Strawberry Hand Pies

Okay, let’s talk about the joy of handheld desserts! Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, tangy strawberry filling. Imagine biting into a warm, golden, little pie that’s bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries. It’s like a bite of summer wrapped up in a cozy, portable treat. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, a quick snack, or to impress guests, these little hand pies are the perfect balance of delicious and fun to eat. Trust me, you won’t want to share!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Hand Pies

Here’s why these hand pies are about to become your new favorite dessert:

Flavor Explosion:

These little pies are packed with a juicy, sweet strawberry filling that’s just the right amount of tangy and sugary. When paired with the golden, flaky crust, each bite is pure bliss.

Perfectly Portable:

The best part about hand pies? No plate needed! You can grab one and go, making them perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or just a quick afternoon snack.

Simple and Fun:

Making hand pies is surprisingly easy and fun. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and kids will love helping to assemble them. It’s a perfect recipe for getting the whole family involved in the kitchen.

Customizable:

While strawberries are the star here, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even a combo. The versatility of these hand pies makes them great for any time of year.

Made for Sharing:

Everyone loves a good homemade dessert, and these hand pies are great for sharing. They’re also easy to store and keep fresh, so you can make a batch and enjoy them over a few days.

Ingredients in Strawberry Hand Pies

This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, and the magic is in the simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Strawberries:

Sweet, ripe strawberries are key to the perfect filling. They get soft and juicy as they cook, making the filling irresistible.

Pie Crust:

You can make your own pie crust from scratch (if you’re feeling ambitious) or, for convenience, store-bought crust works just fine. You’ll need two rounds of dough for each pie.

Sugar:

Sugar helps balance out the tartness of the strawberries and gives the hand pies a golden, sugary crust when baked.

Cornstarch:

Cornstarch is used to thicken the strawberry filling, making sure it doesn’t get too runny. It helps create that jam-like consistency you love in a fruit pie.

Lemon Juice and Zest:

A little fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness to the filling, making the strawberry flavor pop even more.

Egg Wash:

For that beautiful golden color and a touch of shine, a simple egg wash brushed on the tops of the pies before baking does the trick.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these flaky, sweet hand pies!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your hand pies go in.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

In a bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sugar to dissolve.

3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

If you’re using store-bought crust, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to form the bottom and top of the pies.

4. Assemble the Hand Pies:

Spoon a small amount of the strawberry mixture into the center of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill them. Then, place a second dough circle on top and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to make sure they stay sealed during baking.

5. Brush with Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of each pie with the egg wash for that golden, shiny finish.

6. Bake the Pies:

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling out slightly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed while warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 270
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 40%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 140mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Hand Pies

These sweet little pies are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ways to enjoy them:

A La Mode:

Top these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or strawberry sauce for an indulgent treat.

With Whipped Cream:

Serve these with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of light, creamy sweetness.

With Fresh Berries:

Fresh berries on the side will add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet hand pies. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries would all pair perfectly.

For Breakfast:

Believe it or not, these hand pies make a fun and sweet breakfast treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a morning pick-me-up.

Additional Tips

Use Frozen Strawberries:

If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

Make It Ahead:

You can prepare these hand pies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just brush with egg wash and pop them in the oven. You can also freeze them before baking and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Experiment with Flavors:

If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a bit of peach for a fun twist on the classic.

Don’t Overfill:

Be careful not to overfill the hand pies with the strawberry mixture. If you do, they might burst open while baking. A tablespoon or so of filling per pie is plenty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Store-bought pie crust makes this recipe even easier. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough for a flaky result.

Q2: How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A2: Make sure to seal the edges of the pie well, either by crimping with a fork or pinching the dough together. Also, avoid overfilling the pies.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prep the pies and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them and bake them fresh later.

Q4: Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
A4: Absolutely! You can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A5: Yes, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar. It will give the filling a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!

Q6: How do I store leftover hand pies?
A6: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the oven.

Q7: Can I make these hand pies with a different type of crust?
A7: Yes! You can try puff pastry or a biscuit dough for a different texture and flavor.

Q8: How do I reheat leftover hand pies?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the crust is warm and flaky again.

Q9: Can I make these without cornstarch?
A9: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the strawberry filling, though it may not have the same glossy finish.

Q10: What is the best way to serve these pies?
A10: These pies are fantastic on their own, but serving them with whipped cream or ice cream takes them to the next level!

Conclusion

Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect little sweet treat to satisfy any dessert craving. With flaky pastry, a juicy strawberry filling, and a golden crust, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re having a cozy afternoon or need a quick dessert for a crowd, these hand pies are sure to impress. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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