Last Updated April 24th, 2024 at 08:46 pm by Lisa
Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Hand Pies: Your Go-To Dessert Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these delightful Cherry Chocolate Hand Pies! Imagine a perfectly flaky, sugary crust embracing a luscious, warm filling of dark, sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips. This recipe offers an amazing sugar crust that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought pie crusts or prefer to craft your own homemade version, these individual pies are an absolute dream. Best of all, they come together in just about 45 minutes, making them an ideal sweet treat for any occasion, from cozy family nights to charming gatherings with friends.
This recipe seamlessly transforms simple, accessible ingredients into a bakery-quality pastry, all created right in your own kitchen. Each hand pie delivers a harmonious blend of tart fruit and decadent chocolate, beautifully encased within a golden, crispy, and delightfully crackled sugary shell. The combination of juicy cherries with melting semi-sweet chocolate is truly incredible, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Get ready to impress your loved ones and satisfy your sweet tooth with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious hand pies!
Chocolate Cherry Hand Pie Recipe
Crafting these delectable hand pies is far simpler than you might imagine, yielding a gourmet dessert without the fuss or extensive time commitment typically associated with elaborate baking. Our comprehensive recipe guides you through every step, ensuring you achieve a heavenly filling that perfectly balances the vibrant tartness of frozen dark sweet cherries with the rich, comforting sweetness of semi-sweet chocolate. All of this deliciousness is then enveloped in a golden, crispy crust that promises to be a crowd-plepleaser. Here’s everything you’ll need to bake these delightful treats at home and achieve that perfect bakery-style pastry:
Ingredients:
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought for ultimate convenience, or homemade if you have the time for an extra touch of artisanal quality)
- 16 ounce bag frozen dark pitted sweet cherries (no need to thaw, which saves precious prep time and keeps the filling from becoming too watery)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or semi-sweet chocolate chips for ease of mixing and availability)
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (this is the secret ingredient for a perfectly thickened, never runny, fruit filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (feel free to adjust this amount based on the natural sweetness of your cherries and your personal preference for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (a crucial addition that brightens the fruit flavors and adds a subtle tangy counterpoint to the sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher sea salt (a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweet and tart notes beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the chocolate and cherries)
Essential Equipment for Your Hand Pie Journey:
While specialized tools can make the process even smoother, you certainly don’t need a professional pastry kitchen to create these masterpieces. A heart-shaped hand pie press, like those sometimes found at specialty kitchen stores such as Williams Sonoma, can be a fun addition for uniform shapes and easy sealing, especially if you’re making these for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. However, don’t worry if you don’t have one! You can easily achieve beautiful and delicious results with common kitchen tools you likely already own:
- Hand Pie Press (optional, but highly convenient for creating consistently shaped and perfectly sealed hand pies)
- Assorted Heart Cookie Cutters (or any large cookie cutter you prefer, allowing for creativity in your pie shapes)
- Rolling Pin (essential for achieving an even dough thickness)
- Paring Knife or Pastry Wheel (for cutting shapes if not using a cookie cutter or press)
- Small Mixing Bowl (for preparing the delicious cherry chocolate filling)
- Baking Sheet (or two, if making a larger batch, to ensure pies have enough space)
- Parchment Paper (crucial for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze)
- Wire Rack (for cooling the baked pies, allowing for air circulation and crisp crusts)
For custom shapes, a simple trick is to cut a heart template or any desired shape from parchment paper. Then, place it over your rolled-out dough and trace around it with a small paring knife or pastry wheel. This method provides flexibility and allows you to create unique designs without needing specialized cutters.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
- Prepare and Shape the Dough: Begin by lightly flouring a clean work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Carefully unroll your pie dough. Using your chosen tool—be it a large cookie cutter (heart-shaped is wonderful for a festive touch, but any shape works beautifully), a paring knife, or a hand pie press—cut out your desired pie shapes. Work efficiently to keep the dough as cold as possible; this is crucial for achieving that desirable flaky crust. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out more shapes until you’ve utilized most of the dough.
- Craft the Luscious Filling: In a small, separate mixing bowl, combine the bag of frozen dark pitted sweet cherries, semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or chips), cornstarch, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, kosher sea salt, and vanilla extract. Using a spoon or spatula, stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch is evenly distributed over the fruit and chocolate. The cornstarch plays a vital role here, thickening the fruit juices during baking and preventing the filling from becoming overly runny.
- Preheat Your Oven: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step is essential as it prevents your hand pies from sticking and makes for incredibly easy cleanup after baking.
- Fill Each Hand Pie: Carefully spoon a small, manageable amount of the cherry chocolate filling onto one half of each individual pie dough shape. Aim for approximately 5-6 cherries per pie. It’s critical not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult and significantly increase the risk of the delicious filling oozing out during baking, leading to a messy crust. Leave a small, clean border around the edges of the dough for effective sealing.
- Seal the Pies Securely: If you are using a hand pie press, place the bottom crust, complete with its filling, into the press. Gently lay a second crust on top, then close the press firmly to seal the edges and crimp them shut. If sealing by hand, carefully fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, aligning the edges precisely with the bottom crust. Then, use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp and press the edges all around. This creates a visually appealing, decorative border and, more importantly, a secure seal that locks in the filling.
- Create an Amazing Sugar Crust: For that irresistible, crackled, and glistening sugar crust, generously sprinkle each unbaked hand pie with granulated sugar. This simple step adds texture and a delightful sparkle. As an alternative, you can brush the tops with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) for a beautiful golden, shiny finish, or with melted butter for an added layer of richness and a slightly softer crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the prepared hand pies to the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced adequately apart. Bake in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your crust, so keep a close eye on them until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling appears bubbly through any vents or openings.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, use a spatula to carefully transfer the hot hand pies from the baking sheet to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the hot filling to firm up and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. For an extra touch of sweetness and elegant presentation, serve them slightly warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar just before enjoying.
Why You’ll Adore Making These Hand Pies
Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, Cherry Chocolate Hand Pies offer a myriad of reasons to become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire. They are incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization with different fruits, chocolate types, or even transitioning to savory fillings for a meal. Their individual portion size makes them exceptionally convenient—perfect for grab-and-go snacks, delightful lunchbox treats, or elegant single-serving desserts that eliminate the need for extra plates and cutlery at parties. The active preparation time is remarkably minimal, making them a fantastic option when you crave a homemade treat but are short on time. Furthermore, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while these beauties bake is a reward in itself, promising a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Expert Tips for Achieving Perfect Hand Pies Every Time
Mastering the art of hand pies involves a few simple tricks that can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary:
- Keep Your Dough Chilled: The golden rule for a truly flaky and tender pie crust is to work with cold dough. If your dough starts to become too warm, soft, or sticky during rolling and shaping, don’t hesitate to pop it back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This ensures the butter in the crust stays solid, leading to those coveted flaky layers.
- Handle Dough with Care: Be gentle! Overworking pie dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, chewy crust rather than a delicate, tender one. Roll just enough to achieve the desired thickness and shape.
- Customizing Sweetness: Before spooning the cherry mixture into the pies, taste a small amount of the fruit and sugar combination. Depending on the inherent sweetness of your cherries and the intensity of your chosen chocolate, you might find yourself wanting to slightly increase or decrease the granulated sugar to match your personal preference.
- Battling the Soggy Bottom: While cornstarch is your friend, ensuring your filling isn’t excessively wet is also crucial. If you decide to use fresh cherries, consider macerating them with the sugar and lemon juice for about 15-20 minutes beforehand. This process draws out some of their natural juices. Drain off any significant excess liquid before mixing the cherries with the cornstarch and chocolate. Alternatively, you can increase the cornstarch by half a tablespoon to compensate for the higher moisture content in fresh fruit.
- The Importance of a Secure Seal: A tight, impenetrable seal around the edges of your hand pies is vital. This prevents the delectable filling from oozing out during baking, which can create a mess and compromise the pie’s structure. Press firmly with a fork, or ensure your hand pie press closes completely, to create a strong and decorative seal.
- Ensuring Even Baking: For uniform browning and even cooking, it’s a good practice to rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This ensures all sides of your hand pies receive equal heat exposure, resulting in a beautifully golden crust all around.
- Patience During Cooling: As tempting as it is to devour a hand pie straight from the oven, allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes, or even completely. This crucial step allows the hot, molten filling to firm up and set properly, preventing it from gushing out, and also helps the crust maintain its crispness.
Delicious Variations and Creative Twists to Try
The inherent beauty of hand pies lies in their remarkable adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the fundamental technique outlined above, feel completely free to unleash your culinary creativity and experiment with a myriad of different flavor combinations, tailoring them to your taste or the season:
- Mixed Berry Medley: For a burst of vibrant, tangy flavors, combine an assortment of fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed based on the moisture content and sweetness of the berries.
- Classic Apple Cinnamon: Recreate a comforting classic by filling your hand pies with finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) tossed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of nutmeg. This combination is always a hit, especially in the fall.
- Sweet Peach Pecan: For a taste of the South, try a filling of sweet, ripe peaches combined with crunchy, buttery pecans. A touch of ginger or cardamom can elevate this variation further.
- Savory Hand Pies: Don’t limit yourself to sweet! Hand pies are incredibly versatile for savory applications. Experiment with fillings such as seasoned ground beef and cheese, a creamy spinach and feta mixture, or even a miniature chicken pot pie filling for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Alternative Toppings: While granulated sugar provides a fantastic crust, explore other topping options. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice can add a sophisticated finish, or a sprinkle of coarse turbinado sugar can provide an extra layer of crunch and sparkle.
Hand Pie FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Curious about these delightful portable treats? Here are detailed answers to some common questions about hand pies:
What exactly are hand pies?
Hand pies are essentially miniature, individual-sized pies, specifically designed to be held and eaten comfortably with your hands, making them the ultimate portable dessert or snack. They typically consist of a pastry crust—which can be sweet or savory, flaky or tender—wrapped around a delicious filling. After assembly, they are most commonly baked until golden brown, though some regional variations might feature fried hand pies. Think of them as a convenient, fuss-free version of your favorite full-sized pie, perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, road trips, or as a single-serving dessert that requires no plates or forks.
How do you make hand pies?
The general process of making hand pies involves several key steps. First, pie dough is rolled out to an even thickness and then cut into desired individual shapes, which can range from classic rounds or squares to more festive designs like hearts or stars using cookie cutters or a paring knife. Next, a small, carefully measured portion of either a sweet fruit or savory meat/vegetable filling is placed onto one half of each dough shape. The other half of the dough is then folded over the filling, and the edges are securely sealed. This sealing can be achieved by crimping the edges firmly with the tines of a fork, using a specialized hand pie press, or simply pressing the edges together by hand. Once sealed and often vented, the hand pies are typically baked in an oven until their crusts are beautifully golden and flaky, offering a convenient and utterly delightful way to enjoy pie.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! You can certainly use fresh cherries instead of frozen ones for an even more vibrant flavor. If you opt for fresh cherries, it’s crucial to ensure they are properly pitted. A useful tip is to macerate the fresh, pitted cherries with the sugar and lemon juice for about 15-20 minutes before mixing them with the cornstarch and chocolate. Macerating helps to draw out some of the natural juices from the fruit. Before proceeding, drain off any significant excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Alternatively, to account for the higher moisture content typically found in fresh fruit, you could increase the amount of cornstarch by half a tablespoon to ensure a perfectly thickened filling.
How should I store leftover hand pies?
Proper storage ensures your delicious hand pies remain fresh and enjoyable. Leftover baked hand pies can be stored effectively in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to extend their freshness, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 4-5 days. For optimal enjoyment and to bring back that wonderful crispness of the crust, a quick reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes is highly recommended before serving.
Can hand pies be frozen for later?
Absolutely! Hand pies are excellent candidates for freezing, both in their baked and unbaked states, making them perfect for meal prep or spontaneous cravings. To freeze unbaked pies, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can either bake them directly from frozen (adding approximately 5-10 minutes to the original baking time) or thaw them in the refrigerator first. Baked hand pies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; simply allow them to thaw at room temperature or reheat them from frozen for a quick treat.
More Irresistible Pie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process and delicious results of making these cherry chocolate hand pies, you’re undoubtedly ready to dive into more exciting pie-making adventures. The world of pies is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities from classic fruit pies to innovative savory creations. There truly is a pie for every palate and every conceivable occasion:
- Discover some of the best old-fashioned Fried Apple Hand Pies by A Farmgirls Kitchen, a nostalgic treat that will transport you back to simpler times. Or, for another delightful fruity option, be sure to try Jessica’s equally delicious recipe for Blackberry Hand Pies.
- For your next patriotic celebration or summer gathering, impress everyone with an awe-inspiring American Flag Pie. This visually stunning dessert is meticulously designed with strawberries and blueberries, baked on a large rimmed baking sheet, making it perfect for generously serving a crowd of up to 20 people at festive summer cookouts and picnics, especially for July 4th festivities.
- Embrace the joy of outdoor cooking with this truly unique Blueberry Pie Recipe, specifically designed to be baked directly on your gas or charcoal grill. This innovative method functions just like an indoor oven, but with the added benefit of keeping your house wonderfully cool on those scorching hot summer days while still delivering a perfectly baked, bubbly blueberry pie.
- Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Dutch Apple Pie, widely known and loved as Apple Crumble Pie. This timeless classic features a tender, homemade apple filling, encased in a foolproof flaky crust, and topped with a generous, irresistible crumble that is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Get wonderfully creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers by transforming them into savory Empanadas. This ingenious recipe provides a fantastic way to reinvent holiday remnants, allowing you to use leftover turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing to create delicious, portable hand pies – a perfect and flavorful solution for post-holiday meals.
CRAVING MORE?
Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Pin Recipe
Chocolate-Cherry Hand Pies
These irresistible Cherry Chocolate Hand Pies feature an amazing sugary crust, perfectly paired with a luscious, warm filling of decadent chocolate chips and tart frozen cherries. In just about 45 minutes, you can bake these delightful sweet dessert pies at home, creating a heartwarming treat for everyone you love.
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
6
562 kcal
Lisa Hatfield
Equipment:
- Hand Pie Press (optional)
- Assorted Heart Cookie Cutters
Ingredients:
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 16 ounce bag frozen dark pitted sweet cherries
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Unit Conversion: US Customary – Metric
Instructions:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough. Cut the pie dough into heart shapes using a large cookie cutter, paring knife, or heart hand pie press. Reroll the excess dough, and roll out using a rolling pin.
- In a small bowl, mix the cherries, chocolate, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Give the cherry filling mix a good stir.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Fill each hand pie with a small amount of filling (about 5-6 cherries per pie), trying not to overfill. Be careful not to overfill the press or pie hearts so they seal well.
- Place your filling on the bottom crust, place top crust, and press in a hand pie press or crimp the edges closed with a fork.
- Sprinkle each pie with granulated sugar for a nice crust, or brush with an egg wash glaze or melted butter.
- Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack at room temperature.
- Optional: Serve slightly warm and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Notes:
What are hand pies? A folded or pressed pastry with either a sweet or savory filling that is either baked or fried.
How do you make hand pies? Hand pies are made by placing a small amount of sweet or savory filling onto a round piece of dough. Then it is folded over and sealing the edges with either a fork or a small pie mold before baking or frying.
Nutrition:
Serving: 6g | Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?
Let’s see it on Instagram! Follow us @Delicious.Table and tag us on your recipe photo with #delicioustable
Need ingredients or equipment to make this recipe?
Shop Now. Every cooking product recommended I own, use, and love how they perform in my kitchen. Happy Cooking! Lisa
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Delicious Table earns advertising fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com