If you’ve been searching for that perfect sweet treat bursting with fruity freshness and a touch of citrus zing, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe. These charming hand pies are as adorable as they are delicious, combining the juicy sweetness of strawberries with the bright, tangy notes of ruby orange in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these hand pies capture the essence of fresh fruit in every warm, flaky bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these hand pies is wonderfully simple thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that work in harmony to create irresistible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role: the all-purpose flour builds the sturdy yet tender crust, butter adds rich flakiness, while fresh strawberries and ruby orange juice bring vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: This creates the perfect dough base that is sturdy yet tender when baked.
- Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness both to the dough and filling.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it’s key for that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pie crust.
- Ice water: Helps bind the dough while keeping it cool to maintain flakiness.
- Fresh strawberries: Dice them finely for juicy bursts in every bite.
- Ruby orange juice: Brightens the filling with citrusy freshness and a hint of acidity.
- Orange zest: Adds an aromatic, tangy layer that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays put inside the pies without running.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a smooth, sweet depth that rounds out the fruit flavors.
- Egg: Used for an egg wash to create that gorgeous golden shine.
- Optional sugar for sprinkling: Adds an extra sparkle of sweetness and crunch on top.
How to Make Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Pie Dough
Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs dotted with little butter peas. The key here is to keep the butter cold so your crust becomes flaky. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form it into a disk, wrap it tightly, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – this step is crucial for easing the rolling out later on.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Ruby Orange Filling
While the dough chills, mix diced strawberries, ruby orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and the strawberries start to break down, about 5 to 7 minutes. This luscious filling is where the magic happens, combining sweet, tangy, and fresh notes perfectly. Let it cool completely before assembling the pies.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your favorite heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out an even number of hearts – half will become the base, and half the tops of your hand pies. This is where the whimsical heart shape really steals the show and makes these pies perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Step 4: Assemble the Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Place a spoonful of the cooled strawberry-ruby orange filling onto each heart base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent filling from leaking. Top each filled heart with another dough heart, then press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp and seal all around, ensuring your pies stay perfectly sealed while baking. This step is so satisfying and makes these hand pies sturdy enough to carry and enjoy anywhere.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash and Optional Sugar
Whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this golden glaze over the tops of each hand pie, then sprinkle a little sugar for added sparkle and a hint of crunch. This simple step gives your pies an irresistible shine and beautiful, golden-brown finish that you’ll be proud to show off.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the hand pies into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust is beautifully golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen now will be absolutely heavenly, the fruity aroma mingling with buttery pastry – a clear sign that these Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe creations are almost ready to enjoy!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Whether you choose to dive in warm or at room temperature, each bite delivers a lovely balance of tender crust and vibrant fruity filling that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
How to Serve Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint leaves to add an extra pop of color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side elevates these pies into an indulgent dessert. The little finishing touches make these hand pies as visually stunning as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
Serve these hand pies alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling citrus-infused water for a perfect afternoon treat. To turn it into a brunch delight, pair with a light salad or yogurt parfait, enhancing the fresh fruit theme with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your heart-shaped pies on a decorative platter with edible flowers for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh juice, or sandwich the pies between layers of parchment paper in a cute gift box for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hand pies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh, perfect for enjoying later without losing any of that homemade flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these pies in advance, freeze them before baking by assembling and sealing the pies, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture intact – nothing beats a warm, flaky pie fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe is versatile and works well with various fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and thickness of the filling accordingly.
Is it okay to use canned ruby orange juice?
Fresh ruby orange juice gives the best flavor and freshness, but if canned juice is all you have, it will still work. Just choose one with no added sugars or preservatives to keep the filling balanced.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the pies firmly using a fork after filling them, and avoid overfilling. Chilling the dough before rolling and assembling also helps maintain its structure when baking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and keep it refrigerated until ready to roll out. This actually helps the butter stay cold, resulting in a better flaky texture.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries – you can use any cookie cutter shape you have on hand or even cut the dough into squares or circles with a knife or glass. The deliciousness remains the same no matter the shape!
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe simply radiate joy and sweetness with every bite. They bring a beautiful combination of fresh fruit flavors and flaky pastry that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and fall in love just like I did!
Print
Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Ruby Orange Heart-Shaped Hand Pies offer a delightful blend of fresh strawberries and ruby orange flavors tucked inside a flaky, buttery crust. Perfectly portioned into adorable heart shapes, they’re a charming homemade treat ideal for sharing with loved ones on special occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup ruby orange juice (about 2 ruby oranges)
- Zest of 1 ruby orange
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Turn out onto a floured surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, ruby orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and strawberries break down, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out dough hearts.
- Fill and Seal Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of half the dough hearts, leaving a border. Top with remaining dough hearts and press edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges for a secure seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of hand pies and sprinkle with sugar if desired for shine and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until crusts are golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. These pies pair beautifully with tea and make a charming sweet treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion.
Notes
- If dough is too dry, add ice water one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling to avoid soggy crusts.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter shapes to customize the pies for different occasions.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
- Reheat gently in a warm oven before serving to refresh the flakiness.
