Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that reveals a burst of sweet, vibrant strawberry filling shaped like a heart - these mini strawberry heart hand pies are about to become your new favorite dessert obsession! Whether you're looking to impress your Valentine, create a romantic dessert, or simply indulge in a cute and delicious treat, these adorable hand pies are guaranteed to steal hearts and satisfy your sweet tooth in just one delightful bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 hand pies
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of pie crust
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of pie crust to smooth out any creases. If using store-bought crust, you may not need to roll it out much.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 16 heart shapes from the pie crust. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can use a round cutter and then pinch the top to form a heart shape.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the mixture until the strawberries are well coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices.
- Take 8 of the heart-shaped pie crust cutouts and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the strawberry filling onto the center of each heart, being careful not to overfill.
- Using the remaining 8 heart-shaped cutouts, place them over the filled hearts. Press the edges together gently to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are sealed well.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and flaky.
- Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your mini strawberry heart hand pies warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch!
Tips
- Keep your pie crust cold: Chilled dough ensures a flakier, more tender crust. If your dough feels warm, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can cause your hand pies to burst during baking. A tablespoon of filling is usually perfect.
- Seal edges thoroughly: Use a fork to crimp edges and prevent filling from leaking. A good seal is crucial for beautiful hand pies.
- Egg wash is your friend: The beaten egg creates a beautiful golden shine and helps seal the edges of your hand pies.
- Let them rest: Allow hand pies to cool slightly after baking to let the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Optional variations: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
