Why You’ll Love these Irresistible Mini Cherry Hand Pies
These mini cherry hand pies are about to become your new favorite dessert, and I’m not exaggerating one bit.
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crisp, golden pastry filled with warm, sweet-tart cherry filling. The air fryer transforms these little pockets of joy into the perfect treat in minutes, not hours.
I love how versatile they are—perfect for breakfast with coffee, tucked into lunch boxes, or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Plus, the portion control is built right in, though between us, I’ve never stopped at just one.
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Mini Cherry Hand Pies?
To make these delightful little hand pies, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—store-bought pie crust does the heavy lifting while the cherry filling brings all the flavor.
And the best part? You can easily customize these ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season.
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the cherry flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but complements cherries beautifully)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if your filling seems too runny)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness to the filling)
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
When selecting your ingredients, the quality of your cherry filling makes all the difference. While canned filling works perfectly, you could substitute homemade cherry filling if you have fresh cherries on hand.
For a twist, try mixing in different berries like blueberries or raspberries with the cherries. The extracts are technically optional, but they really elevate the flavor profile from good to memorable.
And don’t skip the egg wash—it’s what gives these hand pies that irresistible golden shine that makes everyone reach for seconds.
How to Make these Irresistible Mini Cherry Hand Pies
Making these adorable mini cherry hand pies couldn’t be easier. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow your 1 package (14.1 ounces) of refrigerated pie crusts to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—this makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when you’re working with them.
While waiting, prepare your filling by mixing the 1 can (21 ounces) of cherry pie filling with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of almond extract (if using), and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. If your filling seems too runny, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up.
Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out as many circles as possible—you should get about 16-20 circles from both crusts. Place about 1 tablespoon of your cherry mixture in the center of half of the circles, being careful not to overfill them. Trust me, restraint is key here—overfilling leads to the dreaded filling explosion!
Brush the edges with your beaten egg, then top with the remaining circles. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing in all that cherry goodness, and cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Don’t those little vents look cute? They’re not just decorative, they’re functional too!
Transfer your hand pies to the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with the remaining egg wash, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for that perfect sparkly finish. Pop them in the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling slightly at the vents. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly about halfway through.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—though who am I kidding? These little pies are at their most magical when eaten slightly warm, with the filling still gooey and the crust perfectly crisp.
Irresistible Mini Cherry Hand Pies Substitutions and Variations
While the classic cherry filling is absolutely divine, don’t feel constrained by tradition when making these adorable hand pies.
I love swapping in blueberries, apple chunks, or even a chocolate-hazelnut spread for delightful variations.
Think about mixing cherries with almond extract instead of vanilla, or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
Savory more your style? Try cheese and herbs.
The pastry itself offers room for creativity too.
Add lemon zest to the dough, brush with different washes (egg, milk, butter), or top with coarse sugar, chopped nuts, or a simple glaze.
The possibilities? Endless.
What to Serve with Irresistible Mini Cherry Hand Pies
Now that you’ve got these versatile little treats ready, let’s talk about perfect pairings that elevate your mini cherry hand pies from merely delicious to absolutely memorable.
I always recommend a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these warm pies—that hot-cold contrast is simply divine.
For breakfast, pair with a strong cup of coffee or creamy latte.
Hosting afternoon tea? Add some fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
These pies also complement cheese boards surprisingly well, especially with aged cheddar or brie.
Can you imagine the sweet-savory combination?
Final Thoughts
After creating these adorable mini cherry hand pies, I’ve discovered they’re truly one of the most versatile desserts in my recipe collection.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something sweet on a quiet evening, these little gems deliver big flavor without much fuss.
The beauty of these hand pies? Their portability. No plates needed, friends. Just grab and go.
The air fryer transforms them into perfectly crisp, golden treasures in minutes.
Can anything beat that moment when the cherry filling peeks through the crust? I think not.
They’re simply irresistible.
