Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies

Introduction:

Craving a delectable dessert that’s both convenient and indulgent? Look no further than Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies! These delightful treats combine the irresistible flavors of sweet strawberries and creamy Nutella encased in a flaky pastry shell, making them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the go. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies, exploring their charm and easy preparation.

Sweet Indulgence in Every Bite: Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are a delightful fusion of fruity sweetness and rich chocolate hazelnut goodness. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack, a lunchbox treat, or a dessert at your next gathering, these handheld pies are sure to bring smiles to faces and satisfy cravings with every bite.

Ingredients for Culinary Bliss: To whip up a batch of Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

Ingredients:

• Prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)
• Granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Crafting the Perfect Hand Pies:

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the prepared pie crust on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.
3. Fill the Pies: Spoon a dollop of Nutella onto the center of half of the dough circles, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the Nutella with a spoonful of diced strawberries.
4. Seal and Crimp: Brush the edges of the filled dough circles with the egg wash, then place a second dough circle on top of each filled one. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the assembled hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Savoring the Sweetness: Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat on a chilly evening or as a delightful addition to a picnic basket, Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving:

1. Serve Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies warm for the ultimate indulgence, allowing the Nutella filling to melt slightly and the pastry crust to crisp up.
2. Dust the hand pies with powdered sugar just before serving for a decorative touch and an extra hint of sweetness.
3. Pair the hand pies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously decadent dessert.
4. Arrange the hand pies on a platter or serving tray for easy sharing at parties or gatherings, or pack them in individual containers for a convenient on-the-go treat.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Storage:

1. Store any leftover Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. To retain freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy, line the container with parchment paper and place the hand pies in a single layer, separating each layer with additional parchment paper.
3. If you prefer to refrigerate the hand pies, place them in a single layer in a shallow container and cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
4. When ready to enjoy, reheat the hand pies in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
5. Avoid storing the hand pies in the refrigerator for an extended period, as this may cause the pastry crust to become overly moist and lose its crispness.

Variations of Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies:

1. Mixed Berry Bliss:
   • Use a combination of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries along with diced strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
   • Substitute Nutella with a mixed berry jam or preserves for a sweet and tangy filling.
2. Almond Joy Inspired:
   • Spread almond butter onto the dough circles instead of Nutella for a nutty twist.
   • Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a few chocolate chips along with the diced strawberries for an indulgent Almond Joy-inspired filling.
3. Banana Nutella Delight:
   • Slice ripe bananas and layer them over the Nutella on the dough circles.
   • Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor before sealing the pies.
4. S’mores Sensation:
   • Spread a layer of marshmallow fluff on the dough circles instead of Nutella.
   • Top with diced strawberries and a few pieces of chocolate for a gooey and decadent s’mores-inspired filling.
5. Cream Cheese and Strawberry Swirl:
   • Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
   • Swirl the cream cheese mixture and diced strawberries together on the dough circles before sealing for a creamy and tangy filling.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
2. Can I make my own pie crust for these hand pies?
   • Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a deliciously flaky texture, but you can also use store-bought pie crust for convenience.
3. Can I substitute Nutella with another chocolate spread?
   • Yes, you can use any chocolate hazelnut spread or even chocolate ganache as a delicious alternative to Nutella.
4. Can I prepare the hand pies in advance and freeze them?
   • Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How long do the hand pies stay fresh after baking?
   • The hand pies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
6. Can I reheat leftover hand pies?
   • Yes, you can reheat leftover hand pies in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
7. Are these hand pies suitable for vegetarians?
   • Yes, these hand pies are vegetarian-friendly as they do not contain any meat or animal products.
8. Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or apples for a variety of flavor combinations.
9. Can I make mini hand pies instead of large ones?
   • Yes, you can use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini hand pies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or snacking.
10. Can I glaze the hand pies with icing for extra sweetness?
    • Yes, you can make a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or water until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled hand pies for added sweetness.