Raspberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies

Raspberry cream cheese hand pies combine buttery flaky crust with tangy cream cheese and sweet raspberry filling for an irresistible portable dessert. The rustic charm of these treats comes from their imperfect edges and glistening pink glaze that makes each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike fussy desserts requiring precision and patience, these hand pies welcome casual assembly while delivering professional bakery quality results with minimal effort.

The first time I created these hand pies happened completely by accident when discovering leftover raspberry reduction in my refrigerator. After watching countless pastry shows inspiring kitchen confidence, I decided to combine the reduction with cream cheese between flaky pastry. My family devoured the entire batch before they had fully cooled, convincing me this spontaneous creation deserved permanent status in my recipe collection.

Complete Ingredient Guide

• Pie dough: Provides the buttery flaky foundation that encases the creamy filling while baking into golden perfection
• Cream cheese: Offers tangy richness that balances the sweetness of fruit filling while creating luxurious mouthfeel
• Raspberry reduction: Concentrates berry flavor through gentle simmering that evaporates excess moisture
• Egg wash: Creates the signature golden brown color while sealing edges securely during baking
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base for glaze that sets beautifully atop cooled pastries
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens flavors throughout both filling and glaze components

Creating Perfect Pies

Dough Mastery:

Begin with very cold ingredients including butter straight from refrigerator for optimal flakiness. Place flour in large mixing bowl before grating cold butter directly into flour mixture using box grater. This technique ensures even distribution of butter throughout dough without overworking. Add ice water gradually while gently combining ingredients until dough just holds together when pinched. Divide completed dough into two discs wrapped tightly in plastic before refrigerating minimum two hours or overnight for best results.

Filling Preparation:

Combine fresh raspberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Mash berries gently with wooden spoon while bringing mixture to simmer. Continue cooking approximately fifteen minutes until mixture reduces by half and coats back of spoon. Transfer completed reduction to heat proof container before refrigerating until completely cooled. In separate bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese with small amount of powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable texture develops.

Assembly Method:

Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to approximately eighth inch thickness maintaining consistent pressure. Cut circles using three inch cookie cutter or drinking glass. Place teaspoon cream cheese mixture slightly off center on each dough circle followed by similar amount raspberry reduction. Avoid overfilling which prevents proper sealing. Brush edges with egg wash before folding dough over filling to create half moon shape. Press edges firmly with fork tines to create decorative border while ensuring complete seal.

Baking Brilliance:

Arrange assembled hand pies on parchment lined baking sheet with adequate spacing to allow expansion. Cut small vent holes in top of each pie using sharp knife or kitchen scissors to release steam during baking. Brush entire surface with egg wash for golden finish before sprinkling with coarse sugar if desired. Place in preheated oven at 375°F for approximately twenty minutes until pastry appears golden brown and filling begins bubbling through vent holes.

Finishing Touches:

Allow baked hand pies to cool completely on wire rack before applying glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar with small amount of raspberry reduction until smooth pourable consistency forms. Drizzle or spread glaze across cooled pastries before allowing setting time. Add decorative sprinkles immediately after glazing if desired while surface remains tacky enough for adherence.

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Raspberry desserts hold special significance in my culinary memories, connecting directly to summer afternoons spent picking berries with my grandmother. She taught me that the tiniest berries often contained the most concentrated flavor, a lesson that applies perfectly to these hand pies. The balanced flavor of slightly tart raspberries against sweet glaze and buttery crust creates a nostalgic experience that transports me back to her kitchen where baking was always an expression of love rather than mere food preparation.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Serve these charming hand pies alongside vanilla bean ice cream for delightful temperature contrast that emphasizes their fruity filling. Consider offering freshly whipped cream lightly sweetened with maple syrup as sophisticated accompaniment for brunch gatherings. For afternoon tea service, present hand pies on tiered serving stand alongside lemon curd filled tarts and chocolate dipped shortbread for impressive variety that pleases diverse palates.

Creative Adaptations

Substitute blueberry preserves combined with lemon zest for summery variation that highlights seasonal berries. Experiment with mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for subtler tangy notes reminiscent of Italian pastries. Consider adding finely chopped crystallized ginger to raspberry filling for sophisticated warmth that introduces complexity beyond sweetness. Transform hand pies into autumn treats by replacing raspberry with spiced apple butter complemented by cinnamon sugar sprinkled atop egg wash before baking.

Keeping Pastries Fresh

Store completely cooled hand pies in airtight container at room temperature up to two days maintaining best texture and flavor. Separate layers with parchment paper preventing glaze transfer between pastries. Refresh day old pastries by warming briefly in 300°F oven approximately five minutes restoring crispness without overheating filling. Consider freezing unbaked assembled pies on parchment lined tray until solid before transferring to freezer bags for storage up to three months, baking directly from frozen with additional five minutes added to cooking time.

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These raspberry cream cheese hand pies represent everything wonderful about homemade pastries without intimidating complexity. Throughout my baking journey, the recipes that consistently bring most joy combine simple preparation with surprising flavor complexity. The magic happens when basic ingredients transform through thoughtful technique into something greater than their parts. Whether serving these for special occasions or ordinary Tuesday afternoons, their charm comes from rustic imperfection that celebrates homemade quality. The beautiful contrast between crisp exterior and luscious filling creates memorable bites that remind us why handcrafted treats will always surpass mass produced alternatives in both flavor and emotional satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other fruit preserves instead of raspberry?

Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberry preserves with any flavor you enjoy - strawberry, blueberry, apricot, or cherry all work wonderfully in these hand pies.

→ How do I store leftover hand pies?

Store completely cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using store-bought pie crusts?

Yes! You can definitely use homemade pie dough instead of store-bought crusts for an even more personalized flavor.

→ Why did my hand pies leak filling during baking?

This typically happens if the edges weren't sealed properly. Make sure to moisten the edges well and firmly crimp with a fork to create a tight seal.

→ Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the hand pies up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pies and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.