It was a chilly autumn afternoon when I first tried my hand at making Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies. I’d been craving something sweet and comforting, and the idea of these adorable little pies just spoke to me. As I gathered the ingredients – the fresh, juicy strawberries, the flaky pastry dough, and the sparkling sugar for the finishing touch – I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.
I carefully rolled out the dough, cutting it into perfect heart shapes, and then expertly filled each one with the vibrant, ruby-red strawberry mixture. The aroma of the baking pies wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When I finally pulled them from the oven, their golden crusts glistening, I knew I had created something truly special.
That first bite was pure bliss – the buttery pastry giving way to the sweet, juicy fruit, with just the right hint of tartness. It was like taking a bite out of a love letter, a delicious message written in the language of flavor. From that moment on, I was hooked, and Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies became a go-to recipe that I couldn’t wait to share with friends and family.
Table of Contents
Why This Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
What makes this Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The flaky, buttery pastry crust perfectly complements the sweet, juicy strawberry filling, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. The secret lies in the careful attention to detail, from the chilling of the butter to the precise measurement of the ingredients.
The use of fresh, ripe strawberries is also key to the success of this recipe. The vibrant, natural sweetness of the fruit shines through, while the addition of a touch of sugar and cornstarch helps to create a perfectly cohesive filling that doesn’t leak or become too runny. And the final touch of coarse sugar on top adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to each hand pie, making them truly irresistible.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delectable Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the flaky pastry crust, providing the perfect texture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A crucial ingredient that helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The butter is the star of the pastry, giving it a rich, buttery taste and a delightfully flaky texture.
- 1/4 cup ice water: The cold water helps to bring the dough together, ensuring a tender and workable crust.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced: The star of the show, providing the vibrant, juicy filling that makes these hand pies so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the natural tartness of the strawberries.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This ingredient helps to thicken the filling, creating a cohesive and easy-to-work-with consistency.
- 1 egg, beaten: The egg wash adds a beautiful golden sheen to the hand pies and helps the coarse sugar topping to adhere.
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping): The final touch, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle to the finished pies.
Step-by-Step Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Instructions
Preparing Your Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies come together quickly, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. To get started, you’ll need a rolling pin, a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or a sharp knife), a baking sheet, and a few mixing bowls.
1- Begin by combining the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the flaky, buttery crust.
3- While the dough chills, prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, gently toss together the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until the fruit is evenly coated.
4- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
5- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs to a 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 shapes, re-rolling the scraps as needed.
6- Place the heart-shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small amount of space between them. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each dough shape. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, then top with another dough heart, pressing the edges to seal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the butter: Keeping the butter chilled is crucial for creating the perfect flaky crust. Be sure to cube the butter and return it to the fridge before assembling the dough.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough: Over-working the dough can lead to a tough, chewy crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The quality of the strawberries is crucial to the success of this recipe. Look for plump, juicy berries at the peak of their season.
- Avoid overfilling the hand pies: Resist the temptation to add too much filling, as it can lead to leakage and a messy baking process.
- Brush with egg wash: The egg wash adds a beautiful golden sheen to the finished hand pies and helps the coarse sugar topping to adhere.
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 enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled rosé wine for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. For a heartier pairing, they would make a lovely dessert accompaniment to a savory main course, such as a crisp salad or a roasted chicken dish.
With this recipe yielding 12 hand pies, it’s the perfect size for sharing with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, these delectable pastries are sure to delight.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be made in advance to save time. For storage, allow the hand pies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen, transfer the hand pies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen hand pies directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
To reheat, simply place the hand pies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
Creative Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Variations
While the classic Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are truly a delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Consider using different types of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of several varieties. You could also experiment with other fruit fillings, like apple, peach, or even a tart lemon curd.
For a twist on the classic heart shape, try cutting the dough into different shapes, like stars or circles, to create a unique presentation. You could also add a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra touch of elegance.
Making Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies Diet-Friendly
To make these Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies more diet-friendly, you can explore a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. For a vegan option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a flax or chia egg instead of the traditional egg wash.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for a sugar-free substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cornstarch accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Simply thaw them and pat them dry before using in the filling.
Q: How long do these hand pies take to bake?
A: The total time for this recipe is 35 minutes, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes.
Q: Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake the frozen pies directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How many hand pies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 hand pies, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Q: What should I do if the filling leaks out during baking?
A: To prevent leakage, be sure not to overfill the hand pies. You can also try crimping the edges a bit more firmly to seal them. If some filling does leak out, simply remove the hand pies from the oven, let them cool slightly, and use a spoon to gently press the filling back into the pockets.
Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 hand pies
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these homemade Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies – a quick and easy dessert or snack bursting with fresh strawberry goodness.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt until combined. Add the chilled butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
6. Place the heart shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture onto the center of each heart.
7. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out more heart shapes. Place a top heart shape over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a flakier crust, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before rolling and assembling the pies.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are a truly special treat that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. With their flaky, buttery crust and vibrant, juicy strawberry filling, these hand pies are a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy gathering with friends or enjoying them as a sweet afternoon snack, these pies are sure to bring joy and delight to all who try them. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a delicious love letter in the form of these irresistible hand pies. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see how your Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies turn out!
