Merry Cherry Hand Pies

Name: Merry Cherry Hand Pies
Prep time: 1 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 c. all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface; 1 tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 c. (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 4 oz. cold cream cheese, cut into pieces; 2 1/2 tbsp. granulated sugar; 2 tsp. cornstarch; 1 1/4 c. (6 ounces) frozen cherries; 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice; 1/8 tsp. kosher salt; 1/8 tsp. pure almond extract; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tbsp. white sparkling sugar

These sweet pies are the perfect Christmas treat!

By Lyda Jones BurnettePublished: Nov 27, 2023

1 Rating

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Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

4 hrs

All you need is a cookie cutter to make these delicious and fun little Christmas-tree shaped hand pies! They're perfect for holiday parties of all stripes. We love the look (and taste) of cherry filling, but if that's not to your taste, feel free to substitute other fruits. Peach, blueberry, and strawberry all work well.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for work surface
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 oz. cold cream cheese, cut into pieces

For the filling:

2 1/2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 1/4 cups (6 ounces) frozen cherries
1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. pure almond extract
1 large egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. white sparkling sugar

Directions

1. Step 1Make the crust: Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined, 3 to 4 times. Add butter and cream cheese. Pulse until dough is pea-like and shaggy, 14 to 16 times. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over dough, and process just until it begins to come together, 10 to 12 seconds. Transfer to a work surface, and shape into 2 discs (about 1 inch thick). Wrap discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
2. Step 2Make the filling: Whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add cherries, lemon juice, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat, until mixture thickens and cherries begin to break down, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Cool to room temperature. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
3. Step 3Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll one disc of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 trees. Transfer to prepared baking sheets. Spoon cherry mixture in center of each, dividing evenly (about 1 tablespoon each), leaving a 1/4-inch border all around. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl. Brush borders with egg wash.
4. Step 4On a lightly floured work surface, roll remaining disc to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 trees. Place on top of cherry filling-topped trees, and crimp edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar, dividing evenly. Cut 3 slashes on top of each pie with a serrated knife. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
5. Step 5Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.