Delicious Cherry Pie Bites

Cherry pie bites are the answer when you crave something sweet and homemade without fussing over dough from scratch or spending all afternoon by the oven. These playful little desserts bring together buttery crescent rolls and gooey cherry filling in the easiest way possible with a kiss of simple glaze to finish. Perfect for gatherings or when you just need a treat with your coffee.

I whipped these up for an impromptu movie night years ago and ever since they have been my go-to for last minute celebrations. Everyone always reaches for seconds and I always sneak one straight out of the oven.

Ingredients

• Canned cherry pie filling: For that sweet tart pop and juicy bite. Choose one with plump cherries for best results
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Delivers a flaky buttery nest for the filling. Look for dough that feels chilled but pliable
• Confectioners sugar: In the glaze creates a smooth beautiful drizzle. Sift first to avoid any lumps
• Milk: In the glaze makes it pourable and creamy. Whole milk gives the best finish but any milk works

Instructions

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Lightly grease a standard muffin tin so the bites pop out easily once they are done baking. This prevents sticking and gives you a golden base on each one

Shape the Crescent Dough:

Unroll the crescent dough and gently press each piece into a muffin cup. The wide end nestles at the bottom forming a little bowl

Fill with Cherries:

Carefully spoon cherry pie filling into the dough cups letting it mound up a bit. Do not worry if it looks generous or if the filling peeks out

Fold Over the Dough:

Take the corners of each dough triangle and gently fold them over the cherry filling. Pinch lightly at the ends to hold most of the filling inside but do not try for perfection

Bake to Golden:

Slide the tin into a preheated 375 oven and bake for 13 to 14 minutes until the bites are puffed and turning golden brown

Mix Up the Glaze:

While the bites finish baking whisk together sifted confectioners sugar and milk until a smooth pourable glaze forms. You can make it as thick or thin as you like by adjusting the milk

Finish and Enjoy:

Let the cherry bites cool only for a minute or two. Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern over the tops using a spoon. Serve warm for gooey centers

The highlight for me is always the moment the glaze drips over warm cherry filling creating those sticky sweet rivulets. My family jokes that any spare glaze somehow always disappears before clean up and that glaze covered fingers are a rite of passage when making these together.

Storage Tips

These cherry bites are best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage slip the container into the fridge and gently rewarm in the oven or microwave. Avoid glazing until just before serving if you want the tops to stay neat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cherry filling for blueberry or apple for a seasonal twist. If you do not have crescent roll dough use refrigerated biscuit dough and flatten it into circles. Try almond milk or oat milk in the glaze if you prefer dairy free.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these onto a pretty platter for brunch or arrange them in cupcake liners for a bake sale treat. For even more fun top with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Mini hand pies like these take inspiration from classic American diner desserts and bake sale culture. Cherries may be the star in summer but reach for canned or jarred fillings any time of year for a touch of sunshine on winter days.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try apple filling with cinnamon in the fall. Blueberry with lemon zest brightens up spring. A little orange zest in the glaze makes these festive for holidays.

Success Stories

My neighbor once surprised us with a tray of these during the holidays and the bites disappeared before dinner. Kids love helping spoon in the filling and folding the dough. Sometimes we even set up a little assembly line for a bake night party.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the bites and freeze them unbaked right in the muffin tin. Once solid pop them out and store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the time. Glaze after baking for freshest taste.

I always freeze a few bites to keep on hand for last minute guests or a sweet treat on a rainy day. Nothing beats that homemade flavor when you barely lift a finger.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be cooked with sugar to create your own filling, though it will slightly change the flavor and texture.

→ What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry or pie crust can be used for a different texture and taste, but adjust baking time as needed.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the muffin tin?

Lightly grease the tin with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy release after baking.

→ Can the bites be made ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to two days.

→ How can I adjust the glaze consistency?

Add more milk for a thinner glaze, or more confectioners’ sugar for a thicker finish. Whisk until smooth.

→ Are these bites best served warm or cold?

They are delicious both ways, though serving warm enhances the soft dough and juicy filling.