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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Cherry Filling:**
– If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them into small pieces. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain any excess liquid before chopping.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
– Once thickened, remove from heat and allow the filling to cool while you prepare the pie crusts.
#### 2. **Prepare the Pie Crusts:**
– Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. If using refrigerated dough, unroll it and cut it into circles using a round cutter, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a glass or any round object if you don’t have a cutter.
– Make sure you have an even number of circles, as each hand pie will need a top and a bottom.
#### 3. **Assemble the Hand Pies:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling into the center of half of the pie dough circles. Be careful not to overfill them.
– Place a second dough circle on top of each filled one and press down the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are sealed tightly.
– Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
#### 4. **Egg Wash:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash over the tops of the hand pies for a beautiful golden finish.
#### 5. **Bake the Hand Pies:**
– Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling out slightly.
– Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
#### 6. **Make the Sweet Pink Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) until smooth. Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve the pink color, and stir until the glaze is well-mixed and has a smooth, pourable consistency.
– Drizzle the pink glaze over the cooled hand pies. You can either drizzle the glaze in a decorative pattern or simply cover the top of each pie with a nice layer of sweetness.
#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the glaze has set, your Cherry Hand Pies with Sweet Pink Glaze are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a delicious treat on their own.
### Tips for Success:
– **Using Frozen Cherries:** If using frozen cherries, be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if the cherries are already sweet.
– **Customize the Glaze:** Feel free to get creative with the glaze! You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract or lemon juice for different flavor profiles.
– **Flavor Add-ins:** For an extra twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, comforting spice note. You can also stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
– **Make Ahead:** You can make the filling and the pie dough ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble the hand pies when you’re ready to bake. These hand pies also freeze well before baking—just bake from frozen for a little longer.
### Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
– **Sweet and Tart:** The combination of sweet cherries and a slightly tangy filling creates the perfect flavor balance, while the sweet pink glaze adds a sugary finishing touch.
– **Portable and Fun:** Hand pies are the ultimate finger food! Their individual size makes them perfect for sharing, and they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat.
– **Stunning and Delicious:** With their golden crusts and pretty pink glaze, these cherry hand pies are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
– **Versatile:** You can easily switch up the fruit filling depending on what’s in season. Try using peaches, blueberries, or apples for different variations of this hand pie recipe.
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Perfect for Parties:** Serve these hand pies at your next gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, a picnic, or a holiday celebration. They’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
– **Pair with Ice Cream:** For a dessert that’s even more indulgent, serve these warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
– **Tea Time Treat:** These hand pies make the perfect addition to an afternoon tea spread. Their delicate size and sweet, fruity flavor make them an elegant yet easy dessert.
### Conclusion:
These **Cherry Hand Pies with Sweet Pink Glaze** are an easy-to-make, visually stunning treat that combines flaky, buttery crust with a sweet and tangy cherry filling. The beautiful pink glaze adds a fun, colorful touch and an extra layer of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a casual snack, or to share with loved ones, these hand pies are sure to become a new favorite. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the irresistible combination of fruit, pastry, and glaze that everyone will love!
