Golden, flaky, and filled with warm cherry pie filling, these Cherry Pie Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Each little pastry is rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, baked until golden brown, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re easy, kid-friendly, and ideal for parties, potlucks, or a quick family treat.
The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up these irresistible mini pies. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert recipes for the holidays or fun party food ideas, these cherry-filled delights will quickly become a family favorite. With crisp edges, gooey cherry centers, and a hint of warm spice, they deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Only a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes in the oven.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or family movie nights.
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Kid-Friendly: Children love helping roll the dough and sugar-coat the bombs.
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Customizable: Swap in your favorite pie filling for endless variations.
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Comfort Food Classic: Brings the nostalgic flavor of homemade pie without the fuss.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Cherry Pie Filling (21 oz can): Sweet, tart, and fruity center that gives each bite a burst of classic pie flavor.
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Crescent Roll Dough (8 oz package): The shortcut hero—light, flaky, and golden when baked.
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Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and balances the tart cherries.
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Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warm spice that enhances the sugary coating.
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Melted Butter (¼ cup): Helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture stick and creates golden edges.
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Powdered Sugar (optional): A final dusting adds bakery-style elegance and extra sweetness.
Pro Tips
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Seal Tightly: Make sure to pinch the dough edges firmly so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
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Don’t Overfill: Stick to about one tablespoon of cherry filling per crescent triangle to prevent spills.
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Use Parchment Paper: Keeps the bombs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
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Cool Slightly Before Dusting: If you add powdered sugar while too hot, it will melt instead of staying powdery.
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Serve Warm: These taste best fresh out of the oven while still warm and gooey.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Different Fillings: Try apple, blueberry, peach, or even pumpkin pie filling.
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Savory Twist: Use cream cheese and jam for a cheesecake-like flavor.
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Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for extra crunch.
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Glazed Finish: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze made from milk and powdered sugar.
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Holiday Version: Add a touch of nutmeg or allspice for festive flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-style dessert.
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Drizzle with caramel or white chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
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Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Add to a dessert platter alongside brownies, cookies, or truffles at parties.
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Make them the centerpiece of a holiday brunch with whipped cream on the side.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: You can assemble the bombs a few hours before baking. Keep them refrigerated until ready to pop in the oven.
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Storage: Store cooled bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked bombs for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to baking time.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Cherry pie has long been a beloved American dessert, often tied to celebrations and comfort food traditions. Mini versions like these pie bombs have gained popularity as party food and easy desserts, making classic flavors more approachable for busy families. Crescent roll dough, first popularized in mid-20th century convenience cooking, remains a pantry staple for transforming simple ingredients into impressive dishes without hours of work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?
Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling works beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled and not overly runny before adding it to the dough.
Q2: Do I have to use crescent roll dough?
No, you can also use puff pastry or biscuit dough. Puff pastry will be flakier, while biscuit dough will give a more hearty, soft texture.
Q3: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Place the bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 minutes until golden.
Q4: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling. You can also chill the assembled bombs for 10 minutes before baking to help the dough hold better.
Q5: Are these best served warm or cold?
They’re delicious either way, but most people prefer them warm when the cherry filling is gooey and comforting.
Cherry Pie Bombs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
- Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each triangle. Fold dough around filling to form a ball, pinching edges to seal.
- Dip each dough ball into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place dough balls on prepared baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.