Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies are the ultimate treat for any romantic occasion or simply to show someone you care. These delightful pastries feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet, juicy strawberries that burst with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just want to share a sweet note with someone special, these hand pies are sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the irresistible world of these lovely pastries!
Why You’ll Love This Love Letter Strawberry Hand
There are countless reasons to adore Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies! First, they’re a perfect combination of flaky crust and sweet filling, ideal for satisfying any dessert cravings. Second, they make a heartfelt romantic message strawberry hand that can sweeten up any day. Third, these hand pies are easy to prepare, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Fourth, they can be customized with different fillings to suit various tastes—try adding chocolate or cream cheese for a twist! Fifth, they are ideal for sharing at gatherings or giving as gifts, serving as a love note with strawberries. Finally, their charming heart shape adds a personal touch to any occasion. These delightful treats are a true expression of love and creativity!
Ingredients for Love Letter Strawberry Hand
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
How to Make Love Letter Strawberry Hand Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just begins to hold together.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch.
- Step 5: Roll the chilled dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 12 heart shapes using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
- Step 6: Place 6 of the heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry mixture in the center of each shape, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Step 7: Brush the border of the dough with the egg wash. Top each with another heart shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Step 8: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Step 9: Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Step 10: Allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Love Letter Strawberry Hand
Keep these in mind:
- Use chilled butter to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it helps the dough relax and makes it easier to work with.
- Experiment with fillings! Try using other fruits or even a cream cheese layer for added richness.
- Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Best Ways to Serve Love Letter Strawberry Hand
These delightful pies can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra sweet treat. They also make a charming gift for loved ones, wrapped in a lovely box with a handwritten note, serving as a sweet note strawberry hand. You can even serve them at a picnic, adding a romantic flair to your outdoor dining.
How to Store and Reheat Love Letter Strawberry Hand
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method will help maintain their flaky texture, making them just as delightful as when they were fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions About Love Letter Strawberry Hand
What’s the secret to perfect Love Letter Strawberry Hand?
The secret lies in using chilled ingredients and handling the dough gently. This ensures that the crust remains flaky and tender. Remember, the goal is to have a light, airy pastry that complements the sweet strawberry filling perfectly.
Can I make Love Letter Strawberry Hand ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and follow the baking instructions for a fresh treat whenever you desire.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Love Letter Strawberry Hand?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overmix your dough, which can lead to tough pastries. Additionally, make sure to crimp the edges well to avoid any filling leaks during baking. Following the recipe closely will ensure delicious results!
Variations of Love Letter Strawberry Hand You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations: Use raspberries or blueberries for a different fruit filling. For a unique twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the strawberry filling for a refreshing flavor. You could also explore adding a chocolate drizzle on top for a decadent finish. These variations can enhance the creative love letters with strawberries theme, making each batch uniquely delightful!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our latest recipes or try making classic vanilla ice cream to pair with these hand pies!
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Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies: 12 Irresistible Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies, featuring a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a sweet and juicy strawberry filling. Perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to a casual weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just begins to hold together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch.
- Roll the chilled dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 12 heart shapes using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
- Place 6 of the heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a heaping tablespoon of the strawberry mixture in the center of each shape, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Brush the border of the dough with the egg wash. Top each with another heart shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Love Letter Strawberry Hand Pies, Hand Pies, Strawberry Dessert
