Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Introduction

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect way to show someone you care. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with a sweet and slightly tangy strawberry filling that creates the perfect balance of fruity and buttery flavors. The heart shape adds an extra touch of charm, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or as a thoughtful surprise for a loved one.

I remember the first time I made these for a special dinner, and the smile on everyone’s face when they saw them was priceless. The buttery crust pairs so wonderfully with the sweet and slightly tart strawberry filling, and the heart shape makes them extra delightful.

What makes these hand pies even better is how easy they are to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can bake up a batch of these adorable treats that will brighten anyone’s day. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, homemade dessert.

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Romantic occasions
• Gift-giving
• Afternoon snacks
• Holiday baking

Why You’ll Love This Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Here’s why Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies will become your new favorite:

• Flaky and Buttery Crust: These hand pies feature a homemade or store-bought pie crust that bakes up golden and crisp.
• Sweet Strawberry Filling: The strawberry filling is naturally sweet and slightly tart, creating a delicious contrast to the buttery crust.
• Adorable and Festive: The heart shape makes these pies visually stunning and perfect for special occasions.
• Portable and Fun to Eat: Unlike traditional pies, these hand pies are easy to hold, making them great for on-the-go snacking.
• Customizable: You can swap the filling with other fruits, jams, or even chocolate for a different twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 hand pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

(Alternatively, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience.)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give these hand pies a naturally sweet and slightly tart filling.
• Pie Crust: The buttery, flaky crust perfectly encases the fruit filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice enhances the strawberry flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Egg Wash: Brushing the pies with egg wash before baking gives them a golden, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

(If using store-bought pie crust, simply roll it out and proceed to the next step.)

Make the Strawberry Filling:

5. Prepare the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
6. Cook Until Thickened: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.

Assemble the Hand Pies:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛ inch thick.
9. Cut Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of heart shapes. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
10. Fill the Pies: Place a small spoonful of strawberry filling in the center of half of the hearts. Be careful not to overfill.
11. Seal the Edges: Place a second heart-shaped piece of dough on top of each filled piece. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
12. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk or water. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash.
13. Add Sugar Topping (Optional): Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for a little extra crunch.

Bake the Hand Pies:

14. Bake: Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. Cool: Let the hand pies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies can be served in many ways:

• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the tops for a simple, elegant finish.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the flaky crust.
• As a Sweet Gift: Wrap these in a cute box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Here are some tips to ensure your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies turn out perfectly:

• Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold ensures a flaky, tender crust.
• Don’t Overfill the Pies: Too much filling can cause leakage during baking.
• Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Chill Before Baking: For extra flaky pies, chill the assembled hand pies for 10-15 minutes before baking.
• Try Different Fillings: Experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate spread.

Recipe Variations for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies:

• Chocolate Strawberry Hand Pies: Add a few chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Berry Medley Hand Pies: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
• Peach Strawberry Hand Pies: Combine diced peaches with strawberries for a summery version.
• Nutella Strawberry Hand Pies: Spread a thin layer of Nutella before adding the strawberry filling.
• Cream Cheese Strawberry Hand Pies: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese inside.
• Cinnamon Sugar Hand Pies: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free Hand Pies: Use a gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Hand Pies: Use a vegan pie crust and plant-based milk for the egg wash.
• Lemon Glaze Hand Pies: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the baked pies.
• Heart-Shaped Savory Pies: Swap the strawberry filling for cheese and spinach for a savory twist.

Freezing and Storage for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

• Freezing: These hand pies freeze well. To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies easier:

• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to evenly roll out the dough to the right thickness.
• Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: A heart-shaped cookie cutter helps create perfectly shaped hand pies.
• Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is perfect for applying the egg wash to the pies for a golden finish.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack will allow your hand pies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using them to prevent excess liquid.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make these hand pies without a heart-shaped cutter?
   Yes, you can use a regular round cutter or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles for a different shape.
4. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Yes, you can substitute store-bought pie crust for a quicker option, but homemade crust will give the best flavor and texture.
5. How do I know when the hand pies are done?
   The hand pies should be golden brown on top, and you should see a little bubbling of the filling from the edges.

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Conclusion

Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are a delightful way to show someone you care—or to treat yourself to something sweet! The luscious strawberry filling, paired with a buttery, flaky crust, makes each bite feel like a moment of pure joy. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just because, these adorable hand pies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

This recipe is as simple as it is scrumptious, so you can whip up a batch for family gatherings, picnics, or any time you crave a little indulgence. Customize the filling with other fruits or spices if you’d like, making them just right for you.

I can’t wait to see how your Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies turn out! Be sure to snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your creative spin on this recipe. Happy baking!