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15-Minute Desserts: Cherry Hand Pies

When it comes to desserts, few things can rival the charm of a freshly baked pastry. Cherry hand pies, with their flaky crust and sweet, juicy filling, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. The best part? You can whip up a batch in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those impromptu gatherings or when you simply need a sweet pick-me-up.

Quick and Delicious Cherry Hand Pies

These cherry hand pies are incredibly versatile. You can use fresh cherries, frozen ones, or even cherry pie filling if you’re really short on time. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a cosy night in with a cuppa. Let’s get started with this quick and easy recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornflour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the cherries are coated, allowing the sugar and cornflour to absorb some of the cherry juices. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the pastry.

2. Roll Out the Pastry
Unroll the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the pastry into rectangles or circles (about 10cm x 10cm for squares or 10cm diameter for circles).

3. Fill the Pastry
Place a tablespoon of the cherry filling on one half of each pastry piece. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or semi-circle, pressing down the edges with your fingers to seal.

4. Crimp the Edges
For an extra touch, use a fork to crimp the edges of the hand pies, ensuring they are well sealed and reducing the chance of any filling leaking out during baking.

5. Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the hand pies. This will give them a lovely golden colour when baked.

6. Bake
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the pastry.

7. Serve
Once baked, remove the cherry hand pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. You may wish to dust them with a sprinkle of icing sugar for an elegant finish. They are delightful served warm, but are equally delicious at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a combination of berries. Just adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Make Ahead: If you want to prepare these in advance, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking them from frozen.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your hand pies plain, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Cherry hand pies are a delightful and quick dessert option that never disappoints. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a sweet treat that impresses both family and friends. So, the next time you find yourself with a craving for something sweet, remember this easy recipe and treat yourself to a batch of cherry hand pies. Happy baking!