Here’s a beautifully expanded version of your cherry cream cheese biscuit hand pie recipe, complete with a warm introduction, method, little history, and a loving nod to all the home bakers who cherish quick and nostalgic treats.
Cherry Cream Cheese Hand Pies (Air Fryer Biscuit Turnovers)
Flaky, golden, creamy, and bursting with cherry—these little pies are love in a bite.
Introduction
In the world of comforting desserts, nothing feels quite as nostalgic as cherries and cream cheese wrapped in a warm, flaky pastry. This recipe takes a humble can of Grands biscuits and transforms it into something truly special—a shortcut that every busy baker or home cook will appreciate. Perfect for after-school snacks, easy brunches, or sweet moments shared with loved ones, these air-fried cherry hand pies are a modern take on classic comfort.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to make something special without heating up the kitchen, these hand pies will quickly become a go-to. And thanks to the air fryer, you can skip the oven and still get that golden, buttery finish in just minutes.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling (you’ll use about 1-2 cherries per pie)
For the Pastry:
- 1 can (8-count) Grands refrigerated biscuits
- Cooking spray or melted butter, for air frying
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions & Method
- Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Prep the Biscuits:
Separate the biscuits and place them on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each one into a flat 5-inch round. - Assemble the Hand Pies:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto one half of each flattened biscuit. Top with a dab (about 1-2 cherries) of cherry pie filling. Be careful not to overfill. - Seal the Edges:
Fold the biscuit over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal all around. - Air Fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. Spray the hand pies lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little melted butter. Place a few at a time in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
Cook at 350°F for 6–7 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. - Finishing Touches:
Remove from the air fryer and immediately brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar while warm.
History & Formation
Hand pies have roots across many cultures, from the British pasty to Southern U.S. fried pies. This version, inspired by Southern cream cheese pastries and shortcut recipes from the 1980s and ’90s, embraces modern kitchen tools like the air fryer and the convenience of pre-made ingredients. It’s a nod to both old-school techniques and the joys of accessible baking.
Conclusion (and for the Lovers of Baking)
This recipe is more than just an easy dessert—it’s a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be filled with heart. For lovers of nostalgia, flavor, and effortless joy, these cherry cream cheese biscuit pies are little edible love letters. Share them warm, serve them with coffee, or sneak one before anyone else knows they’re done—you’re the baker, after all.
And to all the lovers of quick, homemade treats: may your pies be flaky, your fillings sweet, and your moments full of flavor.
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