If you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make treat, look no further than the Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe. These delightful pastries are filled with sweet and tangy strawberry filling, encased in a flaky, golden crust. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering hand pies in no time. Perfect for a brunch gathering or as a sweet snack on the go, these little pockets of goodness are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Get ready to indulge in a burst of fruity and buttery flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
To make strawberry hand pies, you will need the following ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Start by gathering all-purpose flour, which will be the base for your dough. This flour provides structure and stability to your hand pies.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar is an essential ingredient in the dough and the filling of the hand pies. It adds sweetness to the pastry and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.
Salt
Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to your dough. Salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the hand pies.
Unsalted butter
Using unsalted butter is crucial for this recipe as it allows you to control the amount of salt in your dough. The butter should be cold so that it can be easily incorporated into the dough.
Cold water
You will need cold water to moisten the dough and bring it together. Make sure the water is icy cold to prevent the butter from melting.
Fresh strawberries
Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. They will provide a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite.
Preparing the Dough
First, you need to prepare the dough for your hand pies. Follow these steps:
Mixing dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps.
Cutting in the butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the dry mixture. Incorporate the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
Adding cold water
Gradually add the cold water to the dough, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain a tender texture.
Forming the dough
Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a clean, floured surface. Gather the dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up before rolling.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can start preparing the luscious strawberry filling. Follow these steps:
Cleaning and cutting strawberries
Before using the strawberries, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. Then, slice the strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces. You can choose to keep them chunky or dice them finely, depending on your preference.
Mixing with sugar
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Toss them gently until the sugar is evenly distributed and the strawberries are coated. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices and create a flavorful syrup.
Allowing the mixture to sit
After tossing the strawberries with sugar, set the bowl aside and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the sugar to further dissolve, creating a deliciously sweet strawberry filling.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Now that your dough has rested and your filling is ready, it’s time to roll out the dough and cut it into circles for your hand pies. Follow these steps:
Dividing the dough
Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into smaller portions. This will make it easier to work with. You can cut the dough according to the desired size of your hand pies.
Rolling out a portion
Take one portion of the dough and place it on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a thin, even sheet. Make sure to flip the dough occasionally and flour the surface as needed to prevent sticking.
Cutting out circles
Using a circular cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. These circles will form the base for your hand pies. Repeat the process with the remaining portions of dough until you have enough circles for all your hand pies.
Rerolling and cutting scraps
Don’t let any dough go to waste! Collect the remaining dough scraps and gently press them together. Roll out the dough once again and cut out additional circles. This way, you can maximize the use of your dough and have more hand pies to enjoy.
Filling and Folding the Pies
With the circles of dough ready, it’s time to add the strawberry filling and fold the hand pies. Follow these steps:
Placing filling on each circle
Take a tablespoon of the strawberry filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst during baking. Leave a small border around the edges to seal the pies securely.
Moistening the edges
Using your finger or a pastry brush, lightly moisten the edges of the dough circles with water. This step is crucial for creating a strong seal when folding the pies.
Folding the dough
Carefully fold each dough circle in half, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pies. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
Sealing the edges
To ensure that the filling doesn’t leak out of the pies while baking, press the edges of each pie with the tines of a fork or use your fingers to crimp the edges together. This will create a secure seal and prevent any delicious strawberry goodness from escaping during baking.
Baking the Pies
Now that your hand pies are filled and folded, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection. Follow these steps:
Preheating the oven
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature stated in your hand pie recipe. Typically, a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) works well for baking hand pies.
Brushing with egg wash
For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg. This simple step adds shine to the pastry and creates a luscious, golden crust.
Sprinkling with sugar
To add a touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the egg-washed hand pies. This extra step enhances the flavor and provides a delightful texture to each bite.
Baking until golden
Place the hand pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in the preheated oven until they turn a lovely golden color. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Cooling and Serving
Once your hand pies are beautifully golden and fragrant, it’s important to let them cool slightly before serving. Follow these steps:
Allowing pies to cool
Transfer the baked hand pies to a wire rack and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow the filling to set and prevent any burns from biting into a piping hot pie.
Dusting with powdered sugar
For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, dust the cooled hand pies with powdered sugar. This simple garnish adds a beautiful finishing touch and makes the hand pies look even more enticing.
Serving warm or at room temperature
Strawberry hand pies are best enjoyed when they are still slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve them as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious dessert. They can be served on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Optional Additions
While the classic strawberry hand pies are delicious on their own, you can take them to the next level with these optional additions:
Adding a drizzle of chocolate
For chocolate lovers, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the cooled hand pies. This decadent addition adds a rich and indulgent touch that complements the sweet strawberry filling perfectly.
Whipping cream or ice cream to serve
To take your hand pies to dessert heaven, serve them with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The creamy and cool accompaniment creates a delightful contrast with the warm hand pies.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you have any leftover hand pies or want to prepare them in advance, it’s important to know how to properly store them. Follow these guidelines:
Storing in an airtight container
Once the hand pies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and maintain their flaky texture. Make sure to separate the layers of hand pies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating in the oven
To reheat the hand pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the desired amount of hand pies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will restore their flakiness and bring back their delicious aroma.
Best consumed within 2 days
For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume the hand pies within 2 days of baking. While they may still be enjoyable after this time, they may lose their freshness and become less appealing.
Variations
Although strawberry hand pies are delightful on their own, you can easily experiment with different flavors and variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Using different fruits (blueberries, peaches)
Swap out the strawberries for other juicy and flavorful fruits, such as blueberries or peaches. The hand pies will still have that same flaky crust, but with a delightful twist of different fruity fillings.
Adding spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
For a touch of warmth and depth of flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough or filling. These spices will enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit and add a touch of aromatic goodness to your hand pies.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re all set to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade strawberry hand pies. So roll up your sleeves, grab those fresh strawberries, and get ready to bake a batch of irresistible hand pies that will surely delight everyone lucky enough to taste them!