McDonalds Cherry Pie Copycat

The cherry pies from McDonalds have always been a favorite of mine. Some people only like the apple pies, but I was always partial to the cherry. You can’t find them at all McDonalds anymore, only some of the restaurants serve them. Of course, I’d always opt for a homemade pie anyway, so making one of my own was fun too.

Every cook or baker has a nemesis. Mine is the perfect pie crust. I can make pie crust, and have done so successfully in the past, but I know they could be better. And easier. I just seem to struggle with it sometimes. So instead of frustrating myself, I’ll enjoy the rest of the process by using a refrigerated crust instead. If you love to make pie crust, then by all means do so.:)

Related Recipe – Cherry Pie

I also use my homemade cherry pie filling, but canned pie filling works just as good. I’ll probably get a ration of crap from people that I’m using half of a refrigerated pie crust for one pie, but if you wanted to, you could probably get three or four out of the whole crust if you rolled it thinner. However, the thicker crust is better for a hand pie so that thin, delicate crust doesn’t ooze hot filling onto your hands.

Just sayin’.

I haven’t seen this book first hand (Handheld Pies: Dozens of Pint-Size Sweets and Savories), but it has some very favorable reviews. I am a hand pie person, especially since my kids won’t touch fruit desserts with a ten foot pole. So I was thinking about buying it. Have any of you been through this book? I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have!

Ball up the dough and roll it out to approximately 10″x6″.

Cut rectangle in half so that you have two 5×6 pieces.

Spoon 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto each of the dough rectangles.

Fold rectangle lengthwise to encase the filling. Press edges closed with fingers, use a little water on your fingertips to help seal.

Press the edges with the tines of a fork.

If desired, brush the dough with egg wash (one egg beaten with 1/2 teaspoon water) or melted butter.

Cut slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape during cooking. If you like, sprinkle with Sugar in the Raw.

Bake, remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.

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