Strawberry Hand Pies Clara quick dinners

Strawberry Hand Pies are adorable, flaky pastries filled with sweet, juicy strawberries and baked to golden perfection. These portable treats are perfect for picnics, parties, or an easy dessert that feels extra special. Made with either homemade or store-bought pie dough, they’re simple to assemble and irresistible once baked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Great use for fresh or frozen strawberries
Perfectly portioned for individual servings
Ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, and bake sales
Can be made ahead and frozen
Kid-friendly and fun to make together
Buttery, flaky crust with sweet fruit filling
Customizable with different fruits or flavors
Looks beautiful and rustic with minimal effort
No plates or forks needed—just grab and go

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract (optional)
Pie dough (homemade or store-bought)
Egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy. Let cool.
Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface and cut into circles, rectangles, or hearts using cookie cutters or a knife (about 34 inches in size).
Spoon a small amount of filling onto half of the dough pieces, leaving a border.
Top with the remaining dough pieces and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 2025 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool on a wire rack before serving or glazing, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 hand pies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add cream cheese: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the bottom dough piece before adding the filling.
Glaze them: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
Use other fruits: Try blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix.
Add herbs: A bit of chopped mint or basil adds a fresh twist.
Mini version: Make bite-sized pies for party platters.

storage/reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 58 minutes to revive crispiness. You can also freeze unbaked or baked pies for up to 2 months—bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking.

Do I have to cook the filling first?

Yes, cooking the strawberries thickens the filling and prevents sogginess.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, puff pastry makes a delicious flaky version—just keep an eye on bake time.

How do I keep the pies from leaking?

Seal the edges tightly with a fork and don’t overfill them.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch that’s labeled gluten-free.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can work—adjust to taste.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before using?

If using homemade dough, chilling helps keep the pies flaky. Store-bought is usually ready to roll.

Can I freeze the hand pies?

Yes, freeze them unbaked or baked. For unbaked, bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.

What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

Use a knife or a cup to cut shapes—any uniform size will work.

Can I serve them with something else?

They’re great with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate.

Conclusion

Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion—bursting with fresh fruit, wrapped in buttery crust, and easy to take on the go. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, picnic, or just a cozy treat at home, these charming little pies will win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings with every bite.

Description

These Strawberry Hand Pies are buttery and flaky on the outside, with a warm, jammy strawberry filling inside. Made with just a few basic ingredients, they’re a fun and portable treat that’s great for dessert, picnics, or anytime you want a little pie without all the fuss.

For the Filling:

For the Dough:

Optional Toppings:

Make the filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook for 57 minutes until thick and bubbly. Let cool completely before using.
Prep the dough:
Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 45 inch rounds or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape. Re-roll scraps to use up all the dough.
Assemble the pies:
Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of half of the dough pieces. Top with remaining dough pieces and press edges with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit or poke holes on top for steam to escape.
Egg wash and bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk egg and water to make egg wash. Brush each pie and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 2025 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Optional glaze:
Once cool, drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar if you’d like an extra sweet touch.

Notes

Make them ahead and freeze unbaked hand pies. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier finish.
Try swapping in other berries or a mix for different flavors!