When summer’s sweetness lingers and strawberries are at their peak, I find myself craving a delightful treat that captures that vibrant flavor. Enter my Strawberry Hand Pies—tiny windows of flaky goodness encasing a luscious strawberry filling that sings with every bite. I discovered this simple recipe one sunny afternoon while scavenging for something special to bring to a picnic with friends.
With just a handful of ingredients, these hand pies come together effortlessly, transforming basic pantry staples into a delightful dessert. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply want to indulge in a homemade sweet, these pies are the perfect solution. Not only do they offer a delicious, fresh alternative to fast-food desserts, but their charming size makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. So, grab those luscious strawberries and let’s get baking!
Why Love Strawberry Hand Pies?
Sweet and Flaky: These hand pies feature a beautifully flaky crust that perfectly complements the juicy strawberry filling.
Quick to Make: With a total prep and cook time of just over an hour, you can whip up a delicious homemade treat without fuss.
Impressive Presentation: Their charming, individual size makes them a showstopper at gatherings—everyone will be asking for your secret!
Versatile Filling: Feel free to experiment with other fruits or even different fillings; these hand pies are as flexible as your imagination!
Healthier Choice: With wholesome ingredients like coconut sugar and arrowroot starch, they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
You’re just a few steps from enjoying these delightful bites; for more fun ideas, check out our guide on making your own pie crust.
Strawberry Hand Pie Ingredients
• To create your own batch of these delightful Strawberry Hand Pies, gather these simple yet essential ingredients!
For the Filling
- Chopped strawberries – the star of the show, providing that fresh, fruity flavor!
- Coconut sugar – a healthier alternative to refined sugar, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Lemon juice – brightens the filling and enhances the strawberry flavor.
For the Crust
- Arrowroot starch – gives a light and crispy texture to the hand pies.
- Coconut flour – adds a touch of nuttiness and helps bind the crust.
- Sea salt – just a pinch to elevate the flavors and balance sweetness.
- Cold butter (or ghee or palm shortening) – for that flaky, tender crust.
- Maple syrup – natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Large egg – binds everything together for a cohesive dough.
Extras
- Water – only if needed, to moisten your dough.
- Egg (for egg wash) – creates a beautiful golden finish on your hand pies.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to bake some scrumptious Strawberry Hand Pies that are sure to please everyone!
How to Make Strawberry Hand Pies
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Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, coconut sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium, simmering for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Cool in the refrigerator as you prepare the crust.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your hand pies are assembled. A preheated oven ensures even baking and golden crusts.
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Make the Dough: In a food processor, add the arrowroot starch, coconut flour, sea salt, cold butter (or ghee), maple syrup, and one egg. Pulse until the mixture can be pinched into a cohesive dough. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry.
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Roll Out the Dough: Lightly dust your work surface and parchment paper with arrowroot starch. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment, rolling until it’s about ⅛-¼ inch thick for a perfect pie crust.
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Cut Shapes: Use a circle cookie cutter, about 2¾ inches in diameter, to cut out 12 circles. Roll out any scraps and repeat until you have 12 circles.
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Fill & Seal: Spoon a tablespoon of strawberry filling into the center of 6 dough circles. Place the remaining circles on top, gently sealing the edges with your fingers. Use a fork to crimp and secure the edges tightly.
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Vent the Pies: Cut an X on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking, ensuring the pies retain their shape and crust texture.
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Egg Wash: Whisk the remaining egg in a small bowl, then brush this egg wash over the tops of the hand pies. This will give them that lovely golden color while baking.
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Bake: Transfer your hand pies on parchment to a baking sheet, and bake for 30-35 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before serving—this will help flavors deepen and enhance their sweetness!
Optional: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the strawberry filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply combine the chopped strawberries, coconut sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan, simmer, and cool before refrigerating. For the crust, make the dough 24 hours ahead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the dough, fill with the cooled strawberry mixture, seal, and bake as directed. Your hand pies will come out just as delicious with minimal effort, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Strawberry Hand Pies?
Indulging in these delightful treats opens up a world of pairing possibilities to create a memorable meal experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the warm, fruity filling, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
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Fresh Berry Salad: A light and refreshing berry salad with mint adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the hand pies, enhancing the fruit flavor while nourishing your senses.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream drizzled over the hand pies enhances their rich textures, making every bite feel luxurious.
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Honey Lemonade: Cool and refreshing honey lemonade brings a zesty twist, washing down the pies’ sweetness with a citrus punch that uplifts the palate.
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Coconut Yogurt: Creamy coconut yogurt offers a wonderful tartness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberry bite, while adding a layer of healthfulness to your indulgence.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an extra touch of decadence, whip up a silky chocolate sauce for drizzling or dipping—it’s an indulgent pairing that elevates the entire dessert experience.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Hand Pies
Fridge: Store your cooled Strawberry Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing those delightful flavors to meld.
Freezer: To freeze, place the hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warm and crisp. Enjoy the fresh-baked taste any time!
Thawing: If thawing, allow them to sit in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Hand Pies
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Check Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is not too dry or too sticky. If it crumbles, add water gradually until it comes together just right.
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Avoid Overfilling: While it’s tempting to add extra strawberry filling, too much can cause bursting during baking. Stick to about a tablespoon per pie.
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Seal Edges Well: Thoroughly crimp the edges with a fork to prevent filling from leaking out while baking. This is key to perfect Strawberry Hand Pies!
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Cool Before Serving: Allow the hand pies to cool completely to enhance flavor and texture. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature!
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t shy away from playing with different fillings! Blackberries, peaches, or apricots can create delightful variations on your Strawberry Hand Pies.
Strawberry Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these delightful twists on the classic hand pie!
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Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant burst of flavor. The combination is both sweet and tart!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter or ghee to keep the hand pies dairy-free while still achieving that flaky crust. It’s a perfect alternative that adds a unique flavor!
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Gluten-Free: Replace coconut flour with almond flour and ensure your arrowroot starch is certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these scrumptious treats!
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Add Spice: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into your strawberry filling for a warm, cozy twist that’s perfect for those chilly nights.
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Nutty Crust: Incorporate a handful of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the dough for added crunch and flavor. This enhances the texture beautifully!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once your hand pies are cool, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the tops. This decadent touch takes sweetness up a notch!
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Savory Twist: Use savory fillings, like spiced apples or even a mixture of carmalized onions and goat cheese, for an adventurous take. Perfect as a unique appetizer!
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Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling enhances that bright flavor, making each bite a refreshing experience. It’s like a burst of sunshine!
Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for my hand pies?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are vibrant red with no dark spots. The best ones should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch, indicating they’re ripe and juicy. A sweet aroma is also a great sign of freshness!
What is the best way to store leftover Strawberry Hand Pies?
To keep your hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This not only preserves their flaky crust but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure they are completely cooled down before storing to avoid any unnecessary moisture!
Can I freeze Strawberry Hand Pies for later?
Very! To freeze your hand pies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After they’re frozen, shift them into a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them from frozen at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until they’re warm and crispy!
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough crumbles when pinched, you may need to add more liquid! Pulse in a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the dough comes together. It should be moist enough to hold without sticking to your hands. Finding that perfect texture is key to maximizing the flakiness of your Strawberry Hand Pies!
Are Strawberry Hand Pies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! The arrowroot starch and coconut flour make this recipe naturally gluten-free. It’s a wonderful option for those avoiding gluten while still craving a delicious homemade treat. Just be sure to check the labels on your ingredients for any hidden gluten!
Can my pets have any part of the Strawberry Hand Pies?
I wouldn’t recommend it! While strawberries are safe for dogs in small amounts, ingredients like butter and sugar aren’t suitable for pets. Always keep those delightful treats away from your furry friends, and stick to pet-safe snacks just for them!
Delicious Strawberry Hand Pies for Your Sweet Craving
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, coconut sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium, simmering for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Cool in the refrigerator as you prepare the crust.
- Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your hand pies are assembled.
- In a food processor, add the arrowroot starch, coconut flour, sea salt, cold butter (or ghee), maple syrup, and one egg. Pulse until the mixture can be pinched into a cohesive dough. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry.
- Lightly dust your work surface and parchment paper with arrowroot starch. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment until it’s about ⅛-¼ inch thick.
- Use a circle cookie cutter, about 2¾ inches in diameter, to cut out 12 circles.
- Spoon a tablespoon of strawberry filling into the center of 6 dough circles. Place the remaining circles on top and seal the edges.
- Cut an X on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Whisk the remaining egg and brush over the tops of the hand pies.
- Transfer your hand pies on parchment to a baking sheet, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.