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
Scale
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.
