There’s something about hand pies that just fills my heart with joy. The way the buttery crust gives way to the sweet, juicy strawberry filling – it’s like a little love letter in every bite. And that’s exactly what inspired me to create these “Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies.” I can still remember the first time I made them, the aroma of the fresh strawberries mingling with the warmth of the just-baked pastry. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew I had to share this recipe with the world.
Why This Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
These Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies aren’t just any ordinary pastry. They’re the result of careful attention to detail and a few secret techniques that set them apart. First and foremost, the dough is made with a perfect balance of all-purpose flour, chilled butter, and just the right amount of ice water. This creates a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s the foundation for the sweet and tangy strawberry filling. And speaking of that filling, the combination of fresh, juicy strawberries, granulated sugar, and a touch of cornstarch is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing with delight.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and texture for the delicious pastry crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The cold, cubed butter is essential for creating that flaky, buttery crust.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Just the right amount of ice-cold water helps to bring the dough together without overworking it.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: Ripe, juicy strawberries are the star of the show, providing the perfect filling for these hand pies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the strawberry filling and complements the tartness of the fruit.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): This simple egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown shine on the pastry.
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling: The coarse texture of turbinado sugar adds a delightful crunch to the top of the hand pies.
Step-by-Step Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Instructions
Preparing Your Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
With a total time of just 40 minutes (20 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking), these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies come together in a flash. You’ll need a rolling pin, a sharp knife, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a pastry brush to get started.
1- Begin by making the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out 12 heart-shaped pieces, re-rolling the dough as needed.
3- In a medium bowl, gently toss the 2 cups of diced fresh strawberries with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of 6 of the heart-shaped dough pieces.
4- Lightly brush the edges of the filled dough pieces with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water). Place the remaining 6 heart-shaped dough pieces on top, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
5- Transfer the filled hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.
6- Bake the Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving, and enjoy the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, juicy strawberry goodness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the butter and water for the dough as cold as possible to ensure a flaky crust.
- Be gentle when handling the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Ensure the hand pies are sealed well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Don’t overbake the hand pies, as they can become dry and crumbly.
Serving and Storing Your Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
Perfect Pairings for Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
These Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect treat to share with your loved ones. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a delightful dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And since this recipe yields 6 servings, it’s the perfect size for a small gathering or a special occasion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
For best results, enjoy your Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies fresh from the oven. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the hand pies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’d like to make these hand pies in advance, you can prepare the dough and filling separately, then assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve. The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the strawberry filling can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to bake, simply assemble the hand pies and follow the instructions for baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
Creative Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Variations
While the classic strawberry filling is absolutely delightful, you can also get creative with these Love Letter Hand Pies. Try swapping out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of different berries. You could also experiment with different spices, such as a touch of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg, to add depth of flavor. For a tropical twist, you could even try using diced mango or pineapple in the filling.
Making Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. To make them vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the egg wash with a plant-based milk or water. And for a lower-carb option, you can try using a sugar substitute, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using them in the filling.
Q: How long do these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies take to prepare?
A: The total time for this recipe is 40 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply assemble the hand pies and follow the instructions.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies recipe yields 6 servings.
Q: What if my hand pies don’t seal properly?
A: If your hand pies don’t seal completely, try using a bit more egg wash on the edges before sealing them. You can also gently press the edges with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies, featuring a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a sweet and juicy strawberry filling. Perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to a casual weekend treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
– Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just begins to hold together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch.
5. Roll the chilled dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 12 heart shapes using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
6. Place 6 of the heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry mixture in the center of each shape, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Brush the border of the dough with the egg wash. Top each with another heart shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
9. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a flakier crust, replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cake flour. Serve these hand pies warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are a true delight, and I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. The flaky, buttery crust, combined with the sweet and tangy strawberry filling, is a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and get ready to create a little pastry magic. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see the love you pour into these delightful hand pies!
