Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Delight in homemade Strawberry Heart Hand Pies that combine sweet, juicy strawberry filling with flaky, buttery crusts, making every bite a perfect expression of love. These charming hand pies are not only visually appealing with their adorable heart shapes but also incredibly easy to prepare, offering a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project or a special dessert idea, these Strawberry Heart Hand Pies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, these hand pies come together faster than you’d expect.
• Perfectly Portable: Their handheld size makes them ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or on-the-go treats.
• Beautiful Presentation: Heart-shaped crusts add an extra touch of love and charm for any occasion.
• Customizable Filling: Easily adjust the sweetness and quantity of strawberries to suit your taste.
• Flaky and Buttery Crust: The crust’s delicate texture pairs wonderfully with the juicy strawberry filling for a balanced bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play an important role, providing the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and color. With basics like fresh strawberries and buttery flour crust, you’ll be surprised how these simple items create such magical results.

• Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries provide the sweet and tangy filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to highlight the strawberry flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base for the hand pie dough to achieve a tender, flaky crust.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Key to a light and flaky pastry texture when cut into the dough.
• Egg: Used as a wash to give the pies a golden, glossy finish.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the natural flavor of strawberries and balances sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to prevent it from being too runny.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm spice undertone that complements the strawberry notes.

Variations for Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s flexible and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you want to switch up the filling or adjust the crust, these pies can be customized without any fuss.

• Mixed Berry Filling: Combine blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a vibrant berry medley.
• Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust safe for sensitive diets.
• Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk wash instead of egg.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a warming twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle dark or white chocolate on top for added indulgence.

How to Make Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then chop them into small pieces. Combine strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and optional cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles, then remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust Dough

In a mixing bowl, cut cold butter into the all-purpose flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water while stirring until the dough holds together. Avoid overworking the dough for a flaky crust. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut Dough Hearts

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 1/8-inch thick sheet. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of shapes for tops and bottoms of the hand pies. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut until all dough is used.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pies

Place a spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling in the center of half the heart-shaped dough pieces. Brush edges lightly with water, then top with another heart cutout. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal and create a decorative pattern. Cut small slits on top for steam to escape.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each hand pie with beaten egg for a glossy golden finish. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping butter and water cold ensures a flaky crust texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling can cause the pies to burst open during baking, so use moderate amounts of filling.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
• Egg Wash Precision: Apply egg wash gently to avoid pooling, which can cause uneven browning.
• Vent Properly: Small slits on the pie tops allow steam to escape, preventing soggy crusts.

How to Serve Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over warm hand pies for a delicate sweetness and pretty finish, or top with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve these hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience without overpowering the strawberry flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the pies on a rustic wooden board or a heart-themed platter for a festive touch, making them perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or bridal showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Strawberry Heart Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked hand pies on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the filling, avoiding the microwave to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking the filling to prevent a watery pie.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the filling?

Cornstarch thickens the strawberry mixture, preventing runny filling, so it’s recommended for best results.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and assembling the hand pies.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

You can use any cookie cutter shape or even carefully cut hearts by hand with a knife for a personal touch.

Are Strawberry Heart Hand Pies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, baked pies can be frozen in an airtight container and reheated later without much loss in taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet, charming treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give these Strawberry Heart Hand Pies a try. Their delightful flavor, flaky texture, and simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that’s perfect for sharing love through food. Once you make them, you’ll want to bake them again and again for every special occasion or just because.

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