Name: Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 9-inch rounds Prepared pastry pie dough; ½ cup Strawberry Pie Filling; 1 teaspoon Lemon zest; 1 large egg (beaten); Coarse Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

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When I think of culinary delights that capture the essence of affection, the Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies instantly come to mind. Every bite of these charming pastries brings me back to the joyous moments of cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen, where her love for baking was evident in every sweet treat. The warm aroma of freshly baked pies wafting through the air was a signal that happiness was just a fork away. These delightful little hand pies are perfect for sharing, whether it’s a surprise for a loved one or a cheerful addition to a gathering. I can still hear the laughter and chatter of family as we enjoyed these heart-shaped wonders during special occasions, especially on Valentine’s Day.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Oven

The Charm of This Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

They’re Adorably Irresistible

The first thing that strikes you about Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies is their adorable shape. Who can resist a dessert that looks like a love letter? These heart-shaped treats are not just about taste; they’re about connection. They make any occasion feel a little more special, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual family gathering.

Filled with Fresh Flavor

Using strawberry pie filling ensures that every bite is bursting with sweet, fruity goodness. The natural tartness of strawberries pairs beautifully with the buttery crust, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. It’s like a hug in dessert form!

Easy to Make

These hand pies are surprisingly easy to whip up! With a little preparation, you can have them ready for any occasion. The process of making the dough and filling can be a fun activity, especially if you get your loved ones involved. It’s a great way to create memories while baking together.

Perfect for Sharing

These delightful pies are perfect for sharing, making them an ideal treat for parties or as a sweet surprise for someone special. Each pie can be enjoyed as a sweet little snack, and they’re easy to serve and eat, which makes them a hit at any gathering.

Versatile for Any Occasion

While Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, they can also be enjoyed during spring gatherings, picnics, or even as a sweet treat for birthdays. Their charming shape and delicious flavor make them a versatile dessert that can fit into any celebration.

Ingredient List for Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Every ingredient in these hand pies plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect taste and texture. The combination of a flaky crust with a sweet and tangy filling creates an irresistible treat. The key players in this recipe are the prepared pastry pie dough, which forms the perfect flaky shell, and the strawberry pie filling, which adds a burst of fruity flavor. Let’s dive into the delicious components that make up these charming hand pies.

Prepared pastry pie dough: This forms the flaky exterior of the hand pies. You’ll need enough to yield two 9-inch rounds. The texture is buttery and light, providing the perfect contrast to the filling.
Strawberry Pie Filling: Use either homemade or store-bought filling. This is where the sweetness comes from, with juicy strawberries that add a vibrant color and flavor.
Lemon zest: Just a teaspoon of this adds a refreshing zing that elevates the sweetness of the strawberries and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Large egg: Beaten and used as an egg wash, this helps create a beautiful golden crust, enhancing the visual appeal of the pies.
Coarse Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking, it gives the hand pies a delightful crunch and a touch of extra sweetness, ensuring they look as good as they taste.

Recipe Directions for Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Making Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create your own batch of love-filled pastries.

Start by placing your oven racks in the upper third and center of the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This is crucial to ensure that your pies bake to perfection.
Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the pies from sticking and create an easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry pie filling and lemon zest. The lemon zest will enhance the flavors of the filling, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Take your first piece of prepared pastry pie dough and place it on a well-floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner you roll it, the flakier the crust will be.
Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12 to 14 hearts from the rolled crust. Make sure to transfer these to a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate them for a bit to keep them firm.
Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second crust, ensuring you have a total of 24 to 28 heart shapes.
In a small bowl, beat the large egg to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over half of the heart shapes. This will help seal the pies and give them a beautiful golden color.
Place about 1 heaping teaspoon of the strawberry filling in the center of each heart that has been brushed with egg wash. Make sure to include a piece of fruit in each filling for added texture and flavor.
Gently stretch the remaining heart shapes with your fingers to make them slightly larger, then place them over the filling-topped hearts. Carefully press the edges together to seal the pies, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
Using the tines of a fork, press around the edges of the hearts to create a decorative seal. This not only looks pretty but also helps ensure they stay closed while baking. Use a small knife to cut two small vents in the top of each heart for steam to escape.
Brush the tops of each pie with the remaining egg wash, then sprinkle with coarse turbinado sugar. This will add a sweet crunch to the baked pies.
Carefully place the hearts on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until they are golden and bubbling. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies!

Things Worth Knowing

Preheating: Always preheat your oven for even baking. This ensures that the pastries cook properly from the start.
Chilling the Dough: Keeping the dough chilled before baking helps maintain its flaky texture. It’s crucial to avoid overworking the dough.
Egg Wash Benefits: The egg wash not only gives the pies a beautiful golden color but also adds a shine that enhances their visual appeal.
Venting: Cutting vents in the tops of the pies prevents them from bursting while they bake, allowing the steam to escape.

Tips for Success

To make your baking experience even more enjoyable, here are some helpful tips for creating perfect Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies.

Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These hand pies freeze beautifully! Freeze the unbaked pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Pairing: These hand pies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. They also make an excellent addition to a tea party.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as blueberry or peach, to give a twist to the classic recipe.
Crust Tips: For an extra flaky crust, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.

Accompaniments for Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Serving Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies is just as delightful as baking them! Here are some great ideas to enhance your experience:

Great with Beverages: Pair these hand pies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Perfect for Picnics: They’re easy to transport and make an excellent addition to picnic baskets. Just be sure to bring a napkin!
Celebratory Treats: Use them as a sweet surprise for birthdays or anniversaries, showcasing your thoughtfulness and creativity.
Seasonal Serving: These pies are perfect for spring celebrations, including Easter brunch or Mother’s Day gatherings.
Ideal for Dessert Tables: Add them to dessert tables at parties or potlucks; their charming shape and flavor will surely impress your guests.

FAQ

Yes, you can definitely use fresh strawberries! Just make sure to cook them down slightly with some sugar to create a thicker filling. This will help prevent the hand pies from becoming soggy. Simply combine sliced strawberries with a bit of sugar and cook on low heat until they soften and release their juices. Allow the mixture to cool before using it to fill your hand pies!

These Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve them with a fresh fruit salad or a light custard for a delightful dessert presentation. For a brunch setting, consider serving them with coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon treat!

To check if your Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are done, look for a golden brown color on the crust and bubbling filling. They usually take about 12 minutes to bake, but it’s good to keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. If they are golden and slightly puffed, they are ready to come out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just assemble them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert!

Conclusion

The Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are a charming and delicious way to show affection to your loved ones. With their delightful combination of flaky pastry and sweet filling, they truly make for a lovely treat on any occasion. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and create these lovely hand pies. They’ll not only be a hit with family and friends but will also fill your home with warmth and sweet memories.