Handheld Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe with Flaky Butter Pastry

Sweet strawberry hand pies burst with summer’s vibrant essence, offering a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Homemade pastry cradles juicy berries in perfectly portable packages.

Each compact treat promises pure deliciousness wrapped in golden, flaky crust.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these delectable morsels with minimal effort.

Crumbly edges and ruby-red filling create an irresistible combination that beckons you to the kitchen.

Fresh ingredients transform simple components into something magical.

You’ll savor every incredible bite of these handheld fruit pockets.

Strawberry Hand Pies for Grab-and-Go Treats

• Perfect hand pies bring joy to any moment.
• Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like shape variations and optional glazing.
• Simple assembly lets kids help create delicious treats together.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps ensure stress-free preparation in under an hour.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Hand Pies

• All-Purpose Flour, Unsalted Butter: Tender and flaky base for the hand pies with rich, buttery flavor.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall dough taste and balancing sweetness.

• Strawberries, Sugar, Lemon Juice: Classic combination for bright, sweet-tart filling with natural fruit flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and prevent runny texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and subtle warmth to the strawberry mixture.

• Egg, Water: Creates golden, shiny exterior when brushed on pie dough.
• Coarse Sugar: Optional topping for extra crunch and sparkle.

• Powdered Sugar, Glaze: Sweet decorative options for additional flavor and presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Hand Pies Easily

Step 1: Create Delectable Strawberry Filling

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture transforms into a thick, glossy filling. Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Dough

Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a round or rectangular cutter to shape your hand pies. Gather and re-roll any leftover dough scraps to maximize your pie yield.

Step 3: Craft Individual Hand Pies

Place a generous spoonful of cooled strawberry filling in the center of half your dough pieces. Carefully cover with remaining dough pieces. Crimp edges using a fork to create a tight seal. Gently slice a small vent or poke tiny holes on top to allow steam escape.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

• Egg
• Water

Brush each hand pie with egg wash. Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch. Arrange pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Bake until pies turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Add Sweet Finishing Touch

Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet twist. Serve and enjoy your homemade strawberry hand pies!

Tips to Perfect Your Strawberry Hand Pies

• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Roll dough thinly and evenly to ensure crisp, golden-brown crusts that won't become wet from strawberry filling.
• Seal Perfectly: Use a fork's tines to crimp edges firmly, preventing filling leakage during baking and creating a beautiful decorative border.
• Control Moisture: Allow strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling pies, reducing excess liquid and ensuring a thick, stable filling.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on strawberry ripeness – less sugar for sweeter berries, more for tart ones to balance flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pie dough with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.

How to Keep Strawberry Hand Pies Fresh

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated pies at 300°F for 810 minutes. Frozen pies need 1215 minutes, ensuring crispy crust and warm filling.
• Heat for 2030 seconds, but expect softer crust. Best used when craving a quick treat and texture isn't critical.

Strawberry Hand Pies and Their Best Matches

• Strawberry Hand Pies Companions
• Serve alongside cold vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious contrast between warm, flaky pastry and smooth, chilled creaminess.
• Complement with crisp rosé wine or sparkling moscato that echoes the strawberry's sweet-tart profile and cuts through the richness of the pie.
• Brew light chamomile or mint tea that gently enhances the strawberry's delicate flavor without overwhelming the hand pie's subtle sweetness.
• Add a small slice of soft brie or mascarpone cheese to provide a rich, tangy counterpoint that balances the dessert's fruity intensity.

Sweet Spins on Strawberry Hand Pies

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Hand Pies: Replace traditional pie dough with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Berry Pocket Pastries: Swap butter-based dough with coconut oil pastry and use cornstarch as egg wash substitute. Substitute refined sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Mini Pockets: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Add chia seeds to filling for natural thickening and extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Fruit Hand Pies: Use plant-based margarine or coconut oil in pastry dough. Skip egg wash or replace with plant-based milk for golden finish.

Strawberry Hand Pies: FAQ Corner

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges firmly with a fork and make sure to press down completely around the entire perimeter. Cut small vents on top to release steam and prevent bursting.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to ensure the filling isn’t too watery. Pat strawberries dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

• What type of pie dough works best for hand pies?

Use a sturdy, cold pie dough that holds its shape well. Homemade all-butter pie crust or a reliable store-bought pie dough will work perfectly. Make sure the dough is chilled before rolling and cutting.

• How do I know the filling is cooked properly?

The filling should become thick and bubbly, with a jam-like consistency. When you drag a spoon through the mixture, it should leave a clear path and not immediately fill back in. This typically takes 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories melt into these irresistible Strawberry Hand Pies, nestled in buttery pastry and brimming with ripe, juicy berries. Portable dessert perfection promises to delight with each delectable, golden-crusted bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg

Sweeteners and Thickeners:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 milliliters) milk

Optional Toppings:

• Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant strawberry compote by simmering fresh berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Allow the filling to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Gently roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface, creating uniform 4-5 inch circular or rectangular shapes. Carefully reuse dough scraps to maximize your yield.
3. Position a measured spoonful of cooled strawberry filling precisely in the center of half the prepared dough pieces. Carefully overlay the remaining dough pieces, sealing edges meticulously with fork tines to create secure pockets.
4. Create small decorative vents on each hand pie’s surface to permit steam escape, using delicate knife slices or precise fork punctures.
5. Prepare an egg wash by whisking egg with water, then delicately brush the exterior of each hand pie. Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar across the surface for added texture and sweetness.
6. Position the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each pastry.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the hand pies transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the hand pies to cool slightly. For an indulgent finish, consider drizzling with a light glaze or dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

• Ensure strawberry filling cools completely to prevent soggy pie bottoms and maintain structural integrity.
• Use cold butter and minimal handling when making pie dough to guarantee a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Experiment with alternative fruits like peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries for diverse flavor variations and seasonal adaptations.
• Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular pie dough with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the delightful hand pie experience accessible to everyone.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg