the pies properly.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg mixed with milk, which will give them a beautiful golden brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool before serving to let the filling set slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brush the egg wash gently to avoid piercing the crust.
- Allow the pies to cool on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
- These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling a little sugar on top before baking.
