Let me tell you, the smell of sweet cherries mingling with toasted almonds baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. The first time I made these perfect heart-shaped cherry almond hand pies, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. I remember being knee-high to a grasshopper when my grandma used to bake hand pies on rainy weekends, the kitchen filling with warmth and that irresistible aroma. Years ago, I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to recreate those nostalgic flavors, and honestly, I wish I’d discovered it way sooner.

My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). These charming hand pies have become a staple for family gatherings and sweet gifts, offering pure, nostalgic comfort in every bite. Let’s face it, they’re dangerously easy to whip up and perfect for all those Pinterest-worthy moments you want to share. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for your kids, a delightful potluck offering, or just a way to brighten up an ordinary day, these cherry almond hand pies fit the bill beautifully.

I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count—in the name of research, of course—and each batch feels like a warm hug from the inside out. You’re going to want to bookmark this one, trust me.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

After countless trials in my kitchen, I can confidently say these heart-shaped cherry almond hand pies are a winner every time. Here’s why you’ll adore making (and eating) them:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, they’re perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required—you likely have most of these staples on hand already.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a family brunch, or just because, these hand pies steal the show.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the sweet cherry filling paired with nutty almond undertones.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The flaky crust combined with luscious cherry and almond flavors creates pure magic in every bite.

This recipe isn’t just another cherry pie. I blend almond extract into the filling for that subtle, aromatic kick and use a foolproof method for a perfectly flaky crust every time. It’s comfort food with a little twist—healthier, faster, and just as soul-soothing. Honestly, after the first bite, you’ll close your eyes and savor each mouthful. It’s ideal for impressing guests without breaking a sweat or turning a simple meal into a memorable treat.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, with a few fresh ingredients that really make these hand pies sing.

• For the Pastry:
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour (I recommend King Arthur Flour for best texture)
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (adds richness and flakiness)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
• For the Cherry Almond Filling:
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (the secret ingredient for that signature flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (balances the sweetness)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60g) sliced almonds, toasted (for texture and nuttiness)
• For Assembly:
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Substitution tips: Use almond flour to replace ½ cup of all-purpose flour for a nuttier crust (gluten-free option requires a different recipe). Swap almond extract with vanilla if you’re almond-sensitive, and coconut sugar works well as a natural sweetener alternative.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – a large one for dough and a medium one for the filling
• Food processor (optional but handy for cutting butter into flour quickly)
• Rolling pin – a basic wooden or silicone one works great
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 4 inches) to make those perfect pies
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
• Pastry brush for applying the egg wash
• Measuring cups and spoons for precision

If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—just use two knives or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour. For rolling, a clean wine bottle can double as a makeshift rolling pin in a pinch. Investing in a good-quality cookie cutter will make shaping these hand pies a breeze and add that extra charm.

Preparation Method

1. Make the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a food processor pulse or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Slowly add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t add too much water; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold when pressed. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cherry Almond Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups pitted cherries, ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract and ½ cup toasted sliced almonds. Let cool completely to avoid soggy crusts.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thickness. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes for the tops and bottoms. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed, but try not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.
4. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of half the hearts. Brush edges lightly with water. Top with another heart-shaped dough piece, pressing edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to help seal. Cut a small slit or two on top to vent steam during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush each hand pie with beaten egg for that golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for an extra sparkle and crunch.
6. Bake: Arrange pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer pies to a wire rack and cool for at least 15 minutes. The filling will thicken as they cool, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.

Pro tip: If your dough feels too sticky while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. And don’t skip chilling the filling—it really helps maintain that perfect texture inside the pies.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making these hand pies perfectly flaky and flavorful takes a few little tricks I’ve learned over time. First, keep your butter cold! Warm butter melts into the dough, ruining that flaky texture. I usually keep a little bowl of ice water nearby to quickly chill my hands if they get warm.

Don’t overmix your dough—it should just come together. Overworking it develops gluten, which makes the crust tough. Use gentle folding and cutting motions rather than kneading. When rolling, try to keep an even thickness; uneven dough means uneven baking.

For the filling, stirring constantly is key to prevent lumps and sticking. Adding lemon juice brightens the cherries and balances the sweetness—it’s a small step that makes a big difference. Toasting the almonds separately enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch.

When sealing the pies, don’t rush. A good seal keeps the filling inside and prevents leaks. Use water or egg wash on the edges for a solid seal. And always cut vents on top so steam escapes—otherwise, you might end up with soggy or bursting pies.

Lastly, multitask by preheating your oven while assembling the pies so you can pop them in as soon as they’re ready. This keeps the butter cold until baking, which is essential for flakiness.

Variations & Adaptations

These heart-shaped cherry almond hand pies are super customizable to suit different tastes and diets. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Seasonal Fruit Swap: In summer, use fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of cherries for a fresh twist. In fall, try apple cinnamon filling with slivered almonds.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to help bind the dough. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cold coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter, and use a plant-based milk for brushing instead of egg wash (maple syrup or aquafaba works well).
• Nut-Free: Simply omit the almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch if allergies are a concern.
• Extra Sweet: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent surprise that pairs wonderfully with cherry and almond.

I once made a batch with a splash of Grand Marnier in the filling for a boozy adult dessert—dangerously good! Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These hand pies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. They also go beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through to bring back that fresh-baked crispness.

Flavors actually deepen overnight, so if you can wait, the next-day hand pies taste even better. Just make sure to reheat gently to keep the crust flaky.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each hand pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and a little protein. Cherries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Almonds provide healthy fats and a good dose of vitamin E, supporting heart health.

This recipe is free from artificial preservatives and uses natural ingredients, making it a wholesome homemade treat. For those watching gluten or dairy, the variations keep it accessible without sacrificing flavor. Just a heads-up: contains nuts and gluten in the classic version, so take care if you have allergies.

From a wellness perspective, making your own hand pies means you control the sugar and fat content, so you can enjoy a sweet indulgence without guilt.

Conclusion

These perfect heart-shaped cherry almond hand pies are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, flaky, and utterly charming dessert. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat yet special enough for celebrations. Customize the filling and crust to suit your tastes, and honestly, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

I love these hand pies because they bring back those cozy family memories but with a fresh, homemade twist. So, go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be sharing smiles and requests for seconds before you know it.

If you make these, please drop a comment below to share your experience or any fun adaptations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who love a sweet treat—they’ll thank you later!

Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like cherry and almond love!

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, but drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly since canned cherries are often sweetened. Fresh or frozen cherries give the best texture and flavor, though.

How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges well using water or egg wash and crimp with a fork. Also, cut small vents on top to let steam escape and avoid bursting.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to two days ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Just bring it back to cold before rolling to maintain flakiness.

What’s the best way to toast almonds for the filling?

Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely—they can burn quickly.

Can I freeze the assembled hand pies before baking?

Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Perfect Heart-Shaped Cherry Almond Hand Pies

---

• Author: David
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 hand pies 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These charming heart-shaped cherry almond hand pies feature a flaky crust with a luscious cherry and almond filling, perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (60g) sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Make the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a food processor pulse or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Slowly add ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t add too much water; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold when pressed. Wrap in plastic and chill…
2. Prepare the Cherry Almond Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups pitted cherries, ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract and ½ cup toasted sliced almonds. Let cool completely to avoid soggy crusts.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thickness. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes for the tops and bottoms. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed, but try not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.
4. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of half the hearts. Brush edges lightly with water. Top with another heart-shaped dough piece, pressing edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to help seal. Cut a small slit or two on top to vent steam during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush each hand pie with beaten egg for that golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for an extra sparkle and crunch.
6. Bake: Arrange pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
7. Cool and Serve: Transfer pies to a wire rack and cool for at least 15 minutes. The filling will thicken as they cool, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.

Notes

Keep butter cold to ensure flaky crust. Chill dough before rolling. Stir filling constantly to avoid lumps. Toast almonds separately for best flavor. Seal edges well and cut vents to prevent leaking. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated. Freeze assembled pies before baking for later use.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 18
• Sodium: 180
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 9
• Carbohydrates: 32
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 3

Keywords: cherry hand pies, almond hand pies, heart-shaped pies, homemade dessert, flaky crust, cherry almond filling, easy hand pies, sweet treat