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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create small decorative vents on each hand pie’s surface to permit steam escape, using delicate knife slices or precise fork punctures.
- 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.
- Position the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each pastry.
- 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.
- 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