Description

These Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect blend of sweetness, charm, and homemade goodness. Whether you're celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to surprise someone special, these delightful treats add a personal touch to any occasion. The buttery, flaky crust embraces a luscious strawberry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.

What makes these hand pies even better is their simplicity. From crafting the dough to assembling each heart, this recipe is a joy to make, even for beginners. You can customize them with your favorite fruit fillings, and they bake to golden perfection in just minutes. Pair them with a drizzle of glaze or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Ingredients

• For the pie dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For assembly:
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preparation Method

Make the dough:
Start by preparing the pie dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough. Form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Prepare the strawberry filling:
While the dough chills, make the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.

Assemble the hand pies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (approximately 3-4 inches wide) to cut out an even number of hearts. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more hearts as needed.

Place half of the heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry filling into the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the filled hearts with the egg wash to help seal them. Place another heart-shaped dough piece on top of each filled heart and press the edges together gently. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Bake the pies:
Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a sparkling effect. Use a sharp knife or skewer to cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly through the vents.

Serve and enjoy:
Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra indulgence, drizzle them with a powdered sugar glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Conclusion

For a time-saving alternative, you can use store-bought pie dough. Feel free to experiment with other fillings like blueberries, cherries, or even Nutella for a unique twist. To store leftover pies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. The combination of a buttery crust and a sweet, tangy strawberry filling creates a treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a romantic occasion or simply because you love baking, they’re sure to impress.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our collection of desserts and easy baking ideas to keep the inspiration flowing. Don’t forget to share your creations and spread the love—one pie at a time!