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.
McDonalds Cherry Pie Copycat
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 4 tablespoons cherry pie filling
- 1 egg or 1/2 tablespoon butter melted (optional)
- Sugar in the Raw optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line an insulated baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dust work surface with flour. Ball up the refrigerated crust dough and knead it a few times. Roll it out to approximately 10"x6".Cut rectangle in half so that you have two 5x6 pieces. Place dough rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet.
- 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 in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks.
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Amanda Davis
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Barbara Andrewjeski says
Does anyone have a really good recipe for the McDonalds pumpkin pies? I would think ithe filling would have to be eggless or pre-thickened. Anyone got an idea how this would be made?
Anne@EssentiallyMom says
It’s really a shame McDonald’s stopped serving the fried pies. These look so super-easy to make – just choose your favorite filling. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Formaro says
I agree! But restaurants, even chains, are always conforming to the healthier options.
Angela says
Here in MN they still do the pies.
Kevin says
Oh my goodness! Which mcdonalds still sell the Cherry in MN? I need to know!!!!
dina says
they look better than mcdonald’s!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
So pretty Amanda & when I was a kid, I used to love McD’s cherry pies. It’s been like 25 yrs since I’ve had one and yours are calling me. Pinned
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Averie!
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day and YUM! Copycat recipes are always fun, true!
GREAT photos! Wish I could try one right now too!
Cheers! Joanne
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Joanne!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
I just love these, Amanda. Those McDonald’s pies are so good, but I’m pretty sure they’re fried. These are so much healthier!
Amanda Formaro says
I believe they are fried too Lana. Thank you!
Angel Reed says
The McDonald’s pies are not fried. They are baked in a convection oven.
Kellie Trudel says
It’s funny that you mention making pie crust in “nemesis” terms because I used to, too! I now use my Kitchenaid mixer to make pie crust (using the instructions in the operating manual)….I’ll never make it “by hand” again. It turns out so well! I think I’ll try this recipe on the weekend…sounds delish :)
Amanda Formaro says
I’ll check that out :) I actually use my food processor which does an awesome job. I don’t think the mixing is my problem but rather the rolling and baking. They work and come out fine, but I don’t find it enjoyable :-P
Jean says
Do you think you could the refrigerated crescent rolls?
Chef zee says
The secret to perfect pie crust is:
Very cold icy water, the use of your hands to mix, (don’t over mix), and roll away from body.
JaimeLovesStuff.com says
Yummy! I do love McDonald’s cherry pies. I also loved the pumpkin pie ones, too! These look so easy and good. i haven’t read the book but I think I need to pick one up!
Amanda Formaro says
I never tried the pumpkin, but the cherry ones are definitely a favorite of mine :)