If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both scrumptious and easy to whip up, you’ve got to try my Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! These little pockets of joy are filled with a luscious blend of sweet cherries and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly flaky crust. Trust me, the first bite will have you swooning! They’re not only a fantastic dessert but also perfect for picnics or cozy evenings at home. And the best part? You can make them with fresh or frozen cherries, so you can enjoy this deliciousness all year round!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on cherry sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package pie crusts (contains 2 crusts; store-bought works great!)
- 1 egg, beaten (for that golden glaze)
- 1 tbsp milk (to mix with the egg)
How to Prepare Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Making Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies is such a fun and rewarding process! I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making these little gems on repeat. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want those hand pies to bake perfectly golden!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy. The cherries should be well coated, and oh my, the smell is divine!
- Next, take your package of pie crusts and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought, just unroll them and gently press them out. Cut the dough into circles—about 4 inches in diameter works great!
- Now it’s time to fill those circles! Place a generous spoonful of the cherry mixture on one half of each circle, making sure to leave a little edge around for sealing. Don’t skimp on the filling; you want that burst of flavor!
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them, and for that extra security (and it looks cute too!), use a fork to crimp the edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this mixture over the tops of the hand pies—this will give them that gorgeous golden color when baked!
- Finally, pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
- Once they’re out, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, you’ll want to wait just a bit; those pies are hot and gooey!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into these delicious Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies, it’s good to know a bit about their nutritional content! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each hand pie has about 210 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. So, enjoy them as a sweet treat, but be mindful of portion sizes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
- Delightful flavor combination of sweet cherries and creamy cheese that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile recipe that works well with fresh or frozen cherries, depending on what you have on hand.
- Portable and fun to eat—ideal for picnics, coffee breaks, or dessert cravings.
- Customizable: add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist, or swap cherries for your favorite fruit!
- They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
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, don’t skip the chilling step—if your dough feels warm, pop it in the fridge for a bit before cutting. This helps keep everything flaky! Second, when sealing the edges, be sure to press firmly to avoid any filling leaks during baking. And if you want a shiny finish, brush the tops with the egg wash right before baking. Lastly, let them cool a bit before diving in—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize your Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies! Try swapping out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile. Want a spicier twist? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy vibe. You can also mix in a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing zing. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore that lovely flaky crust. Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are some fun ideas! Serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert duo. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds a lovely touch. And don’t forget a nice cup of coffee or tea to complement those sweet flavors. Perfect for sharing, or just indulging all by yourself!
For more delightful recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the health benefits of cherries here.
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies: 7 Irresistible Delights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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