Introduction:

Cherry puff pastry pies are a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet, tangy flavors of cherries with the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry. They’re perfect for a delicious afternoon tea or as a scrumptious ending to any meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making the best cherry puff pastry pies.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 package (two sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed

– 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

– Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Simmer for an additional two minutes. Once finished cooking, remove from heat and let the filling cool while you prepare the puff pastry.

Step 2: Preparing the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the puff pastry into a square shape about 12 inches by 12 inches.

Step 3: Assembling the Pies

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the rolled-out puff pastry into nine equal squares. Spoon approximately two tablespoons of cherry filling onto the center of each square. Fold one corner of the puff pastry square over the filling to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges together firmly to seal.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Transfer the assembled cherry puff pastry pies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each piece. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry until you have 18 pies in total. Brush the tops of each pie with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture and crunch.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and fully puffed. Allow cooling on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

These cherry puff pastry pies are not only delicious but also quite simple to make. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a tantalizing dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Serve your pies warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect sweet treat!