Strawberry Hand Pies: A Flaky, Fruity, and Sweet Treat!

### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Hand Pies**

1. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
– Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and the strawberries have softened. Once the filling is ready, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

2. **Prepare the Pie Crust:**
– While the filling cools, roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface. If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, they should already be rolled out and ready to use.
– Use a round cutter or a glass (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can also use a square cutter for a different shape if you prefer.

3. **Assemble the Hand Pies:**
– Spoon a generous amount of the strawberry filling onto the center of each dough circle (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per pie). Be careful not to overfill, as the filling can leak out during baking.
– Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pie.

4. **Brush with Egg Wash:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
– Optionally, sprinkle the tops with a little granulated sugar for extra sweetness and texture.

5. **Bake the Hand Pies:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the hand pies on the sheet, leaving some space between them.
– Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.

6. **Cool and Serve:**
– Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set, so it doesn’t spill out when you bite into them.
– Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, they’re absolutely delicious!

### **Why Strawberry Hand Pies are Perfect for Any Occasion**

– **Ideal for Parties:** These hand pies are perfect for parties, picnics, and barbecues because they are easy to serve and eat. No utensils required!
– **Great for Kids:** Kids will love these little handheld pies—whether as an after-school snack or as a treat to pack in their lunchboxes.
– **Versatile for Different Fruits:** While strawberry is the classic choice, these hand pies can be made with virtually any fruit. Try using blueberries, raspberries, apples, or even a combination of fruits to create different flavor profiles.
– **Perfect for Dessert or Breakfast:** These hand pies make for a wonderful dessert, but you could even serve them at brunch as a sweet morning treat with your coffee or tea.

### **Tips for Perfect Strawberry Hand Pies**

– **Don’t Overfill:** As tempting as it is to stuff your pies with extra filling, be careful not to overfill them. Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open while baking.
– **Chill the Dough:** If the dough gets too soft while you’re working with it, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up again. This will help maintain the flaky texture.
– **Use Fresh Strawberries:** For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. If you’re using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

### **Conclusion**

**Strawberry Hand Pies** are the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, or just to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, these pies will delight everyone with their buttery, flaky crust and fresh, fruity filling. And the best part? They’re customizable with any fruit you desire, so you can keep the sweetness flowing all year round.

Next time you’re craving a homemade dessert that’s both delicious and portable, these strawberry hand pies will be your go-to recipe! 🍓🥧