Introduction

These Delicious Cherry Pie Bites are a perfect handheld treat combining sweet cherry filling with flaky crescent dough. They bake quickly and are finished with a simple glaze that adds a lovely touch of sweetness.

A close-up view of a tray lined with white parchment paper holding nine golden-brown round donuts, each with a light dusting of powdered sugar on the slightly crisp outer layer. One donut is cut open at the top center, revealing a thick, glossy, deep red cherry filling inside. The donuts have a slightly cracked texture showing their softness underneath the outer shell. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, with some blurred red cherries visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces)
2 tubes crescent roll dough (8 ounces each)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cherry bites.
Step 2: Unroll the crescent roll dough and place each piece into a muffin tin cup. Position the widest part of each dough triangle at the bottom to form a small nest for the filling.
Step 3: Spoon 3 to 4 heaping tablespoons of cherry pie filling into each dough cup. Some overflow is fine and adds to the rustic look and flavor.
Step 4: Gently fold the dough corners over the cherry filling to enclose it as much as possible. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-14 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: While baking, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get your preferred glaze consistency.
Step 6: Remove the cherry bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bites using a spoon for a decorative touch. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling before baking.
Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar if you prefer homemade filling.
Try swapping the cherry filling with other fruit pie fillings like apple or blueberry for variety.
If you want a thicker glaze, reduce the milk to just a tablespoon or less.

Storage

Store leftover cherry pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven to restore flakiness before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of several small round donuts in a black tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The donuts are golden brown with a light powdered sugar dusting, and one donut is cut in half on top, revealing a glossy, thick, deep red cherry jam filling inside. Blurred red cherries are visible in the background. The overall look is fresh, soft, and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

These bites rely on crescent roll dough, which typically contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free crescent dough or use a suitable gluten-free pastry dough alternative.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the cherry pie bites in the muffin tin and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but avoid long storage before baking to keep the dough fresh. Bake and glaze them just before serving for best results.