Description
These delightful Strawberry Hand Pies are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Made with fresh strawberries, a touch of lemon and vanilla, and encased in flaky pie crust, they are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. Ideal for picnics, parties, or a charming homemade treat, these hand pies balance tart and sweet flavors wrapped in a buttery crust.
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 pie crust
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until the ingredients are well incorporated and the strawberries are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the crust.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your hand pies are assembled.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a round cutter or a glass about 4 inches in diameter, cut out circles from the crust. You should have enough for 8 hand pies if doubling the recipe; otherwise, cut accordingly.
- Assemble the Pies: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish once baked. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for extra sparkle and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- If using homemade pie crust, ensure it is well chilled before rolling and cutting.
- The cornstarch in the filling helps thicken the strawberry juices while baking, preventing sogginess.
- For a dairy-free egg wash alternative, brush the pies with milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water.
- Hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness.
