Step 1: Preheat and prep your gear
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to make sure those golden bites slide out easily after baking.

Step 2: Roll out the pie crust
Unroll your pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 2.5 to 3 inches wide) to cut out circles. You’ll need about 24 to fill a standard mini muffin tin.

Step 3: Press into muffin cups
Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cavities. Press the dough down and up the sides, forming a mini pie shell. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect—rustic is charming!

Step 4: Fill with cherries
Spoon 1–2 cherries with a bit of filling into each pie shell. Don’t overfill—you want just enough to give a juicy bite without overflowing during baking.

Step 5: Add a decorative top (optional)
If you want to add a top crust, use extra dough to create small cutouts, lattice pieces, or even stars to place on top of the filling. It’s not necessary, but it does make them extra cute.

Step 6: Brush with egg wash
Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush it over the crust edges and any decorative tops. This helps give your bites that golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle with sugar if you like a crunchy top.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.

Step 8: Cool and remove from the tin
Let the bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently use a knife to loosen and lift them out onto a cooling rack. Be careful—filling can be hot!

Step 9: Finish and serve
Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for a pretty finish. Serve warm or at room temp, and watch them disappear.