Strawberry HEART Hand Pies
Introduction
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Strawberry HEART Hand Pies! These adorable and tasty treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these hand pies are sure to impress. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet strawberry filling will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the pastry
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the hand pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the dough. Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling in the center of half of the hearts, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with water and place another heart-shaped pastry on top. Press the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Bake and serve
Transfer the hand pies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Variations
There are endless possibilities for customizing these hand pies. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Blueberry Hand Pies: Substitute fresh blueberries for the strawberries in the filling.
- Apple Hand Pies: Peel and dice apples, then cook them with cinnamon and sugar for a delicious apple filling.
- Chocolate Hand Pies: Add a spoonful of chocolate ganache or Nutella to the filling for a decadent twist.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure the butter for the pastry is cold. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with and helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with water before sealing. This helps create a strong seal and prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Feel free to get creative with the shapes. While heart-shaped hand pies are adorable, you can use any shape you like.
Conclusion
Strawberry HEART Hand Pies are the perfect combination of sweet and flaky. With a buttery pastry crust and a delicious strawberry filling, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, you won’t be disappointed. Get creative with different fillings and shapes to make these hand pies your own. Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the filling. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
2. Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to brush them with egg wash right before baking.
3. Can I freeze the hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze the hand pies after they are baked. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.