Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are as sweet as they sound! They’re little pockets of joy, bursting with a perfect blend of ripe strawberries and the bright, zesty flavor of ruby red orange. The best part? They’re in the shape of hearts, so they’re perfect for spreading the love, whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just feeling a little extra sweet. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust with a juicy, citrusy filling that melts in your mouth—every bite is like a hug in pastry form. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with someone special, these hand pies are a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

Here’s why these heart-shaped beauties will become your new go-to treat:

• Perfectly Sweet and Citrusy: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy ruby orange creates a flavor explosion that’s fruity, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious.
• Handheld and Convenient: No plates, no forks, no fuss! These hand pies are perfect for on-the-go or as a cute addition to a dessert table. You can even pop one in your lunchbox for a sweet midday treat.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust: The buttery crust is perfectly golden and flaky—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. It’s the kind of crust that makes you want to eat the edges first!
• Customizable: You can make these with your favorite fruits, so if strawberries aren’t in season, you can easily swap them out for something else, like raspberries or blueberries.
• Great for Gifting: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a thoughtful gesture, these adorable heart-shaped pies are sure to win hearts wherever they go!

Ingredients

These adorable hand pies come together with just a few simple ingredients:

Pie Crust: The flaky, buttery base that holds the sweet, juicy filling. You can use store-bought pie crust to save time, or make your own for an extra homemade touch.

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of the filling, providing that sweet, juicy burst in every bite.

Ruby Red Orange: This variety of orange is not only sweeter but also has a beautiful, vibrant red color. It adds a citrusy brightness that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your strawberries are.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t run out when you bake the pies, creating that perfect jam-like consistency.

Egg Wash: This is the secret to a golden, shiny crust! Just an egg and a splash of water will give your pies that beautiful finish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you can bring these heart-shaped hand pies to life:

1. Prepare the Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, fresh orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens and becomes jammy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

2. Roll Out the Pie Crust

Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a template to cut out heart shapes. You’ll need two hearts per pie—one for the top and one for the bottom.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies

Place one heart-shaped dough cutout on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the strawberry-orange filling onto the center of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Top with another heart-shaped dough cutout and gently press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch them with your fingers to make sure they’re sealed tightly.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash to give them that beautiful golden color and glossy finish once baked.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, and maybe add a little dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies

These hand pies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for an extra special touch:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert combo.
• For Breakfast: These heart-shaped pies are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat. Pair them with coffee or tea for the ultimate morning indulgence.
• As Part of a Dessert Spread: These hand pies would be perfect for a sweet table or party. Arrange them on a platter with other small desserts, like mini cupcakes or chocolate truffles.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the pies for an extra bit of creaminess to balance out the fruitiness.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your hand pies even better:

• Chill the Dough: If your dough starts getting too soft while working with it, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before continuing. This will help the dough hold its shape better when baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the hand pies with the fruit mixture, or it might leak out while baking. A tablespoon of filling per pie is usually the right amount.
• Make Them Mini: If you want to make bite-sized versions, you can use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini hand pies—perfect for a snack or party treat.
• Add Zest: For an even more intense citrus flavor, you can add some zest from the ruby red orange into the filling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits for the filling?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the strawberries and oranges for any fruit you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. Just adjust the sweetness and cook time as needed.

Q2: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A2: Yes! Store-bought pie crust works perfectly for these hand pies. If you’re in a rush, it’s a great shortcut to save time.

Q3: How do I store leftover hand pies?
A3: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.

Q5: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A5: Seal the edges of the pies well by pressing them firmly and crimping them with a fork. If you’re worried about leakage, you can even brush the edges with a little water before sealing them to help them stick together.

Q6: Can I freeze these hand pies?
A6: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the pies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q7: Can I use a different shape?
A7: Absolutely! You can use any shape you like, but the heart shape adds a lovely touch for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.

Q8: Can I add a glaze on top?
A8: Yes, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top for a sweet, shiny finish.

Q9: What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
A9: No problem! You can use a round cutter or even freehand it by cutting the dough into squares or rectangles.

Q10: Can I add a bit of spice to the filling?
A10: Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would pair wonderfully with the strawberry and orange filling, adding a little warmth to the flavor.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies are the perfect blend of fruity, flaky, and fun. Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or enjoying them as a sweet treat, these hand pies are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. So roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh strawberries and ruby red oranges, and let the baking begin! You won’t regret it!

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