Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect portable dessert, with a sweet strawberry filling tucked inside a flaky, buttery crust. These hand pies are perfect for picnics, parties, or just a simple treat when you want something sweet! Here’s how to make them:
Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced (or use frozen strawberries, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release some of their juices and thicken with the cornstarch.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should be able to get about 8-10 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry filling into the center of half of the pie crust circles, being careful not to overfill them.
- Place another pie crust circle on top of each filled circle to form a pocket. Press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal them well.
4. Bake the Hand Pies:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush a thin layer of egg wash over the top of each pie to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- If you like, sprinkle the tops with a little granulated sugar for extra sweetness and a little crunch.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips:
- Fruit Variations: If you want to mix things up, you can use other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of fruits!
- Homemade Crust: If you prefer a homemade crust, you can make your favorite pie dough recipe, but refrigerated pie crusts make these hand pies quick and easy to assemble.
- Glaze: You can also drizzle a simple glaze on top of the pies once they cool, made with powdered sugar and milk, for an extra touch of sweetness.
These Strawberry Hand Pies are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for on-the-go or for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy!
