There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of flaky, buttery pastry and juicy, sweet strawberries. These Strawberry Hand Pies are a classic treat that never fails to impress. With their golden-brown crusts and vibrant strawberry filling, these hand pies are perfect for picnics, parties, or just as an everyday indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Trust me, once you try these hand pies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Flaky Pastry: The homemade dough provides a tender, buttery crust that’s irresistible.
Juicy Strawberry Filling: Fresh strawberries combined with sugar and cornstarch create a luscious, sweet-tart filling.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Customizable: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist the combination of flaky pastry and fresh fruit?
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the pastry holds its shape.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky texture. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pastry without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Fresh Strawberries: Ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness and the signature flavor of the pie.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful hand pies
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat eggs and vanilla extract, then stir into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Set aside to cool.
Roll and Shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a thin circle. Cut into smaller circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Spoon a small amount of cooled strawberry filling onto each circle.
Seal and Bake: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Hand Pies
These hand pies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience
Fresh Whipped Cream: Top each hand pie with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cooling contrast.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these hand pies are decadent enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors dance on your palate.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Strawberries: The riper the strawberry, the sweeter the filling. Avoid overly green strawberries.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate on top.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice for a unique twist.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes! Using store-bought crust saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of flour should I use? All-purpose flour works best for achieving the right texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake as needed.
4. How do I store leftover hand pies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the hand pies? Absolutely! Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for sharing or snacking later.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the lemon juice? You can, though the lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the strawberries from becoming too syrupy. Substitute with lime juice if preferred.
9. Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling is essential for achieving a flaky texture.
10. Can I add toppings to the hand pies? Absolutely! Sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and indulgent Strawberry Hand Pie recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With their flaky pastry and juicy strawberry filling, these hand pies are a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, mix things up, and let’s create something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Strawberry Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 hand pies (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect sweet treat! Made with flaky pie crust and a delicious strawberry filling, they are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Top them with a sweet glaze for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 boxes refrigerated pie crusts (14.1 oz each)
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for glaze consistency)
- 1 beaten egg white (for sealing & golden shine)
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare the Dough:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface. -
Cut & Fill the Hand Pies:
Use a round cookie cutter (or a cup, about 3–4 inches wide) to cut circles from the dough. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of strawberry pie filling onto the center of half of the circles. Lightly brush the edges with the beaten egg white to help seal the pies. Place another pie crust circle on top and press the edges firmly with a fork. -
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool before glazing. -
Prepare the Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle over the cooled hand pies.
Notes
- You can make the pie filling from scratch if you prefer a homemade version.
- To add a twist, try using other fruit fillings like blueberry or cherry.
- Make sure to seal the edges properly to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg