Delicious Strawberry Hand Pies
Imagine flaky, buttery pastry shells enveloping a luscious strawberry filling – that’s the delightful experience of our homemade Strawberry Hand Pies. These portable pastry delights have become a fan-favorite, offering a portable and satisfying way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to pack in your lunchbox, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a backyard gathering, or a comforting snack to savor on a lazy afternoon, these Strawberry Hand Pies are sure to delight. With their perfectly-portioned size and irresistible combination of textures, they’re a true delight for the senses.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
These Strawberry Hand Pies are a true labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Not only do they boast a delightful balance of flaky pastry and juicy, sweet strawberry filling, but they also offer a level of convenience and versatility that traditional pies simply can’t match.
Imagine being able to enjoy the comforting flavors of a freshly-baked pie without the need for a plate and fork. These hand-held pastries are perfect for on-the-go snacking, picnics, or even as a special treat to pack in a lunchbox. And with their ability to be made ahead and frozen, you can always have a stash of these delectable delights on hand, ready to be popped in the oven for a warm, homemade indulgence.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Strawberry Hand Pies ❓
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
The beauty of this Strawberry Hand Pie recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of flaky pastry and juicy, sweet strawberries creates a delightful flavor profile that has made hand pie recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Strawberry Hand Pies Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days).
• Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
• Step 4: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Reroll the scraps as needed.
• Step 6: Place a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Brush the edges with the egg wash, then top with the remaining dough circles. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
• Step 7: Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
• Step 8: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 18-22 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Compared to traditional strawberry pies, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Strawberry Hand Pie recipe saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 210mg
These Strawberry Hand Pies provide approximately 10% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 7% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for up to 1/2 of the all-purpose flour in the dough, and use a sugar substitute in the filling.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a vegan butter alternative in the pastry dough and non-dairy milk for the egg wash.
• Added protein: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped nuts or seeds to the filling for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Finely chop and sauté spinach or kale, then mix it into the strawberry filling for added nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Strawberry Hand Pies.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the hand pies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Complement the Strawberry Hand Pies with a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced dessert-and-meal combination.
• For a picnic or outdoor gathering, serve the hand pies alongside fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers for a complete and portable dessert platter.
• Create a festive hand pie display by arranging the baked pies on a tiered serving tray, garnished with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the critical step of chilling the dough can result in a tough, unflaky texture. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and assembling the hand pies.
• Cutting the dough circles too large: Using a cutter that’s too big can lead to the hand pies expanding and losing their compact, portable shape during baking.
• Overcrowding the baking sheets: Placing the hand pies too close together on the baking sheets can prevent even browning and cause the pastry to stick together.
• Forgetting the egg wash: The egg wash not only adds a beautiful golden sheen to the hand pies but also helps the dough edges seal properly. Don’t skip this important step.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Strawberry Hand Pies retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the hand pies up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen hand pies to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked hand pies to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped hand pies in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen hand pies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat the hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The assembled, unbaked hand pies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen hand pies directly on the baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes, you can easily substitute the strawberry filling with other fresh or frozen fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, apples, or peaches. Simply adjust the amount of sugar and cornstarch to suit the natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit you choose.
Are these hand pies gluten-free or dairy-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free or dairy-free, but you can easily make adaptations to accommodate these dietary restrictions. Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for the regular flour, and use a vegan butter alternative in place of the regular butter. Additionally, swap the egg wash for a non-dairy milk or plant-based milk alternative.
Why are my hand pies leaking or soggy?
Overloading the hand pies with too much filling or not properly sealing the edges can cause the filling to leak out during baking, leading to a soggy pastry. Be sure to use just a heaping tablespoon of filling and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges tightly. Additionally, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before assembling the hand pies.
Can I add any extra fillings or toppings?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your Strawberry Hand Pies by adding a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone to the filling, or sprinkling the tops with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Just be mindful not to overstuff the hand pies, as that can lead to leakage and a messy baking experience.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Hand Pies represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a grab-and-go snack, a delightful dessert for a backyard gathering, or a special treat to pack in a lunchbox, they’re sure to impress with their flaky pastry and juicy, sweet filling. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Strawberry Hand Pies demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible taste of homemade Strawberry Hand Pies today?
