Description
These delightful Strawberry Hand Pies are a perfect handheld dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling. The filling combines fresh strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla, all encased in golden-baked pastry that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with flavorful fruit on the inside. Ideal for picnics, parties, or a charming snack, these pies are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crust
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade crust
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the ingredients are well mixed and the strawberries are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean surface. Using a round or square cutter about 4-5 inches in diameter, cut out shapes to form the base of each hand pie. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Fill the pies: Place about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling in the center of each pie crust cutout. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Seal the hand pies: Moisten the edges of the crust with a little water, then fold the dough over to create a pocket enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Apply egg wash: Transfer the hand pies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a glossy golden finish once baked. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops if desired for extra crunch and sparkle.
- Bake the hand pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pies for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye towards the end to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Ensure the edges of the pies are sealed well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess liquid before use.
- The coarse sugar topping is optional but adds a wonderful texture and sweetness.
- Hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
