Cherry Hand Pies: A Delicious and Easy Treat

Craving a sweet and satisfying treat that's easy to make and even easier to eat? Look no further than these delightful cherry hand pies! These little pockets of buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet and tart cherries are perfect for a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or a charming addition to any picnic or gathering.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

Make the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor until combined.)
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

Assemble the Pies:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 6-8 circles per disc.
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of cherry filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough circles in half and crimp the edges together with a fork to seal. You can also use a decorative pie crust crimper for a more elegant finish.
6. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the tops of the pies with milk or egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of sugar to the dough.
• If you're using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
• For a fun twist, try using different types of fruit for the filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
• To prevent the filling from spilling out, make sure to crimp the edges of the pies tightly.

Enjoy your delicious cherry hand pies!