Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies Recipe

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Golden, flaky pastry wrapped around a luscious filling of rich cream cheese and tart-sweet cherry preserves—these Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies are a dessert lover’s dream come true. Perfectly portable and incredibly easy to make, they combine the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the nostalgic charm of classic fruit pies. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a silky-smooth center bursting with flavor.

These hand pies are the ideal treat for holidays, gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or cooled for on-the-go enjoyment, their bakery-style taste and stunning appearance will win hearts instantly. They also make fantastic party desserts and delightful after-school snacks.

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Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Hand Pies

• 1 package (2 sheets) of puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with egg)
• Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

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Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the rich cheesecake base for your hand pies.

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Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Roll each sheet gently to even out the creases. Cut each sheet into 6 equal rectangles, giving you 12 in total. These will form the tops and bottoms of your hand pies.

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Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place 6 rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each rectangle, followed by 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling. Be careful not to overfill.

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Step 4: Seal the Pies

Brush the edges of each filled rectangle with the egg wash (a mix of 1 beaten egg and 1 tbsp milk). Top each with a second puff pastry rectangle and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp all sides for a decorative and secure edge.

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Step 5: Add Final Touches

Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash for a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra texture and sparkle. Use a sharp knife to cut a small vent on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 18–22 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving—if you can wait!

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Estimated Nutrition (per hand pie)

• Calories: ~280
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutrition will vary slightly based on exact portion sizes and ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling adds a fresh, personal touch and can be adjusted for sweetness or tartness.

2. Do I have to use puff pastry?

Puff pastry creates a buttery, flaky texture, but you can substitute with pie crust or crescent roll dough for different variations.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready. Alternatively, freeze before baking and cook from frozen.

4. What other fruit fillings work well?

Blueberry, apple, peach, and raspberry are all delicious alternatives to cherry and pair beautifully with the cream cheese base.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and ensure the puff pastry you use is also dairy-free.

6. How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Don’t overfill, and make sure edges are sealed tightly using egg wash and a fork to crimp. A small vent cut on top also helps prevent bursting.

7. Do these taste good cold?

Yes! While they’re amazing warm, they also taste great chilled, making them a convenient snack or lunchbox treat.

8. Can I add chocolate to these hand pies?

Definitely. A few mini chocolate chips mixed with the cream cheese or cherry filling add a decadent twist!

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