Irresistible Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies

Making the Crust:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Rolling out the Dough:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 1/8-inch thick circle.
3. Cut the dough: Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed.
4. Fit into muffin tin: Gently press each dough circle into the cups of a mini muffin tin, forming small crusts.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sugar and vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the egg: Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Mini Pies:

1. Fill the crusts: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each mini crust.
2. Add the cherry topping: Top each with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Baking the Pies:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Cool: Allow the mini pies to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. Combine glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled mini pies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: These mini pies are delicious either way.
• Presentation: Arrange the mini pies on a platter for an impressive dessert display at parties or gatherings.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
• Chill the dough: Properly chilling the dough helps maintain its shape and flakiness when baked.
• Avoid overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the crusts with cream cheese filling and cherry topping to prevent overflow during baking.

Conclusion

Congratulations on mastering the art of making Irresistible Mini Cherry Cream Cheese Pies! This recipe offers a delightful and indulgent way to enjoy the classic flavors of cheesecake and cherries in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, these mini pies are sure to impress your family and friends. Visit our site for more exclusive recipes and culinary inspirations to elevate your cooking adventures.