Okay, friends, let’s talk about something truly delightful: Strawberry Hand Pies. These little pockets of joy are like sunshine on a plate, and honestly, they’re dangerously easy to make. Think of them as the cute, portable cousins of a classic strawberry pie, but without all the fuss. Remember those toaster strudels we all loved as kids? This is that, but about a million times better, made with fresh strawberries, and bursting with real flavor. I can’t wait for you to try these, you’ll make them over and over. The very first time I made these, my whole family inhaled them, and immediately asked for more!
What is strawberry hand pie?
Alright, let’s break it down. Strawberry Hand Pies are basically miniature, individually-sized pies filled with a sweet and juicy strawberry filling. Think of it as a personal-sized pie hug! You get a perfectly flaky crust wrapped around a vibrant strawberry filling, all baked to golden perfection. They’re incredibly easy to eat on the go, pack in a lunchbox, or just enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. It’s essentially a rustic, simplified version of a classic pie, perfect for when you want that homemade pie taste without the commitment of making a whole pie.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? Let me tell you why these Strawberry Hand Pies have become a staple in my kitchen. First, the flavor is out of this world. You get that perfect balance of sweet and tart from the strawberries, complemented by the buttery, flaky crust. What I love most about this is how simple they are to make. Seriously, if you can stir a few ingredients together, you can make these. I’m talking, a slice of sunshine in a tiny pie!
These little pockets of joy are also surprisingly cost-effective. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and strawberries are usually pretty affordable, especially when they’re in season. Talk about an easy recipe and cheap ingredients!
And the versatility! These hand pies are amazing warm, straight out of the oven, but they’re also fantastic chilled. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just enjoy them plain. They are also great with any fruit, but I think the strawberries are the perfect flavor for a hand pie. If you love a quick and easy dessert that is full of flavor, I cannot recommend these enough! This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you want a sweet treat, but don’t have time for a complicated dessert.
How do I make strawberry hand pie?
Quick Overview
How do I make strawberry hand pie? How do you make a delicious strawberry filling? Assemble the pies, bake them until golden, and then drizzle with a sweet glaze. What are the simple steps to make this recipe, even for a beginner? How do I become The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Don’t let pie crust intimidate you, this recipe is made for success!
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
* 1/2 cup ice water
For the Strawberry Filling:
* 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean a pies?
Step 2: Make the Pie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. Add the butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut into the flour. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add water and stir until smooth. What makes butter flaky? The smaller the pieces of butter, the flakier the crust will be!
Step 3: Add Water to the Pie Dough
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. What is the best way to not overmix? If you overmix flour, it will make the crust hard. What do you want in a shaggy dough?
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which will make the dough easier to roll. What is the most important step to take in chilling it?
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and salt. Set aside. What is the difference between lemon juice and How do you stir strawberries until they are coated? Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. This is important for achieving that perfect, slightly thickened filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Hand Pies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles or squares. Place a spoonful of strawberry filling in the center of each circle or square. If you want to make a half moon shape, fold the dough over and crimp the edges with your fork. You can also brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden brown color. I usually brush a little milk on top, it’s tastiest alternative.
Step 7: Bake the Hand Pies
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the hand pies cool on a wire rack before glazing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. How do you glaze hand pies? I like to add a little extra milk to make it thinner! It’s all about preference! If you want it thick, less milk is the key!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature. What are some of the best flavors to serve with vanilla Ice Cream? Honestly, they never last long at my house!
What should I serve it with?
These Strawberry Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Let me give you some ideas:
For Breakfast: Pair a warm hand pie with a cup of hot coffee or a latte for a delightful start to your day. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but hey, we all deserve a little indulgence, right?
For Brunch: Serve these hand pies as part of a brunch spread. Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a pitcher of mimosas for an elegant and delicious meal. A little presentation goes a long way!
As Dessert: These hand pies make a fantastic after-dinner treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert. Try pairing them with a glass of dessert wine for an extra touch of elegance.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a hand pie with a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the Perfect Comfort Food for a cozy night in. They are also great as a portable snack! My kids love bringing them to school, and all the other kids are always jealous.
These have been the hit of many family gatherings and picnics! They are so easy to pack, and everyone will love them, trust me!
How do I make strawberry hand pie?
Alright, let’s dive into some insider tips and tricks that will take your Strawberry Hand Pies to the next level:
Strawberry Prep: Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If your strawberries are particularly juicy, you might want to add a little extra cornstarch to the filling to prevent it from being too runny.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the pie dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the crust tough. Mix until just combined, and then chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Also, remember, cold butter is your best friend! The colder the butter, the flakier the crust!
Dough Customization: Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes for your hand pies. You can use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or simply cut out squares or circles with a knife.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or a little bit of lemon zest. You can also use different types of berries for the filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. I have used all kinds of berries and they all have a unique taste.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the hand pies while they’re baking to prevent them from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil.
Glaze Variations: You can customize the glaze by adding different flavor extracts, such as lemon, orange, or almond. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. One time, I accidentally added a bit too much vanilla, and it was the best mistake I ever made!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Want to keep your Strawberry Hand Pies fresh and delicious for longer? Here are some storage tips:
Room Temperature: You can store these at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. I find that they are best the day they are baked.
Refrigerator Storage: They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. This will prevent them from getting stale. Make sure they are completely cool before storing them.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the hand pies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the hand pies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Strawberry Hand Pies – a simple, delicious, and totally irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s so easy to customize and adapt to your own tastes. Whether you’re using different berries, adding a hint of spice, or experimenting with the glaze, the possibilities are endless. If you’re a fan of easy desserts and want to try something new, give this recipe a shot. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! If you loved this recipe, make sure you check out my recipe for Mixed Berry Crumble Bars! It is a similar recipe, but has a little twist, I think you’ll love it!
Happy baking, my friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own variations!