Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, these Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are truly a showstopper. Imagine buttery, flaky pastry hugging a pool of sweet strawberry jam, all wrapped up in a golden, heart-shaped shell that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any moment you want to share a little love. Whether you’re baking for a romantic celebration or surprising your friends with a homemade dessert, these hand pies bring a playful dose of warmth and no-fuss elegance to the table. Once you see just how easy they are to make, you’ll be looking for every excuse to whip up another batch of Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies is found in their simplicity. Every ingredient is handpicked to build flavor and texture, from the crisp layers of pastry to the sparkling finish of sugar on top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each piece matters!

• Puff Pastry Sheet: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and effortless, while still delivering that crave-worthy flaky texture.
• Strawberry Jam: Opt for a thick, quality jam—it’s the bright, fruity heart of every pie and won’t leak out during baking.
• Egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the pies their gorgeous shine and helps the edges stick together.
• Milk: Mixed with the egg for a perfectly golden, glossy finish—just a splash makes a difference.
• Granulated Sugar: This last touch adds sweet sparkle and a delightful crunch after baking.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your pastries are ready to go. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pastry Hearts

Unfold your thawed sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out just enough to smooth the seams. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you can—aim for an even number, since each hand pie needs a top and bottom! Re-roll scraps if needed for a couple of extra pies.

Step 3: Fill with Strawberry Jam

Spoon about a teaspoon of strawberry jam onto the center of half your heart-shaped pastry pieces. Don’t be tempted to overfill, or the jam may ooze out while baking. The goal is a generous but manageable center of sweet, ruby-red filling for each of your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies.

Step 4: Seal the Edges

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create a golden egg wash. Brush a bit of this mixture around the edges of the hearts with jam. Place the remaining pastry hearts on top, gently stretching them to match if needed. Press the edges together, then use the tines of a fork to seal and crimp all around—this helps lock in the filling and adds a classic hand pie touch.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Brush the tops of each heart with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a crisp, sparkling crust. Arrange the pies on your prepared baking sheet with a small gap between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies cool on the pan for a few minutes—they’ll be steamy and fragrant! Enjoy them slightly warm for gooey, jammy centers, or let them cool to room temperature for easy sharing and gifting.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can take your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies to an entirely new level of decadence. Add a fresh strawberry on the side for a pop of color and freshness—the perfect finishing touch for presentation and flavor!

Side Dishes

Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. Hot tea or coffee alongside really brings out the buttery notes in the pastry and makes every bite feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies on a tiered serving tray for a party-ready dessert. Wrap a few in parchment and tie with colorful ribbon for sweet Valentine’s gifts. Or tuck them into a picnic basket for a whimsical outdoor treat—these hand pies travel beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these irresistible Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but let the pastries come to room temp before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze wonderfully! Once fully cooled, pack them into a zip-top freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you want a sweet treat, just grab one, thaw, and warm it up for a fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, pop your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes (from room temp) or 10 minutes (from frozen) until heated through. A quick reheat brings back all the flakiness and melts the jam slightly—pure bliss!

FAQs

Can I use homemade jam instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade strawberry jam you love, it will make these hand pies even more special. Just be sure it’s thick enough to stay put during baking.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

No worries! You can cut out hearts freehand with a knife, or make round or square hand pies using a glass or biscuit cutter. The flavor will shine no matter the shape.

Can I use other fillings?

Definitely! Try raspberry, cherry, or even a chocolate-hazelnut spread for a tasty twist. Get creative—this recipe is a canvas for your favorite sweet fillings.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be careful not to overfill each heart, and make sure you press and crimp the edges well. Sealing with egg wash helps too. A tiny steam vent poked in the top also helps control leaks.

Are Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies good for making ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the pies up to a day in advance and refrigerate them on a baking sheet, covered. Bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking a batch of Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies—maybe it’s the cozy kitchen aroma, the adorable appearance, or the moment you bite into that perfect pocket of strawberry jam. However you serve them, these hand pies are guaranteed to win hearts and spark smiles. Give them a whirl and make any day a little sweeter!

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