I remember one weekend when the sky was gray and the house felt unusually quiet. I wanted to bring some warmth and a burst of color into the kitchen, something fun, simple, and delicious. I opened my pantry and spotted a can of biscuits tucked away from last week’s grocery run.
A flash of inspiration hit me: why not make little cherry treats that are both playful and satisfying? As I rolled the dough and spooned in the cherry filling, the sweet aroma began filling the kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. I could hear the faint pop of the oven timer and imagined the crisp golden crusts paired with gooey cherry centers.
These cherry pie bombs turned out to be more than just a snack; they became a cheerful centerpiece for my tea table. The cinnamon-sugar coating added that perfect hint of spice, making each bite fragrant and comforting.
Watching my family sneak one after another was a quiet victory, a little moment of joy that reminded me why I love baking. They are quick to make, fun to eat, and somehow, a bit magical.
Short Description
Bite-sized cherry pies with a golden, cinnamon-sugar coating and a gooey cherry filling inside. Easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Key Ingredients
Dough Base:
-
1 can Grand-style biscuits (avoid flaky layers or crescent dough)
Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Pinch of almond extract (optional)
Topping and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cinnamon-sugar blend
- Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (optional)
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin
- Air fryer or oven
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small bowl for cinnamon-sugar
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Slice each biscuit horizontally to make 16 circles. Roll each piece into a 4-inch round.
Step 2: Fill the Bombs
Place 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling in the center of each round. Add a pinch of almond extract if desired. Pinch edges securely and shape into balls.
Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar
Brush each ball evenly with melted butter. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Air Fry Option
Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Place balls spaced apart. Air fry at 330°F for 6 to 7 minutes. Loosen gently, then cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Oven Option
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange balls 2 inches apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow cherry pie bombs to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Uses pre-made biscuits and takes under 30 minutes.
Fun to Eat: Bite-sized and perfectly portioned.
Flavorful: Sweet cherry filling, fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating, optional almond hint.
Versatile: Air fryer or oven-friendly.
Family-Friendly: Great for kids and adults alike, ideal for snacks or dessert.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Filling Leakage: Ensure edges are pinched tightly; damp hands can help seal better.
Uneven Coating: Brush butter evenly before rolling in cinnamon-sugar.
Overcrowding: Air fryer or baking sheet should have space between balls for even cooking.
Overbaking: Watch closely—golden brown is perfect; overbaking makes crust tough.
Sticky Dough: If dough sticks to hands, lightly flour or use a bit more butter to shape.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
Arrange on a platter for parties or afternoon tea.
Sprinkle powdered sugar for extra presentation flair.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.
Freeze unbaked balls for up to a month; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but drain excess liquid and add a bit of sugar to prevent sogginess.
2. Can these be made dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter to brush and your choice of dairy-free biscuits.
3. Are these suitable for kids to make?
Absolutely! Small hands can help pinch and roll the dough under supervision.
4. Can I add nuts inside?
Chopped almonds or pecans mix nicely with cherry filling for added crunch.
5. How do I keep them from sticking?
Lightly oil the air fryer basket or line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Tips & Tricks
Chill dough slightly if it’s too soft to handle.
Toast cinnamon-sugar lightly in a dry pan for extra aroma.
Use a small cookie scoop for consistent filling amounts.
For extra shine, brush with a little honey after baking.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Cherry Bombs: Add a small chocolate chip inside the filling.
Apple Cinnamon Twist: Swap cherry for apple pie filling, add extra nutmeg to coating.
Mini Jam Bombs: Use raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam in place of cherry filling.
Final Thoughts
These cherry pie bombs are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. They are easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough for gatherings. The contrast between the soft, warm dough and the gooey cherry center makes each bite delightful. I love how fast they come together and how versatile they are with different fillings or coatings.
Making them brings a sense of joy and creativity into the kitchen, reminding me of why I fell in love with baking. They are playful, satisfying, and comforting—a little pocket of happiness in every bite. I hope this recipe brightens your kitchen as much as it has mine, turning simple ingredients into a memorable treat for family and friends.
Cherry Pie Bombs Recipe
Ingredients
Dough Base:
- 1 can Grand-style biscuits avoid flaky layers or crescent dough
Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Pinch of almond extract optional
Topping and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup cinnamon-sugar blend
- Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom optional
Instructions
- Slice biscuits to make 16 circles and roll each into a 4-inch round.
- Place 1 tbsp cherry filling in each round, add almond extract if desired, pinch edges, and shape into balls.
- Brush balls with melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar until coated.
- Oil air fryer basket, space balls apart, air fry at 330°F for 6–7 minutes, then cook 1–2 more minutes until golden.
- Preheat oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet, space balls 2 inches apart, bake 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
