Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that oozes with creamy, sweet strawberry filling - sounds like heaven, right? These Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are not just a dessert; they're a portable slice of pure joy that will transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, these adorable hand pies are guaranteed to impress everyone from family gatherings to casual weekend brunches.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 pies
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your hand pies will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Gather all your ingredients: 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts, 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup of cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 egg for the egg wash.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, softened cream cheese, and sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the strawberries are evenly coated with the cream cheese and sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. You will need to cut out circles for the hand pies. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 4-5 inches in diameter. You should be able to get about 8 circles from one package.
- Once you have your circles, place half of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will be the bottom crusts for your hand pies.
- Take a spoonful of the strawberry and cream cheese mixture and place it in the center of each of the bottom crust circles. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst while baking.
- Take the remaining pie crust circles and place them on top of the filled circles. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a nice golden color when baked.
- Using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of each hand pie. This will allow steam to escape during baking and help prevent them from bursting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 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 a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Keep your pie dough cold: Refrigerated pie crusts work best when they're still slightly chilled, which helps maintain their flakiness.
- Don't overfill: Resist the temptation to stuff too much filling into each pie. Overfilling can cause leaks and make sealing difficult.
- Crimp edges thoroughly: Use a fork to create a tight seal around the edges, preventing filling from escaping during baking.
- Egg wash is your friend: The beaten egg gives your hand pies that beautiful golden-brown color and professional shine.
- Allow cooling time: Let the pies rest for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Get creative with variations: Try mixing in other berries or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to customize your hand pies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
