Introduction
Strawberry hand pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the flakiness of a buttery pastry crust. These individual-sized pies are perfect for picnics, parties, or simply enjoying as a special dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delectable strawberry hand pies.
Ingredients
To make these strawberry hand pies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
– 2 refrigerated pie crusts
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the strawberries are coated in the sugar mixture. Set aside.
3. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crusts. The size of the circles will depend on how big you want your hand pies to be.
4. Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling onto one half of each circle of pie crust. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie crust together, sealing the filling inside.
5. Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle them with granulated sugar.
6. Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your strawberry hand pies. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
– Mix in some chopped rhubarb with the strawberries for a tangy twist.
– Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled hand pies for an extra touch of sweetness.
– Serve the hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your strawberry hand pies turn out perfectly:
– Make sure to dice the strawberries into small pieces so that they cook evenly and fit well inside the hand pies.
– If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the strawberry mixture.
– Be gentle when folding the pie crust over the filling to avoid tearing the dough. If any cracks or holes appear, simply press the dough together to seal them.
– For a shiny, golden crust, brush the hand pies with the beaten egg wash before baking.
– Allow the hand pies to cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set and the crust to become crisp.
Conclusion
Strawberry hand pies are a delightful dessert that showcase the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. With a buttery, flaky crust and a burst of fruity flavor in every bite, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. Whether you enjoy them on a warm summer day or as a special treat for any occasion, these strawberry hand pies are a delicious way to indulge in the flavors of the season.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the filling.
Q: Can I make the hand pies in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just make sure to brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle them with sugar right before baking.
Q: Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated pie crusts?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pie crust, you can use your favorite recipe or try a basic butter pie crust. Just make sure to roll it out to the desired thickness and cut out the circles as instructed.
Q: How should I store the leftover hand pies?
A: If you have any leftover hand pies, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.
