There is something irresistibly joyful about baking up a batch of Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe that feels both nostalgic and a little bit magical. These mini pies capture the perfect harmony of sweet, gooey Nutella paired with fresh, juicy strawberries, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re after a quick dessert to impress guests or a cozy treat to enjoy with afternoon tea, this recipe blends simple ingredients to create something spectacularly delicious and utterly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for your Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each item plays a crucial role in delivering those fantastic textures and flavors that make the pies so special.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (2 rounds): Using store-bought crust saves time but still gives you that perfect flaky base.
- Nutella, 1/2 cup: This creamy hazelnut spread brings the luscious, chocolaty richness that’s key to the filling.
- Diced fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup: Adds a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that balances the richness.
- Granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon: Sweetens the strawberries and helps draw out their juices for a jammy texture.
- Cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon: A small bit that thickens the strawberry mixture so your pies stay neat and not soggy.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden glaze and seals the edges perfectly.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkling this on top adds a delightful crunch and extra sparkle when baked.
How to Make Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your hand pies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Filling
Toss the diced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. This combo not only sweetens the fruit but also thickens the mixture so it won’t leak out of your pies when baking, keeping everything tidy and delicious.
Step 3: Cut Out and Fill the Crusts
Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut into 3–4 inch rounds. These perfect little circles are the canvas for your filling. Arrange half of them on the baking sheet. Dollop about one teaspoon of Nutella onto each round, then add a small spoonful of the strawberry mixture on top. This layering keeps each hand pie balanced with gooey Nutella and fresh fruit in every bite.
Step 4: Seal and Decorate
Brush the edges of the filled crust circles with beaten egg, then top with the remaining crust rounds. Press edges together firmly with a fork; this not only seals in your filling perfectly but also gives your pies a charming, rustic look. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar if you like an extra touch of crunch and sparkle.
Step 5: Vent and Bake
Don’t forget to cut a small slit or two in the tops of each pie to let steam escape while baking. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pies are beautifully golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes so they set up nicely, then enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Your Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe deserves a little extra love when it comes to presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a delicate snow-kissed effect, while a fresh mint leaf on top adds a pop of color and brightness that complements the fruity flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the sweetness with some savory, fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to get fancy? Arrange your hand pies on a rustic wooden board with fresh strawberry slices and small bowls of Nutella for dipping. Or serve them wrapped in colorful parchment paper tied with string to delight friends with a charming homemade gift vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust tender and the filling fresh, so every bite feels just like the first.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked hand pies. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feeling, reheat your pies in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. This revives the flaky crust and warms the filling perfectly without making the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work if you thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture making the pies soggy.
Is it possible to make these hand pies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the refrigerated pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust of your choice for a delicious gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
How long do these hand pies last once baked?
They stay fresh at room temperature for about two days when stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, their texture and flavor might start to decline.
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Yes! You can swap Nutella for any hazelnut or chocolate spread, or even peanut butter for a different but equally tasty twist.
What if I want to make these pies smaller or larger?
Feel free to adjust the size of the pie crust rounds. Just remember smaller pies will bake quicker, while larger ones might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend making the Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort, fun, and pure joy to any kitchen—a perfect little bite of happiness you can share with loved ones. Once you try it, you might just want to keep this one in your dessert rotation forever!
Print
Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are delightful mini desserts featuring flaky pie crust filled with creamy Nutella and fresh strawberry filling. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving warm or at room temperature, these hand pies combine the rich flavor of hazelnut spread with the freshness of berries for a delicious treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust & Filling
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 rounds), thawed
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Toss until the berries are evenly coated, which helps to thicken the filling during baking.
- Cut Pie Crusts: Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 3–4 inch round cookie cutter or glass, cut the dough into rounds for the hand pies.
- Fill Base Rounds: Place half of the dough rounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of Nutella onto the center of each round, then add a small spoonful of the strawberry mixture on top of the Nutella.
- Seal the Pies: Brush the edges of the base rounds lightly with beaten egg to act as glue. Place the remaining dough rounds on top and press the edges together firmly using a fork to seal the pies completely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
Notes
- These hand pies are best served warm but also taste great at room temperature.
- Try using raspberry or banana slices as a tasty variation to the strawberry filling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat leftover pies in the oven or toaster oven for best results, avoiding microwaves to keep the crust flaky.
