Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

There’s something irresistibly charming about Strawberry Heart Hand Pies—with their buttery, flaky crust and sweet strawberry jam centers, they’re the kind of treat that makes you smile before the first bite. I first made these on a chilly afternoon in February, looking for a simple but special dessert to share with my kids. What started as a fun little baking project quickly became a household favorite, and now I make them every Valentine’s Day—and sometimes just because.

These heart-shaped hand pies are the perfect way to show someone you care. They look fancy but are incredibly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought pie crust (no judgment here!). With just a few ingredients, a cookie cutter, and a little love, you’ll have a batch of adorable pastries that are just as fun to bake as they are to eat.

Whether you're planning a cozy date night, a festive baking day with the kids, or just need a pick-me-up, this recipe is as easy, customizable, and delightfully cute as it gets.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Heart Hand Pies Recipe

There are dozens of reasons to fall in love with these Strawberry Heart Hand Pies, but here are a few that stand out. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pie lover, these sweet little treats are a joy from start to finish.

Adorable and Romantic

Let’s be honest—heart-shaped food just makes everything feel a little more special. These hand pies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even a “just because” surprise. Their petite size makes them feel extra thoughtful, almost like a handwritten love note in pastry form. They're also great for gifting—wrap them in parchment with a ribbon and you've got the cutest edible present ever.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You won’t need to raid a specialty store to make these. A couple of pie crusts, some good strawberry jam, and a few pantry staples are all it takes. And while the ingredient list is simple, the results are full of cozy, comforting flavor—sweet, fruity centers wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. It tastes like something from a bakery, without the fuss.

Beginner-Friendly

No fancy equipment? No problem. If you’ve got a rolling pin (or even a wine bottle) and a cookie cutter (or a glass), you’re good to go. The steps are straightforward and forgiving—great for baking with kids, or for anyone who wants a confidence-boosting dessert win.

Easily Customizable

This recipe is a dream for creative bakers. Swap the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd. Make them vegan with plant-based crust and glaze. You can use different shapes, add colored sprinkles, or dust them with powdered sugar. No two batches have to be the same!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Strawberry Heart Hand Pies:

Full List of Ingredients

• Pie crust – You can use premade 9-inch pie crusts for convenience or homemade dough if you have a go-to recipe. Either works beautifully.

• Strawberry jam – This is the star of the filling. Use your favorite brand or make your own for a fresher taste.

• All-purpose flour – Just a bit for dusting your surface to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.

• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water – Whisked together for an egg wash that gives the pies that golden, glossy bakery finish.

• Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract – These combine to make a silky vanilla glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness on top.

How to Make Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

These hand pies come together in under an hour and are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the egg wash by whisking together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.

3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. If using premade pie crusts, roll them slightly thinner (about 13-inch diameter).

4. Cut out 24 heart shapes using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter, rerolling dough scraps as needed.

5. Spoon 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam onto the center of 12 hearts, leaving room at the edges.

6. Top with the remaining hearts, and press around the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for a classic hand pie look.

7. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.

8. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and golden brown.

9. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

10. Drizzle with vanilla glaze, and allow to set for about 2 hours.

And that’s it! Sweet, flaky, fruity perfection—ready to impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite. 🍓💛

What to Serve with Strawberry Heart Hand Pies

These Strawberry Heart Hand Pies are a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right drink or side takes the experience to another level—whether you're serving them for brunch, dessert, or a romantic night in.

Suggested Pairings

• Coffee or Tea – A hot cup of coffee, or a floral tea like hibiscus or strawberry green tea, balances the sweetness beautifully.

• Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream – Add a dollop or scoop for a decadent dessert that feels like something from your favorite café.

• A Glass of Bubbly – Prosecco, champagne, or sparkling rosé adds a festive, romantic vibe—perfect for Valentine’s Day.

• Fresh Fruit Salad – Serve alongside mixed berries or citrus segments for a light and refreshing brunch plate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re working with dietary needs or just feeling creative, these variations have you covered.

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust mix or recipe. Most store-bought gluten-free doughs will work just fine—just make sure to chill them well before rolling, as they can be a bit delicate.

Fruit Swap Ideas

Not a strawberry fan? No problem! Try these delicious alternatives:

• Raspberry jam for a tart kick

• Blueberry preserves for a rich, deep flavor

• Apple cinnamon filling for a cozy, fall twist

Chocolate Dipped Edges

After baking and cooling, dip the edges of each hand pie in melted dark or white chocolate. Let them chill until the chocolate sets—perfect for gifting or special occasions.

No Sugar Added

Watching your sugar? Use unsweetened or low-sugar jam, and replace the glaze with a sugar-free alternative made with powdered erythritol and a splash of milk.

Different Shapes

Hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but don’t stop there! Try:

• Stars for 4th of July

• Circles for everyday treats

• Letters for birthdays or initials—personalized pies are always a hit!

Storage Instructions

Whether you’re baking ahead or saving leftovers (if you have any!), these pies store beautifully.

Room Temperature

Store cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. They’re best the first day, but still delightful on day three.

Refrigeration

If your pies are glazed, store them in the fridge to prevent the icing from getting sticky. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back the crisp.

Freezer-Friendly

You’ve got options:

• Freeze the unbaked pies (no glaze) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time.

• Freeze baked pies (before glazing), then thaw overnight and glaze when ready.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the pies the night before and store in the fridge—then just pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Want that perfect golden crust and gooey center? These little tips make a big difference:

• Use cold butter and dough – Cold ingredients = flaky crust. Always chill your dough before rolling and before baking.

• Don’t overfill the pies – It’s tempting to add extra jam, but too much will leak during baking. Stick to 1 tablespoon.

• Chill before baking – This helps the pies hold their shape and gives the crust that tender flake.

• Crimp edges well – Use a fork to seal the edges tightly and keep the filling inside where it belongs.

• Let the glaze set completely – If stacking or gifting, give the glaze at least 2 hours to firm up.

• Re-roll dough scraps only once – Overworked dough can get tough.

• Use parchment paper – For easy clean-up and no sticking.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Strawberry Heart Hand Pies, you might also enjoy these other sweet and fruity treats:

1. Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies

Soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, these cookies are made even more irresistible with a creamy tang from cream cheese.

2. Perfect Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe

Light, fluffy, and topped with a swirl of strawberry frosting—these cupcakes are a pink-hued dream for any celebration.

3. Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos

A fun twist on dessert tacos! These are filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with strawberry crunch crumble—perfect for parties.

FAQs

Even simple recipes come with a few questions, especially if you’re baking them for the first time. Here are some of the most common ones we get about Strawberry Heart Hand Pies—answered in plain, practical terms to help you bake with confidence.

Can I use store-bought jam?

Absolutely! Store-bought jam works just fine. Just make sure it’s not too runny—if it seems a little loose, give it a quick stir or strain off any extra liquid to keep your pies from leaking.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

You can! Puff pastry will give you a flakier, airier texture. Just keep in mind it puffs quite a bit in the oven, so your hand pies will be taller and more rustic. Reduce the filling slightly and adjust baking time as needed—check around 15 minutes.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the pies and freeze them unbaked for a quick treat later—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Or, bake them fully and store them (without glaze) in an airtight container, then glaze before serving.

What size cookie cutter should I use?

A 3.5-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter is ideal—it gives you a hand pie that’s just the right size for a sweet snack or dessert. No heart cutter? Circles or stars work too!

Why do my pies leak?

Usually from overfilling or not sealing the edges well enough. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling and make sure to crimp the edges tightly with a fork.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just bake in batches, and keep the unbaked pies in the fridge while others are in the oven so the dough stays cold and manageable.

Conclusion

Flaky crust, fruity filling, and the most adorable heart shape—these Strawberry Heart Hand Pies really have it all. They’re the kind of treat that feels just as joyful to make as it does to share (or savor all to yourself with a cup of tea).

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a Tuesday, these pies bring a little extra love to any table. Easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser—this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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