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Strawberry Hand Pies

Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
5-6 mini pies
Category
Pies and Pastries
Course
Desserts
Occasions
Valentine's Day
Preparation Method
Bake

Strawberry hand pies are delightful, portable treats that showcase the sweet and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Encased in a flaky pastry crust, these miniature pies are often filled with a luscious strawberry compote, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The hand-held size makes them convenient for on-the-go enjoyment, picnics, or dessert buffets. Strawberry hand pies capture the essence of summer in every bite, making them a charming and irresistible addition to any dessert spread.

These old-school strawberry hand pies are so easy. The pies may be baked in the oven or on a grill. We like to fill the pies with our prize-winning strawberry jam, but you may choose another flavored jam if you prefer. How about blackberry or blueberry?

Optional: We just use ready-made jam, but if you prefer to make your own filling, stir together 2 cups mashed strawberries, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup cornstarch in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly, until very thick. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. 

Ingredients
single-crust pie dough
1/3 cup jam (regular jam, not a spread)
milk or cream
1 tablespoon cinnamon mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. If you’re cooking in the oven*, preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Roll out the pie dough and cut an even number of hearts using a cookie cutter. (You can use a round shape, too, if you don’t have a heart cookie cutter.)
  3. Arrange half of the dough hearts onto the baking sheet, then place a tablespoon of jam into the center.
  4. Using your finger, lightly wet the edges of the heart with milk (or cream).  Then top with another dough heart, lightly pressing to seal.
  5. Curl up the edges of the sealed hearts, then press down with the tines of a fork to crimp closed. This will keep the filling from leaking out.
  6. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the crimped dough hearts with more milk, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  7. Poke a few holes in the heart with a toothpick to let the steam out while they are baking.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

*You can also cook over a gas or charcoal grill. Heat to medium-high (around 350°F). Place pies on an ungreased disposable foil pizza pan. Place the foil pie pan upside down on the grill to make the elevated surface. Place the foil pizza pan on top so it is elevated off the grill. Cover grill; cook 12 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove from grill; cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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Comments

<span>Joanne Wood</span> Tue, 07/10/2018 - 08:41
Would love the recipe for single-batch pie dough used in these strawberry hand pies!
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:12

Hi, JoAnne. You can use any kind of pie dough you like whether it is store-bought or your favorite recipe. We do have an exceptionally good All-Purpose Pie Dough if you would like to give it a try. Just click on the recipe title. Enjoy!

 <span>Pat</span> Thu, 02/08/2018 - 08:39
I've done these using Comstock cherry pie filling. A cute and easy dessert for any time of the year, but especially for Valentine' Day. Yes, sprinkle with red crystal sugar.
<span>Recipesask</span> Wed, 02/12/2014 - 07:42
Wow it looks amazing and delicious recipe for the great day!! Thanks
<span>Robert Sewell</span> Wed, 02/12/2014 - 07:18
I, too, used coarse red sugar (left over from Christmas) and didn't bother with the hearts. Jam worked well; and next time I plan on trying a fully-cooked commercial pie filling like strawberry, "wild-berry" or maybe even mincemeat.
<span>D. Colbert</span> Tue, 02/05/2013 - 15:48
I use red decorating sugar on top of the heart!