Cherry Hand Pies are mini pie crusts filled with homemade cherry pie filling, fried to a golden brown, and drizzled with an almond glaze. After you try these, you will want to try my Apple Hand Pies, too

Cherry Hand Pies

These cherry hand pies are the next best thing to a whole cherry pie. They are the perfect size for a quick snack or dessert. The dessert starts with my homemade no-fail pie crust cut into smaller crusts. Then, homemade cherry pie filling is added to the mini crusts and folded inside. But, that is not all! Don’t forget the sweet almond glaze on top! Besides frying the hand pies, I will also let you know how to bake them in the oven or cook them in the air fryer.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Pie Crust: If you look at the recipe, you will notice you need one homemade pie crust. This is the exact amount needed for this hand pie recipe, and it just so happens to make enough for two round crusts (for a pie that has a top and bottom layer). The store-bought equivalent may be more than 1 box, as each box contains two thin crusts and will only yield 8-10 circles. You can buy two boxes of store-bought pie crust or you can cut this hand pie recipe in half.

Cherry Pie Filling: You can buy a can of pie filling to fill the crusts, but I encourage you to try making your own homemade pie filling. When you make your own, you know exactly what is in the pie filling without all the added preservatives. Or, try blueberry (used in my blueberry pie) or apple pie filling!

Glaze: The glaze drizzled over the pies is a sweet almond glaze. If you are not a fan of almond extract, you can leave it out. If you have a nut allergy, use imitation almond extract instead.

Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?

Sure! Both the cherry pie filling (if made homemade) and the pie crust can be prepared days ahead of time. In addition, both can be frozen for up to 3 months. You could also get the hand pies assembled and then freeze them. To do this, place the assembled hand pies onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer them to the freezer for an hour or two. Then, store the frozen hand pies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label and date the packaging.

How to Bake Cherry Hand Pies in the Oven

To bake the hand pies in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled hand pies onto the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 400°F.

Can I Make these in an Air Fryer?

You bet! First, assemble the pies. Then, working in batches so you do not overcrowd the basket of the air fryer, air fry the hand pies for 6-8 minutes at 360°F.

How to Store Cherry Hand Pies

These hand pies can be stored at room temperature, covered, for 2-3 days. If you are planning to freeze the cherry hand pies, I recommend freezing them before being baked. See above about making the hand pies ahead of time.