Indulge in the delightful charm of Roasted Cherry Hand Pies, a perfect treat that combines a flaky, buttery crust with a luscious, fruity filling. These hand pies are an ideal option for a snack, appetizer, or even a light starter, offering a burst of sweet-tart cherry flavor that’s both satisfying and refreshing. The use of both frozen sweet cherries and dried cherries gives the filling a wonderfully rich texture and depth of flavor, enhanced further by the subtle sweetness of raspberry preserves and a hint of vanilla bean paste.
The pastry dough is a standout feature, made tender and flaky thanks to the blend of cold butter and almond paste, along with a touch of vodka that helps create a delicate crumbly texture. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully develop, resulting in perfectly crisp baked pies with golden, glossy tops. A sprinkle of Demerara sugar on top adds a pleasant crunch and caramelized sweetness.
While the total preparation time may extend over a few hours due to chilling and baking, the process is straightforward and rewarding. These hand pies are great for feeding a crowd, yielding 12 individual pies that make sharing easy. Whether you're looking for a unique antipasti offering for a gathering, a vegetarian-friendly dessert, or a charming homemade gift, these roasted cherry hand pies promise a delicious experience that impresses with every bite.
