There’s something truly delightful about biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry filled with warm, sweet strawberry filling. These Strawberry Hand Pies are a nostalgic treat that remind me of childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for that first bite of fruity goodness. They have a crisp, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, jammy center, and the sweet glaze on top makes them absolutely irresistible.

What I love most about these hand pies is how easy they are to make! Whether you’re using fresh strawberries or store-bought jam, these little pockets of joy come together in no time. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack. Plus, their adorable heart-shaped design makes them a fantastic treat for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Hand Pies

Super easy to make – With pre-made puff pastry or pie dough, these hand pies come together quickly with minimal effort.
Perfectly portable – Unlike a messy slice of pie, these are great for on-the-go snacking or packing in lunchboxes.
Endless variations – Swap out the strawberry filling for blueberry, apple, or even chocolate for a fun twist!
Crispy, buttery, and sweet – The contrast of the flaky crust with the gooey strawberry center is pure bliss.
Great for special occasions – The heart shape and glossy glaze make these hand pies a beautiful treat for loved ones.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

When making Strawberry Hand Pies, you have two main options: store-bought puff pastry or homemade pie dough. Store-bought puff pastry is the quickest and easiest choice, giving you a light, flaky texture without the extra effort. If you prefer a more traditional pie crust, homemade pie dough will provide a slightly firmer, more buttery bite. Both options work well, so it really depends on your preference!

For a crisp and delicate pastry, I recommend using all-butter puff pastry, which bakes up beautifully golden and layers perfectly. If using homemade pie dough, make sure to chill it well before rolling it out—this keeps the pies from becoming too soft while baking.

Options for Substitutions

Want to customize your Strawberry Hand Pies? Here are a few easy swaps you can try:

Filling: Instead of strawberries, try blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist.
Pastry: Swap puff pastry for crescent roll dough or homemade shortcrust pastry for a different texture.
Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the filling for a natural sweetness.
Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze is classic, but you can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
Egg Wash Alternative: For a vegan-friendly version, brush the tops with coconut milk or melted vegan butter instead of an egg wash.

These little hand pies are super versatile, so feel free to get creative and make them your own!

Ingredients for These Strawberry Hand Pies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Puff Pastry or Pie Dough – The foundation of these hand pies, giving them a flaky, golden crust. Store-bought options save time, but homemade works beautifully too.
Strawberries – Fresh, juicy strawberries bring natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor to the filling. You can also use strawberry jam for convenience.
Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and helps create a thick, jammy consistency in the filling.
Cornstarch – A small amount thickens the strawberry mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Lemon Juice – Adds a touch of brightness, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and makes the filling more fragrant.
Egg (for egg wash) – Brushed on the pastry before baking to give it that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Powdered Sugar – The base for the sweet glaze that gets drizzled on top of the baked hand pies.
Milk or Water (for glaze) – Helps thin out the powdered sugar for the perfect drizzling consistency.
Strawberry Slices (optional, for decoration) – A small heart-shaped slice on top adds a cute finishing touch.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have delicious, bakery-style Strawberry Hand Pies in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

If you’re using fresh strawberries, start by dicing them into small pieces. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let it cool completely before using. If using store-bought jam, you can skip this step!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Shapes

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry or pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cutter (or a knife to cut by hand), cut out an even number of pastry pieces—each hand pie will need two. Place half of the cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the cooled strawberry filling onto the center of each pastry base, leaving a small border around the edges. If adding a decorative strawberry heart slice, cut a small heart shape from a strawberry and place it in the center of the filling.

Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with a bit of water or egg wash, then place another piece of pastry on top. Press the edges together firmly and use a fork to crimp the sides, sealing the filling inside.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the hand pies with a beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish. If desired, cut a small vent in the top of each pie to let steam escape.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before adding the glaze.

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

How Long to Cook the Strawberry Hand Pies

These Strawberry Hand Pies bake quickly, making them an ideal treat when you’re craving something sweet. Once placed in a 375°F (190°C) oven, they take about 15–18 minutes to become golden brown and flaky. If using a thicker crust like homemade pie dough, they may need an extra 2–3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are crisp and slightly puffed, and the tops have a rich golden color. Let them cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Hand Pies

Want bakery-quality Strawberry Hand Pies? Follow these tips for the best results:

Keep the dough cold – If the dough gets too warm, it can become sticky and difficult to handle. Work quickly, and chill the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking if needed.
Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open in the oven. Stick to about 1–2 teaspoons per pie for the perfect ratio.
Seal the edges well – Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
Use an egg wash – Brushing the tops with egg wash gives the pies a beautiful golden shine and crisp texture.
Let them cool before glazing – If you drizzle the glaze on while the pies are too hot, it will melt and run off. Let them cool for at least 5–10 minutes before adding the glaze.
Customize your filling – Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of almond extract, or even mixing in a little cream cheese for extra richness.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble and freeze the unbaked pies for a quick treat anytime. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Strawberry Hand Pies are simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overstuffing the pies – Adding too much filling can cause the pies to leak or burst open while baking. Stick to a small amount per pie.
Not sealing the edges properly – If the edges aren’t crimped well with a fork, the filling may ooze out during baking.
Skipping the egg wash – The egg wash helps achieve that golden, bakery-style finish. Without it, the pies may look pale and dry.
Not venting the pies – A small slit or hole in the top allows steam to escape, preventing the pies from puffing up too much.
Using warm dough – If the pastry dough gets too warm, it will become sticky and hard to handle. Keep it chilled for easy assembly.
Glazing too soon – If the pies are too hot, the glaze will melt and slide off instead of setting properly. Let them cool for a few minutes first.
Baking at the wrong temperature – Too low, and the pies won’t crisp up; too high, and they may burn before the filling is cooked. Stick to 375°F (190°C) for best results.
Not letting them rest after baking – Fresh out of the oven, the filling is extremely hot! Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

What to Serve with Strawberry Hand Pies?

These delicious hand pies are great on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to the next level!

1. A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The warm, flaky pastry with cold, creamy ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.

2. Whipped Cream

A light and airy dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to these pies.

3. Fresh Berries

Serve them with extra strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

4. Chocolate Drizzle

Melted dark or white chocolate drizzled over the top adds an extra indulgent flavor.

5. Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of caramel enhances the buttery, flaky pastry and sweet strawberry filling.

6. A Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea

The perfect balance to the sweetness of the pies, making them a great breakfast or snack.

7. Yogurt for a Light Breakfast

Pairing a hand pie with a side of Greek yogurt makes for a tasty and satisfying morning treat.

8. Glass of Cold Milk

A classic combination—warm, sweet pastries with a cold glass of milk never disappoints!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover Strawberry Hand Pies, here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and delicious:

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps the crust crisp while maintaining freshness.
Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore the crisp texture.
Freezer: These hand pies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes.
Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. The oven or air fryer will give the best results.

Estimated Nutrition

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the ingredients used.

Calories: ~250 per pie
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~12g
Sugar: ~15g
Fiber: ~2g

For a lighter version, consider using less sugar in the filling or opting for a whole-wheat pastry. You can also make a dairy-free version by skipping the glaze or using a plant-based milk substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pies and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them and bake straight from frozen when needed.

2. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought jam works great as a filling. Just make sure it’s a thick consistency to prevent leakage.

3. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the pies, and make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork. Also, cutting a small vent in the top allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.

4. Can I make these hand pies without egg wash?

Yes! Instead of an egg wash, brush the tops with milk or melted butter for a similar golden finish. For a vegan option, use coconut milk.

5. How do I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry, which can be found in many grocery stores. Make sure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free.

6. Can I air-fry these instead of baking them?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 8–10 minutes, checking for golden-brown doneness.

7. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Of course! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, or even a mix of fruits all make great alternatives.

8. Why is my pastry soggy instead of crisp?

This usually happens if the filling is too wet or if the pies weren’t baked long enough. Make sure to cook the fruit filling until thick and bake the pies until golden brown.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and sweet, jammy filling. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different fillings, shapes, and toppings. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking and share these delightful hand pies with your loved ones!