Crispy Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

Homemade Crispy Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet summer berries burst with flavor in these irresistible crispy strawberry hand pies that promise pure dessert magic.

Delicate pastry cradles ripe strawberries in a handheld treat perfect for any occasion.

Each golden-brown pocket delivers a delightful crunch when you bite through the flaky exterior.

Homemade hand pies bring comfort and joy to every gathering.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that seems far more complex than its straightforward preparation.

Fresh strawberries create a vibrant filling that dances between sweet and tangy.

Warm from the oven, these hand pies will become your new favorite summer indulgence.

How to Bake Strawberry Hand Pies That Don’t Leak

  • Whip Up Strawberry Filling

Grab a saucepan and toss in fresh strawberries with a hint of sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Simmer and stir until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy delight. Let it cool completely before moving forward.

  • Shape Delicate Dough

Roll out your pie dough on a lightly dusted surface. Cut into charming rounds or playful rectangles. Don’t waste a single scrap – re-roll and create more delectable possibilities.

  • Craft Hand Pies

Drop a spoonful of cooled strawberry magic in the center of half your dough pieces. Crown each with a matching dough top. Crimp edges with a fork, creating a beautiful seal. Slice a tiny vent on top to let steam dance freely.

  • Prepare for Baking

Crank up the oven to 375F. Brush each pie with a silky egg wash and sprinkle with a touch of coarse sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Nestle them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pies into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly, teasing your taste buds with anticipation.

  • Final Flourish

Once cooled, add a playful drizzle of glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet surprise.

Tips for Flaky Crusts and Juicy Fruit Filling

  • Cook strawberry mixture slowly to achieve a thick, jam-like consistency without burning, ensuring a rich and concentrated flavor that won't make pastry soggy.
  • Prepare hand pies ahead and freeze unbaked. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra 57 minutes to baking time.
  • Swap traditional pie dough for gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version. Use plant-based butter and vegan egg wash substitute to create dairy-free and vegan hand pies that taste equally delicious.
  • Experiment with mixed berry combinations like strawberry-raspberry or strawberry-blueberry for unique taste profiles. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cardamom to filling for sophisticated flavor depth.
  • Prepare filling and dough components up to 2 days in advance. Store filling in refrigerator and keep dough wrapped in plastic in fridge, allowing for quick assembly when ready to bake fresh hand pies.

Serving Hand Pies for Dessert or Snacks on the Go

  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these handheld strawberry pies for outdoor gatherings, creating delightful portable desserts that everyone can enjoy without utensils.
  • Sweet Breakfast Accent: Pair these hand pies with morning coffee or tea, transforming a simple breakfast into a special treat with minimal effort.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Arrange the hand pies on a rustic wooden board, dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with fresh strawberry slices for an Instagram-worthy display that impresses guests.
  • Versatile Gifting Option: Wrap individual hand pies in parchment paper and twine, creating charming homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or family members who appreciate delicious, personal treats.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Hand Pies That Last

  • Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Prepare filling and dough 2 days before assembly, storing separately in sealed containers to save time during busy cooking sessions.
  • Wrap unbaked hand pies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future desserts. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 57 extra minutes to original baking time.
  • Reheat refrigerated hand pies in a 350F oven for 810 minutes to restore crispy texture and warm, gooey filling. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 9

Strawberry Hand Pies – Ingredients That Matter

For Filling:
  • Strawberries: Bursting with summer sweetness, select ripe, deep red berries with no soft spots or mold for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances natural strawberry sweetness and helps create a luscious, glossy filling.
  • Cornstarch: Magic thickener that transforms runny fruit into a perfectly spoonable, glossy consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor, balances sweetness, and prevents fruit from browning.
  • Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements the fruity filling.
For Dough Base:
  • Pie Dough: Creates a tender, flaky vessel for the strawberry treasure; ensure it's chilled for maximum butteriness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Water: Creates a golden, glossy exterior that makes pies look professionally bakery-perfect.
  • Coarse Sugar: Optional sparkly topping that adds delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Elegant, optional finishing dust that adds a touch of sweet sophistication.

Tools for Shaping, Filling, and Baking Hand Pies

  • Saucepan: Essential for cooking strawberry filling over medium heat.
  • Rolling pin: Crucial for rolling out pie dough evenly on a floured surface.
  • Baking sheet: Must-have for holding hand pies during baking.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Fork: Perfect for crimping and sealing pie edges.
  • Whisk: Needed for mixing egg wash.
  • Knife or pastry cutter: Useful for cutting dough into rounds or rectangles.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient amounts.
Print
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Crispy Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

Crispy Strawberry Hand Pies


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry hand pies deliver a delightful handheld dessert perfect for summer picnics and casual gatherings. Buttery pastry envelops juicy strawberry filling, creating a portable treat that brings pure joy with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) strawberries, fresh, hulled and diced
  • ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, granulated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 pie crusts, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 egg, for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, for simple glaze
  • 12 tsp milk, for simple glaze
  • Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Craft Filling: In a simmering saucepan, meld strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Gently cook until the mixture transforms into a luscious, thickened compote. Allow the filling to cool completely, intensifying its vibrant flavors.
  2. Dough Preparation: Gracefully roll out pie dough on a flour-dusted surface. Skillfully cut into precise rounds or rectangles, maximizing dough efficiency by re-rolling remnants. Ensure uniform shape and thickness for consistent baking.
  3. Pie Assembly: Strategically place a dollop of cooled filling at the heart of each dough piece. Delicately crown with matching dough toppers, then meticulously seal edges using fork tines. Create strategic steam vents by cutting small slits or poking discreet holes.
  4. Finishing Touches: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C). Whisk egg with water to create a golden-hued wash. Tenderly brush each pastry and optionally dust with coarse sugar. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring proper spacing.
  5. Baking and Serving: Bake until the hand pies achieve a gorgeous amber-brown complexion, approximately 20-25 minutes. Allow a brief cooling period to let flavors settle. For an indulgent finale, consider drizzling with glaze or sprinkling powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Remove excess liquid from cooked strawberries to prevent soggy hand pies, ensuring a crisp pastry texture by straining or carefully draining fruit mixture.
  • Use a fork’s tines to firmly press pie edges, creating a tight seal that prevents filling leakage during baking and maintains a clean, professional appearance.
  • Chill assembled hand pies for 15 minutes before baking to minimize dough shrinkage and help maintain their original shape and crisp edges.
  • Swap traditional pie dough with gluten-free pastry or use almond flour for a low-carb version; replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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