Cherry Fried Pies

Cherry-filled fried pastry topped with powdered sugar, one pastry cut open to show the bright red filling, served on a white plate.

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These Cherry Fried Pies are crispy, golden hand pies filled with sweet cherry pie filling. A tender homemade dough wraps around the fruit, then fries up flaky in just minutes. It's an easy old-fashioned dessert that feeds a crowd on a budget.

Prep Time25

Cook Time15

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: Pies

Calories: 231kcal

Author: Wendy

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Food processer Optional
whisk
plastic wrap
Rolling Pin
5-inch round cutter or bowl
Deep skillet or heavy pot
Deep-fry thermometer
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Baking sheet or wire rack
Paper towels

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
1 large egg
¾ cup milk plus a little more if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cherry pie filling about one 21-ounce can
vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Add the cold butter cubes. Cut them into the flour with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla.
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms. If it seems dry, add a small splash more milk. The dough should come together without feeling sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a square. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 5 to 6 inch circles.
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each circle. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork or pie press to seal.
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet or heavy pot and heat it to 350 degrees F.
Fry the pies in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Do not crowd the pan.
Lift the pies out with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
Let the pies cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if you like.

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