This holiday season, we’re bringing Del Mar, California folks a recipe that’s as festive as it is fun to make: Cherry Mitten Hand Pies! These adorable, mitten-shaped pastries are perfect for cozying up with family or impressing guests at your Christmas gathering. And guess what? This recipe is featured in our Christmas Guide 2024—because nothing says "holiday spirit" like desserts shaped like winter gear.
Let’s explore the details of this easy and delicious recipe, which will have your kitchen smelling like cinnamon and cherries in no time.
Why Cherry Mitten Hand Pies?
First off, they’re cute. Like, Instagram-worthy cute. But beyond their looks, these hand pies are loaded with a sweet-tart cherry filling that screams holiday cheer. The flaky pie crust is a breeze to work with (thanks to store-bought dough), and the royal icing decorations add a touch of whimsy that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need
Level: Easy
Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling)
Active Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 hand pies
Ingredients
Filling:
- 10 oz bag of frozen cherries (thawed, drained, and coarsely chopped)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Crust:
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- One 14–16 oz box of rolled refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 large egg
Royal Icing & Decoration:
- 1 lb confectioners' sugar
- 5 tbsp meringue powder
- Blue gel food coloring (for icing)
- White snowflake sprinkles (for decorating)
How to Make Them
Step 1: Prep the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the cherries, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly—about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with one tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the cherry filling and let it simmer for another minute or two until thickened. Add the lemon juice, transfer to a bowl, and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unroll both pie crusts. Roll them out slightly to smooth any creases. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter (about 4 inches wide) to cut out as many shapes as possible—aim for 16 to 20 pieces total. Reroll the scraps if needed!
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Place half of your mitten cutouts on the prepared baking sheets. Beat the egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this around the edges of each mitten shape on the baking sheet. Spoon about one to two tablespoons of cherry filling into the center of each mitten (don’t overfill!). Cover each with another mitten cutout and press the edges together gently to seal. Use your fingers for a snug fit—no cherry leaks allowed!
Brush the tops with more egg wash and cut a tiny slit in each mitten for steam to escape. Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 4: Get Icy With Royal Icing
While your pies cool, whip up some royal icing by mixing confectioners' sugar, meringue powder, and six tablespoons of water in a large bowl. Beat until soft peaks form—add more water if needed for a smooth consistency.
Divide the icing into two portions: color one light blue using gel food coloring and leave the other white. Transfer each icing color into separate pastry bags fitted with different tips (#6 or #7 round tip for blue; #3 or #4 round tip and #103 or #104 rose petal tip for white).
Step 5: Decorate Like a Pro
Pipe a thin blue border around each mitten, leaving space at the cuff for decoration later. Fill the mitten area with blue icing and spread evenly using a small spatula or spoon. Sprinkle snowflake sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet.
For the cuffs, use white icing with a rose petal tip to create ruffles, then switch to a plain round tip to add "stitching" details around the edges of each mitten. Let everything set for about an hour before serving—or showing them off!
Pro Tips for Del Mar Bakers
- If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out cherries for cranberries or even apple-cinnamon filling! It’s all about making it your own.
- No mitten cutter? No problem! Use any festive shape you like—stars or trees work just as well.
- These pies make great gifts! Wrap them individually in clear bags tied with ribbon for an extra-special touch.
So there you have it—Cherry Mitten Hand Pies that are as delightful as they are delicious! Perfect for Del Mar’s laid-back holiday vibes, these treats bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering this Christmas season.
Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com
