Get ready to fall head over heels for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies! These delightful pastries feature golden, flaky puff pastry filled with sweet strawberry jam, all shaped into adorable hearts. They’re a breeze to make but look and taste like a special bakery treat—perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any moment that calls for a little extra love. Each bite offers that magical combo of crisp pastry and gooey strawberry filling, making these hand pies irresistible from the first heart-shaped glimpse to the last crumb!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies is just how few ingredients are required—and each one matters. From the buttery puff pastry that bakes up golden and flaky, to the bright pop of strawberry jam inside, this short list brings big flavor, perfect texture, and a cheery, crowd-pleasing color to your dessert table.
- Puff Pastry Sheet (1, thawed): Store-bought puff pastry saves time and bakes up incredibly flaky and crisp, giving your hand pies a deliciously light texture.
- Strawberry Jam (1/2 cup): Use your favorite high-quality strawberry jam for the sweetest, fruitiest filling—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Whisked with milk, this gives your pies a gorgeous golden sheen and helps the edges stick together perfectly.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg for a rich, glossy egg wash that makes those heart shapes shine.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): A sprinkle before baking adds sparkle and just a hint of sweet crunch on top.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the hand pies from sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup so much easier. Trust me, starting with a prepped oven and tray means everything else falls into place like a dream.
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter, gently cut out as many hearts as you can—usually about 12 (for 6 pies total). Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut additional hearts if desired. It’s so fun to see those perfectly formed hearts ready for their strawberry filling!
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Filling
Place half of your heart shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Drop about a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of each. Be careful not to overfill; just a small dollop gives the best fruit-to-pastry ratio and prevents any leaks during baking.
Step 4: Seal and Glaze
Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl to make your egg wash. Brush around the edges of each jam-topped heart. Lay a second heart on top of each, gently pressing down to stick. For that signature hand pie look, use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges all around—cute and functional!
Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake
Brush the tops of the pies with more egg wash and sprinkle each one lightly with granulated sugar. Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the hearts are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as they bake!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies cool on a wire rack for just a few minutes—they’re delicious enjoyed warm when the jam is still slightly gooey, or later at room temperature. Either way, the blend of flaky crust and sweet strawberry filling is absolutely swoon-worthy.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the tops adds instant charm and a little extra sweetness. You can also drizzle a quick glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk for a glossy finish, or top with tiny heart-shaped sprinkles to highlight the festive shape even more.
Side Dishes
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are wonderful on their own, but if you want to turn your treat into a special dessert plate, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a handful of mixed berries on the side for color and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your hand pies high on a vintage cake stand for a striking centerpiece at brunch or a tea party. For a personal touch, slip each into a parchment paper envelope, tie with baker’s twine, and place at each setting—a sweet edible valentine for everyone. They even make darling gifts packed into a decorative tin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pies left (which is a big “if”—they disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry stays crisp, and the flavor even seems to deepen a bit as they rest.
Freezing
To freeze Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies, cool them completely, then place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper if needed. They’ll keep for up to two months and are handy for tucking into lunchboxes or enjoying as an on-the-go treat!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen or stored hand pie, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or just until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soft instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use homemade jam instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade strawberry jam gives Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies an extra touch of love and can be made as chunky or smooth as you like. Just be sure it’s not too runny, or it could leak during baking.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem at all! You can use a sharp knife to cut heart shapes freehand, or even use a round cutter for classic circles. The key is sealing the edges well, so the filling stays tucked inside.
Can I use other kinds of fillings?
Definitely. These hand pies are endlessly adaptable. Try other jams like raspberry or apricot, a spoonful of Nutella, or even sweetened cream cheese for a new twist on Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies.
Why did my hand pies leak in the oven?
This can happen if you overfill with jam or don’t seal the edges tightly enough. To prevent leaks, use only a teaspoon of filling and really press and crimp the edges with your fork.
Are Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies suitable for kids to make?
Absolutely! Let little hands help cut shapes, spoon out the jam, and crimp the edges. With supervision for the egg wash and oven step, this is a fun, family-friendly baking project from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple dessert that delivers heart, flavor, and a big dose of fun, these Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are the answer. I hope you give them a try—whether you’re baking with family, surprising a friend, or simply treating yourself to something special. Happy baking!
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Pastry, Valentine’s Day
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Festive
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies are flaky, golden pastries filled with sweet strawberry jam, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a special treat!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Strawberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Sprinkling:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Fill the Pies: Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of half the heart-shaped pastry pieces.
- Seal the Edges: Whisk the egg with milk to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the jam-filled hearts with egg wash, then place the remaining pastry hearts on top. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Top & Bake: Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *