Cherry Mitten Hand Pies

Cherry Mitten Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for the winter holidays. These sweet, hand-held pies feature a luscious cherry filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, all shaped like cozy mittens. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for a holiday gathering or just something special to enjoy with a hot drink, these hand pies are sure to add a touch of warmth to your celebration.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and use a cookie cutter to cut out mitten shapes.
4. Place a spoonful of the cherry mixture onto half of the pie crust shapes, being careful not to overfill.
5. Top with the remaining mitten-shaped pie crusts. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.
6. Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash (egg mixed with water).
7. Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
8. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 hand pies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Fruit filling: While this recipe uses cherries, you can swap them out for other fruits like apples, blueberries, or mixed berries for a different twist.
• Glaze: Add a sweet glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top of the baked pies for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Spices: For a warm, spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
• Reheating: Reheat the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them back up, or microwave them for a softer texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch.
2. Can I make the pie crust from scratch? Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pie crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead of the refrigerated version.
3. How do I make the hand pies more golden? Brushing the tops with an egg wash (egg and water mixture) helps create a golden, shiny crust as they bake.
4. Can I make these pies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pies and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze the hand pies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pies. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. Can I use other shapes instead of mittens? Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shape you prefer, such as hearts, stars, or circles.
7. What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch? You can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch.
8. Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
9. What can I do if the filling leaks out while baking? Make sure the edges are sealed well, and avoid overfilling the pies. If a little leaks out, it’s still tasty!
10. How do I know when the hand pies are done? The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and slightly puffed. You can also check by gently pressing the center to ensure it’s hot throughout.

Conclusion

Cherry Mitten Hand Pies are the perfect dessert to add to your holiday table. With their festive shape, sweet cherry filling, and buttery, flaky crust, they’re sure to bring joy to your gatherings. Easy to make and fun to enjoy, these hand pies are an ideal treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether served warm out of the oven or cooled to room temperature, these pies are a delicious way to celebrate the season!

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