Quick Cherry Pie Bites

The smell of cinnamon sugar hitting warm pastry still takes me back to my first apartment kitchen, where I made these on a rainy Tuesday just because I needed something sweet and immediate.

I brought a batch to a book club meeting once, and before we even discussed the book, everyone was asking for the recipe. Thats how I knew these were special.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie dough: One sheet yields exactly 12 circles when cut properly, and the convenience lets you focus on the fun part
• Cherry pie filling: About one cup fills all the bites perfectly, but homemade works beautifully too
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon: This simple combination creates that bakery style topping everyone loves
• Beaten egg: Optional but gives the pastry edges a gorgeous golden color

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Cut the dough circles:

Use a 2.5-inch round cutter to cut 12 circles from the pie dough sheet

Form the pastry cups:

Gently press each circle into the wells of a mini muffin tin, creating little cups

Add the cherry filling:

Spoon about one tablespoon of cherry pie filling into each cup

Add the egg wash:

Brush exposed pastry edges lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar:

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the tops

Bake until golden:

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly

Cool completely:

Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack

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My daughter started helping me make these when she was six, and now she can do the whole process by herself except for taking them out of the oven.

Mixing Up The Filling

While cherry is classic, try swapping in blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling depending on the season or whats in your pantry. They all work beautifully.

Making Them Ahead

You can cut the dough circles and press them into the muffin tin up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until youre ready to fill and bake. This is perfect for party prep.

Serving Ideas

These disappear fastest when served slightly warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of temperatures is magical.

• Arrange them on a pretty platter for parties
• Pack them carefully for picnics or potlucks
• They reheat beautifully in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes

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There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a batch of these from the oven, watching the sugar sparkle in the light, and knowing happiness is just minutes away.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They're perfect for party prep since they don't require refrigeration and maintain their texture well.

→ What other fillings work well?

Blueberry, apple, and peach pie filling all work beautifully. You could also use homemade fruit compote or even lemon curd for a different flavor profile. Each variation maintains the same baking time.

→ Do I need the egg wash?

The egg wash is optional but recommended for achieving that golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges. If omitting, your bites will still be delicious, though slightly less golden in appearance.

→ Can I freeze these cherry bites?

You can freeze them baked for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. For best results, reheat briefly at 350°F to refresh the pastry texture.

→ What's the best way to serve these?

Serve warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds elegance. They're also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

→ Can I make my own pie dough?

Absolutely. Homemade pie dough works wonderfully and may yield even better flavor. Just ensure you roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness so it fits properly in the mini muffin wells and bakes evenly.