If you’re looking for a charming, handheld dessert that bursts with juicy sweetness and flaky, buttery crust, this Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe is absolutely for you. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing at picnics, parties, or simply indulging in an every-day moment of joy. Imagine biting into a golden, perfectly crisp pocket filled with luscious, fresh strawberry filling that’s just the right balance of tart and sweet. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical, making strawberry lovers feel truly spoiled.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for nailing the perfect Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the bright, juicy strawberries to the flaky pie crust that holds everything together. These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients blend to create a comforting and irresistible dessert.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped): Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star, providing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the strawberry’s natural tartness.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the filling to perfectly hold its shape inside the pies.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness with just a hint of citrus zing.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the fruity filling.
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust): Provides the flaky, buttery envelope that’s essential for hand pies.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pies a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and a touch of sparkle to the crust.
How to Make Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Start by combining the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated. This mix will thicken as it cooks, turning into a luscious, jammy filling that’s bursting with fresh flavor.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Pie Crusts
Unroll the refrigerated pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles—you’ll need about 16 circles for 8 pies (two circles per pie). These dough rounds will form the base and top of your hand pies.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Circles
Place about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling in the center of half the dough circles, leaving the edges clear. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leakage when baking.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Brush the edges of the filled circles lightly with water or beaten egg. Place the remaining dough circles on top, pressing the edges together gently but firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal and a decorative touch.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden color, then sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed. The aroma wafting from your oven will be irresistible!
How to Serve Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These strawberry hand pies shine on their own but can be elevated beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely color contrast and a subtle freshness that complements the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Serve your hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy custard for a classic dessert pairing. If you prefer a lighter option, a simple bowl of fresh berries or a citrusy sorbet provides a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the hand pies on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate with fresh strawberry halves artfully scattered around. For picnics or on-the-go treats, wrap each pie individually in parchment paper tied with a pretty ribbon for a charming homemade gift vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the strawberry hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their flaky crust. After that, refrigeration is better to keep the filling fresh, just know the crust may soften slightly.
Freezing
These hand pies freeze wonderfully. To freeze, place unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to bring back the flaky crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp, unless you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture, you can use frozen strawberries—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy filling.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pie crust?
Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite gluten-free pie crust or pastry dough to make these hand pies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure not to overfill the pies and press the edges well with a fork after adding a bit of egg wash or water on the edges to create a good seal.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just stir it before assembling the pies to redistribute any juices.
What is the best way to fold and seal the hand pies?
Place the filling in the center of the dough circle, moisten edges lightly, cover with another dough circle, then press edges gently together before crimping with a fork. This helps keep the filling inside while baking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this fun and delicious Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe in your kitchen arsenal, I hope you’ll give it a try soon. These sweet little pockets of joy are wonderful for any occasion and absolutely addictive. Nothing beats sharing fresh, homemade strawberry sweetness wrapped in a flaky crust with the people you love. Enjoy every bite!
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Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Strawberry Hand Pies feature a sweet and tangy fresh strawberry filling encased in a flaky, buttery pie crust. Perfectly portable and ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, these hand pies combine the freshness of summer strawberries with a crispy, golden crust that’s lightly brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with coarse sugar for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crust
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie crust
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the strawberries are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to start thickening the filling.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches diameter), cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed to cut out 8-10 circles.
- Fill the pies: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges to seal.
- Seal the hand pies: Moisten the edges of the dough circles with a little water, then fold them over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Place the prepared hand pies on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake the hand pies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the hand pies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly for easier eating.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are not too watery; pat them dry if needed to avoid soggy crust.
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the pie crust and egg wash with suitable alternatives like vegan pie crust and almond milk or maple syrup wash.
- Hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a low oven to restore crispiness before serving.
