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Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Strawberry Heart Hand Pies
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Strawberry Heart Hand Pies are a delightful portable dessert featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfectly sized for sharing or indulging, these charming heart-shaped pies combine tender pastry with a naturally sweet and tangy strawberry filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Strawberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup for variation)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough: Combine 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 in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
  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 sogginess. Set aside while rolling out the dough.
  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 about 3-4 inches wide to cut out an even number of hearts for top and bottom of each pie.
  4. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of strawberry filling onto half of the dough hearts, leaving about a 1/2 inch border. Brush edges with a little water or beaten egg to help seal the pies. Top with remaining dough hearts and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Do not overfill pies to prevent leaking.
  • Seal edges firmly by pressing with a fork and brushing with egg wash.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and juiciness.
  • Allow pies to cool after baking so filling sets properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry hand pies, heart-shaped pies, flaky crust dessert, portable dessert, fresh strawberry filling, homemade pastry

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/strawberry-heart-hand-pies/