These charming heart-shaped strawberry hand pies bring a delightful touch of love to any gathering. Made with flaky pie crust and filled with sweet strawberry jam, they offer the perfect blend of buttery crispness and fruity sweetness in every bite.
Easy to make and wonderfully portable, these hand pies are ideal for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or a lovely dessert paired with creamy ice cream. Their cute shape also makes them perfect for special occasions or gifting to loved ones.
- Quick and simple to prepare using store-bought pie crust.
- Portable, mess-free pastries great for any occasion.
- The sweet strawberry filling combines perfectly with a crispy, golden crust.
- Delightful heart shape adds a festive and charming touch.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie crust: Flaky and buttery pre-made dough for quick preparation of golden, crisp hand pies.
- Strawberry jam: Sweet and fruity filling that delivers vibrant berry flavor in each bite.
- Egg: Beaten for egg wash to give hand pies a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sparkling texture and added sweetness.
- Heart cookie cutter: Essential tool to cut uniform and charming heart shapes from the pie crust.
- Parchment paper: Non-stick surface on the baking sheet to prevent pies from sticking and promote even baking.
- Baking sheet: Flat pan used to bake the hand pies evenly in the oven.
- Pastry brush: Used to carefully apply egg wash over the crust for a beautiful golden top.
Instructions
- Roll out the pie crust and cut hearts
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Start by lightly flouring your work surface and rolling out the refrigerated pie crust to an even thickness. Using the heart cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can from the dough sheets. This ensures consistent size and shape for uniform baking and presentation.
- Place jam on half of the hearts
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange half of the heart cutouts spaced evenly on the sheet. Spoon a small dollop of strawberry jam in the center of each heart, taking care not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
- Top with second hearts and crimp edges
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Carefully place the remaining hearts over the jam-topped ones to form sandwiches. Press the edges together and crimp using a fork to seal the filling inside. This step helps keep the jam contained and gives the pies a pretty, textured edge.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar
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Using a pastry brush, gently coat the tops of each hand pie with beaten egg to help them develop a glossy, golden crust. Finish by sprinkling coarse sugar on top for added crunch and sparkle after baking.
- Bake until golden and cool slightly
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Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and bake the hand pies until they turn golden brown and flaky, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and let them cool slightly to firm up and make them easier to handle before serving.
- Don’t overfill with jam to prevent leakage during baking.
- Chilling dough briefly before baking can help maintain shape.
- Use a sharp fork to crimp edges tightly for a neat finish.
Storage Tips
Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to one month; reheat in the oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. These hand pies also make a lovely addition to brunch spreads or afternoon tea parties.
- Brush the edges with egg wash before pressing to improve seal and prevent jam leakage.
- Make a small slit or hole on top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Use chilled dough for easier handling and better puff.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
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Fresh strawberries can be used if combined with sugar and thickener to create a jam-like consistency, preventing sogginess and leakage.
- What if I don’t have a heart cookie cutter?
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Any round or square cookie cutter works; just adjust the shapes as you like for a personalized touch.
- How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
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Avoid overfilling with jam and brush the edges with egg wash to seal properly, preventing moisture seepage.
- Can I prepare these hand pies ahead of time?
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Yes, assemble the pies and freeze them unbaked, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover hand pies?
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Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness without sogginess.
- Is it possible to use other fillings?
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Absolutely! Use your favorite jam, preserves, or even sweetened cream cheese for versatile flavor options.
- Can these be made vegan?
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Substitute butter-based pie crust with vegan crust and use a plant-based milk wash instead of egg wash for a vegan-friendly version.
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies
Equipment
- 1 heart cookie cutter
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
Instructions
- Roll out the pie crust on a flat surface.
- Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts from the dough.
- Place half of the hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam onto the center of each heart on the baking sheet.
- Top each jam-filled heart with another heart-shaped dough piece.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled pie crust for easier handling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
