Strawberry Hand Pies

Introduction

These hand pies are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, juicy strawberry filling. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp, golden crust and the vibrant, jammy center, making them just as beautiful as they are delicious.

The first time I made these, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of baked strawberries and buttery pastry, instantly reminding me of childhood summers. What makes them so special is their versatility—whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a handheld treat, they always hit the spot.

Their individual size makes them great for on-the-go snacking, picnics, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, these hand pies are bound to become a favorite!

Perfect for:

• Summer picnics
• Holiday desserts
• Afternoon tea
• Grab-and-go snacks
• Fruit lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Hand Pies

Here’s why Strawberry Hand Pies will be a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Flaky and Buttery Crust: The homemade pastry dough bakes up crisp and golden, providing the perfect contrast to the soft filling.
• Juicy Strawberry Filling: Made with fresh strawberries, the filling is naturally sweet and bursting with flavor.
• Portable and Fun to Eat: These hand pies are the perfect size for an easy, mess-free treat.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious, bakery-quality dessert.
• Customizable and Versatile: You can experiment with different fruit fillings or add a drizzle of glaze for extra indulgence.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 8 hand pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Hand Pies:

For the Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold ensures a flaky, tender crust.
• Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh berries creates a naturally sweet, vibrant filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the strawberry flavor and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Hand Pies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Strawberry Filling:

5. Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften, about 5 minutes.
7. Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let it cool completely before assembling the pies.

Assemble and Bake the Hand Pies:

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
10. Cut the Dough: Using a round cutter or a knife, cut out 4-inch circles or rectangles from the dough.
11. Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling in the center of half the dough circles.
12. Seal the Pies: Brush the edges with a little water, place another dough circle on top, and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
13. Add Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush it over the top of each pie. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.
14. Vent the Pies: Cut small slits on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
15. Bake: Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
16. Cool: Let the pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Strawberry Hand Pies

Strawberry Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm pies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• Drizzled with Glaze: Add a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• As a Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet morning pastry.
• For Special Occasions: Decorate with powdered sugar or icing for a festive touch.
• Picnic-Ready – Pack in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming on-the-go snack.
• With a Yogurt Parfait – Serve alongside Greek yogurt and granola for a balanced treat.
• Topped with Nuts – Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans for added crunch.
• With Fresh Berries – Arrange on a plate with mixed berries for a fresh and colorful presentation.
• Breakfast Treat – Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a morning pastry option.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Hand Pies

Follow these tips for perfect Strawberry Hand Pies:

• Keep the Dough Cold: Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting, which helps maintain a flaky crust.
• Chill Before Baking: If the pies become too soft while assembling, chill them for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If your strawberries are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open during baking.
• Experiment with Shapes: Try heart or star shapes for a fun twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk wash instead of egg wash.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Hand Pies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Hand Pies:

• Strawberry and Cream Cheese Hand Pies: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese inside each pie.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies: Mix diced rhubarb with strawberries for a tangy twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Hand Pies: Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, fruity flavor.
• Strawberry Lemon Hand Pies: Stir in extra lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Berry Medley Hand Pies: Mix strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.
• Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies: Spread a little Nutella inside before adding the filling.
• Strawberry Basil Hand Pies: Add finely chopped basil for a sophisticated touch.
• Glazed Strawberry Hand Pies: Drizzle with vanilla or lemon glaze after baking.
• Coconut Strawberry Hand Pies: Mix shredded coconut into the filling.
• Savory Strawberry Hand Pies: Reduce sugar and add a little balsamic vinegar for a unique, less sweet option.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Hand Pies

• Freezing: Unbaked hand pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a crispier texture.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Hand Pies

Here are some special tools that make preparing Strawberry Hand Pies easier:

• Pastry Cutter: Helps cut butter into the flour for a flaky crust.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Round Cutter: To cut uniform circles of dough.
• Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash.
• Baking Sheet: For even baking.
• Wire Rack: To cool the pies properly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Hand Pies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I use store-bought pie dough?
   Yes, but homemade dough yields a flakier crust.
3. How do I make the pies crispier?
   Brush with egg wash and bake until deep golden brown.
4. Can I use other fruits?
   Absolutely! Blueberries, peaches, or apples work well.
5. How do I prevent soggy pies?
   Let the filling cool before assembling and avoid overfilling.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Hand Pies are a delightful, portable treat perfect for any occasion. With their golden, flaky crust and sweet strawberry filling, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or saved for later, these little pies are simply irresistible.

This recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for everything from casual snacks to festive gatherings. You can even customize the filling to suit your taste, ensuring a treat that’s just right for you.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Hand Pies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!