Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect blend of convenience, taste, and fun, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a family gathering, a delightful snack to enjoy with friends, or a special treat for Valentine’s Day, these hand pies have got you covered. In just about 30 minutes, you can have these delectable baked goodies in your hands, ready to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make 24 delightful hand pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 boxes refrigerated pie crust (14.1 ounces each)
1 can strawberry pie filling (21 ounces)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
1 egg white, beaten

The process is simple, yet yields wonderfully tasty results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these Strawberry Hand Pies.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Remove the pie crusts from their packaging and allow them to come to room temperature while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: Dump the strawberry pie filling into a shallow bowl. Using a fork and knife, dice the strawberries into small pieces. This step ensures that the filling is easy to manage and distributes evenly within the hand pies. Set the filling aside.
Cut the Pie Crusts: Unroll the pie crusts and cut out 6 circles from each crust using a 4-inch biscuit cutter. You may need to re-roll the scraps to get the 6th circle from each crust. Alternatively, you can use a Wilton Heart Shaped cookie cutter for a festive touch.
Fill and Seal: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, place a dollop of the strawberry pie filling into the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the crust in half and pinch the edges completely to seal. For extra security, fold the pinched edges over and press with the tines of a fork. Poke each hand pie once with a fork to prevent bursting during baking. If you’re using a heart-shaped cutter, place the filling in the center of one heart and cover with a second heart. Pinch the edges and press with a fork, then poke once with a fork to prevent bursting.
Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg white in a small bowl until frothy and brush over the tops of each hand pie. Arrange the pies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
Glaze the Pies: While the pies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create the glaze. Once the pies are cooked, remove them from the baking sheet and, while still warm, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring it is fully coated. Use two forks to flip and remove the pies from the glaze, then return them to the parchment paper to set for about 5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Strawberry Hand Pies involves a few handy tips and tricks:

Seal with Water: To prevent the hand pies from popping open during baking, dip your fingertip in water and wipe the edges of the pie crust before folding closed. This helps to seal the pies securely.
Room Temperature Crusts: Take the pie crusts out of the refrigerator while preheating the oven and preparing the filling. This allows the crusts to come to room temperature, making them easier to work with.
Dice Fruit Small: The smaller the pieces of fruit in the filling, the easier it will be to close and seal the hand pies. Larger pieces of fruit can be challenging to wrap in a small amount of crust.
Utilize Scraps: Re-roll the pie crust scraps to cut out additional circles, ensuring you get all 24 hand pies from the dough.

These Strawberry Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are a few variations and additional ideas to make these hand pies even more special:

Variations and Serving Ideas

Different Fillings: While strawberry is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, cherry, or apple. You can also mix fruits for a unique flavor combination.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate over the glazed hand pies. Dark, milk, or white chocolate can all add a delightful twist.
Sprinkles: For a festive touch, sprinkle colorful sugar or sprinkles over the glaze while it’s still wet. This is especially fun for holidays or themed parties.
Cinnamon Sugar: For a different flavor profile, mix some cinnamon into the powdered sugar glaze or sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pies before baking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Strawberry Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be served at various occasions:

Valentine’s Day: Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter and add a few drops of red food coloring to the glaze for a romantic touch.
Picnics and Potlucks: Hand pies are easy to transport and serve, making them perfect for outdoor events and gatherings.
Children’s Parties: Kids love handheld treats, and these pies can be customized with their favorite fillings and decorations.
Holiday Gatherings: With a few tweaks, these hand pies can be adapted to suit any holiday theme, making them a hit at any festive event.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning to make these hand pies ahead of time or store leftovers, here are some helpful tips:

Storage: Store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These hand pies freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the hand pies up to the baking step and freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

The Joy of Baking and Sharing

One of the most delightful aspects of making Strawberry Hand Pies is the joy it brings, both in the baking process and in sharing the finished product with others. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent activity to involve children or baking beginners, fostering a love for homemade treats.

Engaging Kids in Baking

Involving children in the kitchen can be a rewarding experience. These Strawberry Hand Pies are an ideal project due to their manageable steps and quick results. Here’s how you can make the experience enjoyable and educational:

Measuring Ingredients: Teach children how to measure ingredients accurately. Let them handle the powdered sugar, milk, and other elements under your supervision.
Cutting Shapes: Kids will love using cookie cutters to shape the pie crusts. If you’re using heart-shaped cutters, explain the significance of different shapes and occasions.
Filling and Sealing: Allow children to spoon the filling and help seal the edges with a fork. This hands-on activity is not only fun but also helps develop their fine motor skills.
Glazing: Show kids how to dip the warm pies into the glaze, teaching them about the process and science of baking. The immediate reward of seeing their creations come to life is incredibly satisfying.

The Art of Presentation

Presentation plays a significant role in enhancing the appeal of these hand pies. Here are some creative ways to serve and display your Strawberry Hand Pies:

Gift Boxes: Packaged in a beautifully decorated box, these hand pies make for thoughtful gifts. Add a personalized note or card for a special touch.
Dessert Platter: Arrange the hand pies on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.
Individual Wrapping: Wrap each hand pie in parchment paper and tie with a colorful ribbon. This is perfect for picnics or as party favors.
Serving with Extras: Serve the hand pies with a side of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of additional chocolate or caramel sauce.

Exploring Seasonal Variations

One of the great joys of baking is adapting recipes to suit the season. Strawberry Hand Pies can be modified to incorporate seasonal fruits and flavors:

Summer: Use fresh strawberries, peaches, or mixed berries for a refreshing summer treat.
Autumn: Substitute the strawberry filling with apple pie filling, adding a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Winter: Cranberry or spiced pear fillings can bring a festive touch to these hand pies, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Spring: Fresh rhubarb or a mix of spring berries can provide a bright and tangy twist, celebrating the freshness of the season.

Personalizing Your Hand Pies

Adding a personal touch to your hand pies can make them even more special. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

Custom Fillings: Experiment with your favorite jams, curds, or custards to create unique flavors.
Decorative Crusts: Use small cookie cutters to create decorative shapes from the pie crust scraps. Attach them to the top of each hand pie before baking for a charming look.
Flavored Glazes: Infuse the glaze with different flavors such as lemon, almond, or vanilla extract to complement the filling.
Colorful Drizzles: Add food coloring to the glaze or use different colored icing to create vibrant, eye-catching designs.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a straightforward recipe like Strawberry Hand Pies, you might encounter a few challenges. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:

Bursting Pies: If your pies tend to burst open during baking, ensure you’ve sealed the edges well and pricked the tops with a fork to release steam.
Runny Filling: If the filling seems too runny, allow it to thicken slightly by letting it sit for a few minutes before using. You can also mix in a bit of cornstarch to help bind the filling.
Soggy Bottoms: To avoid soggy bottoms, make sure your oven is fully preheated and the baking sheet is placed in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
Glaze Issues: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to enjoy these delicious hand pies with a healthier twist, consider these modifications:

Whole Wheat Crust: Use whole wheat pie crust instead of regular pie crust to add fiber and nutrients.
Reduced Sugar: Opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar pie filling and glaze to lower the overall sugar content.
Dairy-Free Options: Use almond milk or another dairy-free milk alternative in the glaze and a dairy-free pie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Strawberry Hand Pies are a delightful and versatile dessert that brings joy to both the baker and the lucky recipients. Their ease of preparation, combined with the endless possibilities for customization, makes them a staple recipe worth mastering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, involving children in a fun kitchen activity, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, these hand pies are sure to impress.

With their sweet strawberry filling, flaky crust, and delicious glaze, Strawberry Hand Pies are a testament to the joys of baking. They remind us that sometimes the simplest recipes can bring the most satisfaction, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that promises not only delicious results but also a whole lot of fun and love.