Delightful Mini Cherry Pies

Introduction

These Delightful Mini Cherry Pies are a perfect blend of buttery, flaky crust and a rich, sweet cherry filling. Ideal for any occasion, these mini pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their beautiful lattice tops. They are a fantastic treat for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home.

Ingredients

For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Mini Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Roll out one disk of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles to fit the muffin tin wells, pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides.
- Fill each pie crust with the cooled cherry filling.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and cut into strips for the lattice tops. Arrange the strips over the filling to form a lattice pattern.
Bake the Pies:
- Brush the lattice tops with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the mini pies to cool in the tin before removing.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the mini cherry pies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Pies

Dough Handling: Keep the dough chilled and handle it as little as possible to ensure a flaky crust.
Filling Variations: You can use other fruit fillings such as blueberry, apple, or peach for variety.
Lattice Tops: For an easier option, you can cover the pies with a solid crust and cut slits for steam to escape.

Conclusion

These Delightful Mini Cherry Pies are a wonderful treat that combines the classic flavors of cherry pie in a convenient, handheld size. Perfect for any event, these mini pies are sure to impress with their taste and presentation. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious pies with your loved ones!