Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These hand pies combine the fresh sweetness of strawberries with a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth. They’re simple to prepare, customizable with your favorite fruit fillings, and perfect for on-the-go enjoyment. Baking them yourself means you get to control the ingredients and enjoy them fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1/2 cup ice water (more if needed)
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2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the Pie Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough begins to come together.
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Form dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
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Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes.
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Assemble the Hand Pies:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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On a floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
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Cut dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
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Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto half of the circles.
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Brush edges with beaten egg, top with remaining circles, and press edges to seal.
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Use a fork to crimp edges and poke a few holes on top to vent.
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Bake:
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Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
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Cool and Serve:
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Allow pies to cool slightly before serving.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 hand pies
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Chill time: 1 hour
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Variations
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Other Fruits: Use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches as filling.
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Savory Option: Fill with cheese and herbs for a savory twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
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Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter and egg wash with plant milk or maple syrup.
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Add Spice: Mix cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling and ensure the filling is not too watery.
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Absolutely, store-bought dough saves time and works well.
How do I seal the pies properly?
Brush edges with egg wash and press firmly with a fork to seal.
Can I make mini hand pies?
Yes, use a smaller cutter and adjust baking time accordingly.
Are these pies suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re a fun and manageable size for little hands.
Can I add sugar to the crust?
A tablespoon of sugar can be added for a slightly sweeter crust.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking.
What do I serve with hand pies?
Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Strawberry Hand Pies are a charming, delicious treat that brings homemade goodness to your table in a convenient, handheld form. Bursting with sweet strawberry filling and encased in flaky pastry, they’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or gifting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pies are sure to become a favorite!
Strawberry Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Hand Pies are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet, juicy strawberries, perfect for picnics, snacks, or dessert. These individual handheld pies are easy to make from scratch or with store-bought dough and bake up golden and delicious. With a tender crust and fresh fruit filling, they’re a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1/2 cup ice water (more if needed)
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2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
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Make the Pie Dough:
Whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Form into two discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour. -
Prepare the Filling:
Mix strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit 10 minutes. -
Assemble the Hand Pies:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Spoon 2 tbsp filling onto half the circles. Brush edges with egg, top with remaining circles, and seal edges with a fork. Poke holes for venting. -
Bake:
Place pies on parchment-lined sheet. Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle coarse sugar if desired. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. -
Cool and Serve:
Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
Substitute other fruits like blueberries or peaches.Use savory fillings with cheese and herbs for variation.Make gluten-free with a gluten-free flour blend.Vegan option: use vegan butter and plant-based egg wash.Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced filling twist
