Description
These Lemon Cheesecake Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries combining creamy lemon cheesecake filling encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect as a comforting dessert or snack, they deliver a tangy, sweet treat baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 package of pie crusts
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Egg Wash
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the hand pies evenly.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface until smooth and even, which will help create a thin, flaky base for your hand pies.
- Cut Dough Circles: Use a cookie cutter to cut circles from the rolled-out dough. These circles will form the individual pie pockets.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fill Pies: Spoon a portion of the lemon cheesecake filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving space around the edges for sealing.
- Seal Hand Pies: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges to seal the hand pies securely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash mixture (1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water) to achieve a golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the hand pies from the oven and allow them to cool before serving to set the filling and avoid burns.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly for a better seal.
- Let hand pies cool completely for easier handling and better flavor.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
