Strawberry Hand Pies are adorable, individual-sized pastries filled with sweet, juicy strawberry filling and wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. These handheld treats are perfect for dessert, picnics, brunch tables, or anytime you want a simple yet charming way to enjoy fresh strawberries. With their irresistible fruit filling and crisp edges, they’re a delight in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Portable and perfectly portioned
Made with simple, fresh ingredients
Easy to customize with different fruits or glazes
Great for using up seasonal strawberries
Ideal for make-ahead baking and freezer-friendly

ingredients

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

For the filling:

Fresh strawberries, chopped
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract

For the crust:

Refrigerated pie dough or homemade pie crust
Egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Optional glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and let cool.
Roll out pie dough and cut into circles or rectangles using a cookie cutter or knife. You’ll need two pieces per hand pie (top and bottom).
Spoon a small amount of the strawberry filling into the center of half the cutouts, leaving a border around the edges.
Brush edges with a little water, then top with another piece of dough. Press edges to seal with a fork.
Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
(Optional) Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla to make a glaze and drizzle over cooled pies.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 hand pies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Use jam or preserves instead of fresh strawberry filling for a shortcut
Try other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or apples
Add a little cream cheese to the filling for a creamy twist
Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier texture
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for extra flavor

storage/reheating

Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave briefly (though this may soften the crust).
Freeze unbaked or baked hand pies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the filling.

Do I have to make the glaze?

No, the pies are delicious without it, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze unbaked pies to bake fresh when needed.

What’s the best way to seal the edges?

Use a fork to crimp the edges, and don’t forget to brush the edges with water or egg wash to help them stick.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and make sure to seal the edges tightly. Cutting steam vents also helps.

Can I use store-bought jam?

Absolutely, especially if you’re short on time—just use about a tablespoon per pie.

Is egg wash necessary?

It helps give the crust a golden color and adds a bit of shine, but you can skip it or use milk as an alternative.

What if I don’t have a round cutter?

Use a knife to cut squares or rectangles—it works just as well.

Are these best served warm or cold?

They’re delicious both ways! Slightly warm with glaze or a scoop of ice cream is especially indulgent.

Conclusion

Strawberry Hand Pies are the perfect mix of flaky crust and fruity filling, all in a compact, shareable package. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, spring picnic, or holiday brunch, they’re a charming and delicious way to enjoy the flavor of fresh strawberries. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.