The festive season calls for treats that are as charming as they are scrumptious, and these Christmas Cherry Hand Pies with Puff Pastry fit the bill perfectly. Shaped like little Christmas trees and brimming with a sweet cherry filling, these hand pies are a delightful way to add a touch of magic to your holiday dessert spread. With their flaky, buttery exterior and rich, fruit-filled centres, these hand pies are bound to become a holiday favourite.
Cherry Hand Pies Facts:
Cherries have a long history as a favourite ingredient for holiday desserts. In many cultures, cherries symbolise good fortune and joy, making them especially fitting for festive treats. Interestingly, cherries were cherished as far back as Roman times, with Emperor Lucius Licinius Lucullus credited for introducing the cherry tree to Europe from Asia Minor. Their natural sweetness, combined with a tart edge, makes cherries perfect for holiday pies and pastries.
Serving Suggestions For Cherry Hand Pies:
These cherry hand pies are lovely when served warm, dusted with a light sprinkle of icing sugar to resemble snow. For a more indulgent experience, serve them alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, display them on a festive platter adorned with holly sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal touch.
Storing Instructions:
If you have leftover pies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To maintain their crispness, place the hand pies in a paper bag before sealing them in a plastic container. This prevents condensation from making the pastry soggy.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and warm them for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the puff pastry lose its flaky texture.
How To Make Christmas Cherry Hand Pies with Puff Pastry
Christmas Cherry Hand Pies with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling optional
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries about 12 ounces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently and cook until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes. You should be able to get about 10 trees from one sheet. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Place half of the tree cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled cherry filling onto the center of each tree shape.
- Brush the edges around the filling with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with milk).
- Seal and Decorate: Top each filled tree shape with another tree cutout and gently press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
- Cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve: These hand pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make a festive addition to any holiday dessert table!
Notes
- Pastry Options: Puff pastry is perfect for a flaky, buttery result, but you can also use shortcrust or phyllo dough for different textures.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare these Christmas cherry hand pies in advance and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Filling Ideas: Besides cherries, try a mixed berry blend or spiced apple filling to switch up the flavours and cater to different tastes.
- Egg Wash Substitute: If you prefer an egg-free option, use milk or a non-dairy alternative for a golden finish.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent holiday treat.
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Conclusion:
These Christmas Cherry Hand Pies with Puff Pastry bring together the joys of baking and the heartwarming flavours of the season. Whether you’re making them with friends, family, or even just for a cosy night in, these hand pies promise a memorable taste of Christmas. Let us know if these cherry delights brought some holiday cheer to your home, and feel free to share your own creative twists!
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Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute homemade cherry filling with store-bought to save time. However, the homemade version offers a fresher and more customisable flavour
Can these hand pies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free puff pastry brand. Ensure all other ingredients, such as cornstarch, are certified gluten-free.
Is it necessary to thaw frozen cherries before using?
No need to thaw them fully. You can use them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time when preparing the filling to ensure it thickens properly.
Can I make the cherry filling in advance?
Yes, the cherry filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on baking day!
Can I use a different type of pastry dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can use other types of pastry dough, such as phyllo dough or shortcrust pastry. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ. Phyllo dough will create a crisp, flaky, and thinner finish, while shortcrust pastry will yield a more buttery, crumbly base akin to traditional pie crust.
What are the main differences in texture between puff pastry and phyllo dough?
Puff pastry is rich and buttery, with multiple layers that create a light and airy texture when baked. It puffs up significantly due to the layers of fat folded within. Phyllo dough, on the other hand, is much thinner and doesn’t contain the same amount of fat. It bakes up into a shatteringly crisp texture but lacks the rich, buttery flavour and volume of puff pastry.
