👉Easy Strawberry Hand Pies – Recipes on a Budget

🍓 Easy Strawberry Hand Pies

Craving a sweet treat that’s simple, portable, and absolutely delicious? These Strawberry Hand Pies are flaky, fruity, and perfect for any occasion—from school lunches to summer picnics or just a cozy dessert at home. Made with fresh strawberries and pre-made pie crusts, they come together quickly and disappear even faster!

📝 Ingredients:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (usually comes with 2 crusts)
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated.
Cut the Dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3- to 4-inch round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling onto the center of half the circles.
Seal the Edges: Top with another dough circle, then press the edges together with a fork to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut a small vent on top.
Add Egg Wash: Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake: Place pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving.

🍽️ Nutritional Info (Per Hand Pie):

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 105mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g

💡 20 Expert Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

Use cold dough – Keep pie crusts chilled until ready to use to ensure flaky results.
Don’t overfill – Too much filling will cause leakage during baking.
Use a slotted spoon – Drain extra liquid from filling before adding it to the dough.
Chill before baking – Chill assembled pies for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Add a sugar sprinkle – Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for sparkle and crunch.
Cut small vents – This allows steam to escape and prevents soggy pies.
Try other fruits – Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work beautifully too.
Freeze before baking – Hand pies can be frozen and baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Seal with egg or water – Brush the edges with egg or water before crimping for a better seal.
Make them rectangular – Easier for folding and sealing if you don’t have a round cutter.
Add vanilla or cinnamon – Mix into the filling for an extra flavor twist.
Use a food processor – Chop strawberries quickly and evenly.
Gluten-free version – Use gluten-free pie dough for dietary needs.
Add a drizzle – Cool completely, then drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
Mini versions – Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats.
Reheat in the oven – Avoid the microwave to keep the crust crisp.
Serve with ice cream – These are amazing warm with a scoop of vanilla.
Make ahead – Prep and refrigerate pies a day in advance.
Use silicone baking mats – Helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.
Get the kids involved – Great for family baking fun—they’ll love sealing the edges!

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make my own pie crust?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough works beautifully if you have time.
How long do hand pies last?
They stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Do I have to use lemon juice?
Lemon brightens the flavor, but you can skip it or use orange juice.
Can I make them vegan?
Use a vegan crust and brush with non-dairy milk instead of egg.
Can I add cream cheese to the filling?
Yes! A dollop in each pie adds richness and creaminess.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate.
Can I freeze hand pies?
Yes. Freeze unbaked or baked pies and reheat in the oven.
Do I need to blind bake the crust?
No. These bake all at once—no blind baking needed.
What’s the best size for hand pies?
3-4 inches is ideal for a handheld treat.
Why is my crust soggy?
Excess liquid in the filling—use a slotted spoon to reduce moisture.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
Yes! It’ll give you a lighter, flakier result.
Is there a low-sugar version?
Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit.
Can I make them savory?
Definitely. Omit sugar and use meat, cheese, or veggie fillings.
Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, but don’t overfill—jam expands more when heated.
Do I have to brush them with egg?
No, but it gives a golden, shiny finish. You can use milk or cream instead.
Why is my filling running out?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges tightly enough.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Can I dust them with powdered sugar?
Of course—especially after they cool, for a bakery-style finish.
How do I prevent burning on the bottom?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and place the rack in the middle of the oven.