Cherry Hand Pies

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.

2. Stage

Make the cherry filling: In a colander placed over a bowl, combine the cherries, 1/3 cup of sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and juice. Stir to combine and then let it sit for 15 minutes. This resting time allows some of the juice to drain out of the fruit and will ensure your filling isn’t too liquidy. Don’t worry. There will still be plenty of cherry juice left! Taste after 15 minutes and add additional sugar if needed.

3. Stage

Unroll and cut the puff pastry: When you’re ready to make the hand pies, unroll one portion of puff pastry and press it out gently to make it even thickness. Cut into 6 even rectangles and place the rectangles on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut the second sheet of puff pastry into matching pieces.

4. Stage

Fill the hand pies: Spoon about two tablespoons of cherry filling onto each rectangle on the baking sheet and then top with the rectangles from the second sheet of puff pastry. Using a fork, crimp the edges of the hand pies to seal them. You should get six cherry hand pies out of the recipe. Cut 2 or 3 slashes on the top of each hand pie with a serrated knife. Whisk together the egg and tablespoon of water and brush over each hand pie. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using.

5. Stage

Briefly freeze the pies: Prior to baking, freeze the hand pies for 15 to 30 minutes to chill the filling so it doesn’t explode while baking. Pies can also be completely frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored for up to 3 months before baking.

6. Stage

Bake the pies: Remove the pies from the freezer and put them straight into the oven. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan once half way through until the hand pies are beautifully browned and puffy. If you are baking completely frozen hand pies , you can move them straight into the oven from the freezer. Add 5 to 6 minutes onto baking time.

7. Stage

Cool and serve, or store: Let the hand pies cool before serving. Once cooled, store leftover hand pies an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for a few days.