Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

If you’re searching for a sweet treat that combines flaky pastry with juicy, fresh strawberries, you’ve just found it. These Strawberry Heart Hand Pies are a delicious, charming dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special indulgence. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of tender crust and vibrant strawberry filling, making these hand pies a delightful snack or dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are individually sized, making them easy to share or take on-the-go without mess.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Using fresh strawberries ensures a naturally sweet and tangy filling that shines through.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust: The homemade pastry is beautifully flaky and tender, providing the ideal contrast to the juicy filling.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is straightforward and approachable for bakers of all levels.
• Heart-Shaped Charm: The adorable heart shape adds a playful, loving touch that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Strawberry Heart Hand Pies rely on simple yet essential ingredients that bring together buttery richness and bright fruit flavor. Each component contributes to a perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and color that makes these pies irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the flaky pastry that holds everything together.
• Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for tender, flaky layers in the crust.
• Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness to both crust and filling.
• Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, chopped to create a juicy, vibrant filling.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly set without being runny.
• Egg: For brushing the crust to achieve a gorgeous golden color.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavor of the strawberries with a warm, sweet note.

Variations for Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize your Strawberry Heart Hand Pies. Whether you need to adjust for dietary needs or just want to experiment with flavors, these variations offer delicious twists without complicating the process.

• Gluten-free crust: Swap all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend to make it allergy-friendly.
• Mixed berry filling: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a multi-fruit explosion.
• Honey or maple syrup: Use natural sweeteners instead of granulated sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
• Dairy-free option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to accommodate dairy sensitivities.
• Spiced filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor boost.

How to Make Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Start by combining cold, cubed butter with flour and sugar in a food processor or large bowl. Pulse or cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water and stir until the dough begins to come together. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing any sogginess. Set aside while you roll out the dough.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts. These cutouts will be the top and bottom of each hand pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling onto half of the dough hearts, leaving about a 1/2 inch border. Brush the edges with a little water or beaten egg to help seal the pies. Top with the remaining dough hearts and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

• Keep ingredients cold: Chilling butter and water ensures a flaky crust that isn’t tough or greasy.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling so pies seal properly and avoid leaking during baking.
• Seal edges firmly: Press edges with a fork and brush with egg wash for a tight, attractive finish.
• Use fresh strawberries: For the best flavor and juiciness, pick ripe, in-season berries if possible.
• Allow cooling: Let pies rest after baking so the filling can set and won’t spill when bitten.

How to Serve Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the tops of the hand pies for a delicate, sweet touch, or add a drizzle of vanilla or strawberry glaze to amp up the flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

These hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the fruity brightness with creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on a rustic wooden board or bright pastel plates for a cheerful presentation. Adding fresh strawberry halves or edible flowers around the pies can elevate the look for parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Strawberry Heart Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them flaky and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze baked hand pies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to refresh the crisp crust and warm the filling without making the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid well to avoid soggy filling.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Don’t overfill the pies and seal edges firmly by pressing with a fork and brushing with egg wash to create a strong seal.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be wrapped and frozen for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.

What size heart cutter should I use?

A cutter around 3-4 inches wide works perfectly to create bite-sized but satisfying hand pies.

Are these hand pies suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! Their natural fruit sweetness and flaky crust make them a delightful morning treat alongside coffee or tea.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet, comforting snack, the Strawberry Heart Hand Pies recipe is a winner every time. With simple ingredients, a straightforward method, and a beautifully charming shape, these pies bring joy with every flaky, fruity bite. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love sharing these sweet hearts with everyone around you!

Related Posts

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie
• Coffee Cake Muffins
• Banana Bread Chocolate Chunk Mug Cake

Print