Get ready to fall in love with these adorable strawberry hand pies! Made with a luscious strawberry jam nestled between flaky pie crusts, these treats are perfect for celebrating strawberry season or adding a sweet touch to Valentine’s Day.
Here’s why you’ll adore these hand pies:
- They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cuties in no time.
- Whether you choose heart-shaped or circular pies, they come out looking absolutely adorable, making them a delightful addition to any occasion.
- Each hand pie is like having your own personal pie – who wouldn’t love that?
Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is extra cold for the flakiest crust. Freeze it for a few minutes before using it in the dough.
- Consider using vodka or bourbon in the pie crust for an extra flaky texture. The alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind a deliciously crisp crust.
- Chill the hand pies before baking to prevent the jam from leaking and ensure the dough stays intact.
Have some questions? Let’s answer them:
- Worried about the shape? Don’t be! You can cut the dough into hearts, circles, or any other shape you like. Just keep the size consistent for even baking.
- Wondering how long they’ll stay fresh? These hand pies will stay delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container.
- Short on time? You can use store-bought jam or pie crust, but keep in mind that baking times may vary.
Easy Strawberry Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Jam:
- 2 cups strawberries trimmed and quartered (300 g)
- ¼ cup turbinado sugar 55 g
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch 5 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 312 g
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar 28 g
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold (224 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water can also use vodka or bourbon
For Topping:
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Extra turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
For the Strawberry Filling:
- In a pot, combine quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until thick and jam-like. Mash the strawberries as they cook. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let it cool completely.
For the Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold butter pieces gradually while pulsing.
- Pour in water/vodka/bourbon 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Roll out one dough disk into a 9-inch circle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out dough with a 4-inch heart cookie cutter. Repeat with the other dough disk.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer half of the dough hearts.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto each heart, leaving a small border.
- Brush the edges with egg wash and top with another dough heart. Press the edges with a fork and cut a small X on top.
- Chill the hand pies for 20 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!