Amazing Cherry Pie Bites: Easy, Quick Mini Desserts
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Cherry Pie Bites: Amazing, easy mini desserts! Get the recipe now!
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:24 bites
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
4 ounces cream cheese, very cold and cubed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
½ teaspoon salt (for crust)
½ cup ice water (or more, as needed)
3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut your very cold unsalted butter and cream cheese into small cubes. Add these cold fats to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough will result in a tough crust. Form the dough into two flat discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
While the dough chills, prepare your cherry filling. If using fresh cherries, pit them thoroughly. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are tender but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; a cooled filling is crucial to prevent a soggy crust.
Once the dough is chilled and the filling cooled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Gently re-roll scraps as needed. Place about a tablespoon of cooled cherry filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch. Repeat with the second disc of dough and remaining filling. Arrange the pie bites on your prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pie bites with the egg wash for that beautiful golden sheen. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While your Cherry Pie Bites are cooling, whip up the simple glaze. In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk (start with just one tablespoon), and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. You're aiming for a consistency that's just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and be easily drizzled, but not so thick it won't flow nicely. If it's too thick, add a few more drops of milk; if too thin, stir in a bit more powdered sugar.
Once your Cherry Pie Bites have cooled completely, take your prepared simple glaze and, using a spoon or a whisk, drizzle it artfully over the tops of each pie bite. The glaze will set as it dries. Arrange them pretty on a serving platter. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or for an extra touch of decadence, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Imagine tiny parcels of juicy, sweet-tart cherry filling nestled inside a golden, flaky crust, all perfectly sized for a delightful two-bite indulgence. These miniature marvels capture all the nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor of a classic cherry pie, but in a fun, portable, and utterly adorable package.
