14ozrefrigerated pie dough, thawedtwo rolled crusts
2.75cuppitted tart cherriesif using frozen, keep unthawed
0.5cupgranulated sugar
2.5tbspcornstarch
1tbsplemon juicefresh if possible
0.5tspalmond extract
0.5tspvanilla extract
0.13tspfine salta small pinch
1tbspunsalted butterstirred in at the end
2tbspmilkfor brushing
1tbspcoarse sugarfor sprinkling
1tbspall-purpose flourfor dusting the counter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until thick and glossy, 5–7 minutes.
Stir in almond and vanilla extracts and the butter. Let the filling cool 10 minutes.
Dust the counter with flour. Unroll dough and gently roll to even thickness.
Cut 16 rounds with a 4-inch cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed. Transfer half the rounds to the baking sheet.
Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons filling onto centers. Brush edges with a little milk.
Top with remaining rounds, press to seal, and crimp edges with a fork. Cut a small vent on each pie.
Brush tops with remaining milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until deep golden, 18–22 minutes.
Cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling before serving.
Notes
Try a cinnamon twist: add 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon to the filling. For a bakery shine, swap the milk wash for 1 tbsp cream. To freeze, assemble and freeze unbaked on a sheet pan, then store in a bag; bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Cherry Hand Pies Made Easy flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.