Name: Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed); 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1/2 cup ruby orange juice (about 2 ruby oranges); Zest of 1 ruby orange; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp water; 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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Let’s talk about the perfect Valentine’s Day treat—these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies. They’re bursting with sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors, and their heart-shaped form? Well, it’s basically a love letter in pastry form. Think flaky, buttery crust wrapped around a luscious filling of ripe strawberries and zesty ruby orange. The flavors are like a little sunshine in every bite, and the best part? They’re as cute as they are delicious.

Whether you’re surprising a loved one, celebrating with friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, these hand pies are the kind of snack that makes people say, “Wait, how did you make these?” They’re surprisingly simple to whip up, and the result is nothing short of impressive. Plus, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, these are the perfect way to spread the love!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

There’s so much to love about these adorable hand pies, but let me break it down for you:

Sweet and Tangy: The combination of juicy strawberries and citrusy ruby orange creates a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for the season. It’s a little tart, a little sweet, and totally irresistible.

Flaky and Buttery: The buttery, flaky crust is just the right amount of crisp, perfectly complementing the jammy filling inside. It’s like the perfect pastry bite—crunchy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.

Cute Factor: Heart-shaped hand pies? Yes, please! Whether for Valentine’s Day or just because, these little pies are a sweet way to show someone you care. They look impressive, and they’re fun to make!

Easy to Make: Don’t let their adorable shape fool you—these hand pies are easy to put together with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, you can make the filling ahead of time, making assembly a breeze.

Customizable: Feel free to swap out the filling! If strawberries aren’t your jam (no pun intended), you can use other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of berries for a custom twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these delightful heart-shaped hand pies:

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are the star of the filling, adding a juicy, naturally sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavor of the ruby orange.

Ruby Orange

The ruby orange brings a burst of citrusy tang, with a slightly sweeter profile than a regular orange. It’s the perfect complement to the strawberries, and the zest adds a delightful fragrance.

Granulated Sugar

Just a little sugar to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit and give the filling a jam-like consistency once cooked.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and gives it that perfect gooey, pie-filling texture.

Puff Pastry Sheets

For the flaky, buttery crust that makes these hand pies irresistible, you can’t go wrong with puff pastry. It saves you time and gives you that perfect crunch.

Egg Wash

An egg wash gives the pies a golden, glossy finish when baked. It also helps the top crust get that beautiful crisp texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! These hand pies come together with just a few simple steps:

Prepare the Filling

Start by washing and slicing your strawberries into small pieces. Add them to a saucepan along with the sugar, cornstarch, and the zest and juice of your ruby orange. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry

While your filling cools, roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or a sharp knife) to cut out heart shapes. You’ll need two hearts for each hand pie—one for the bottom and one for the top.

Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of the cooled strawberry and ruby orange filling in the center of one of the heart-shaped pastry pieces. Be careful not to overfill, or the pies may burst while baking. Place a second heart-shaped pastry on top, and gently press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a pretty, rustic look.

Apply the Egg Wash

Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will give the pies that golden, flaky finish when they bake.

Bake to Perfection

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pies have cooled slightly, they’re ready to be served. You can enjoy them as is, or dust with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness and a pretty finish. Either way, these hand pies are sure to bring joy with every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutrition for each hand pie:

Servings: 8 (one hand pie per serving)
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 100mg

Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g

Protein: 3g

(Note: nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Here’s the breakdown of how long it’ll take to make these delicious hand pies:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

These sweet little pies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a bit of extra charm to these hand pies.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for the ultimate indulgence.

For a Festive Touch: If you’re serving them for a holiday or special occasion, add some colorful sprinkles or drizzle with chocolate for extra flair.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These hand pies pair beautifully with a warm beverage, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Additional Tips

To make your hand pies even more amazing, here are a few helpful tips:

Make the Filling Ahead: You can make the strawberry and ruby orange filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure it cools completely before filling the pastry.

Seal the Pies Well: Be sure to press the edges of the pastry together firmly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.

Extra Flavor: Want to take the flavor to the next level? Try adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the filling for a warm, comforting twist.

Freezing Option: These hand pies freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Serve them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate flaky experience, but they’re still delicious at room temperature, too!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits in place of strawberries?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry combination. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q2: Can I make the hand pies in advance?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the hand pies, freeze them before baking, and then bake them fresh when you’re ready. This is a great option for making ahead.

Q3: Can I make these hand pies without puff pastry?
A3: Yes! If you prefer a different crust, you can use a homemade or store-bought pie dough. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different—flakier versus the buttery puff pastry.

Q4: How do I store leftover hand pies?
A4: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freeze them for later.

Q5: Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pies before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, and once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.

Q6: Can I use a different shape for the hand pies?
A6: Of course! You can use any shape you like, but heart-shaped pies are perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can try circles, stars, or any fun shape you want!

Q7: Can I add a glaze on top of the pies?
A7: Yes! You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and a little milk, or even drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.

Q8: Can I use regular oranges instead of ruby oranges?
A8: Yes, regular oranges will work, but the ruby orange adds a slightly sweeter and more vibrant flavor. If using regular oranges, you might want to add a touch more sugar to balance the flavor.

Q9: Can I use homemade pie dough instead of puff pastry?
A9: Definitely! Homemade pie dough will give the hand pies a more traditional flavor, though it won’t be quite as flaky as puff pastry. It’s still delicious, though!

Q10: How do I make these hand pies gluten-free?
A10: You can use a gluten-free puff pastry, or substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free pie dough. Be sure to check your fruit filling for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are the perfect combination of sweetness, tartness, and buttery flakiness, making them a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating love or just enjoying a sweet treat, these little hand pies will make your heart (and taste buds) melt. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful bites of love!

Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies