If you are craving a delightful treat that blends the luscious creaminess of Nutella with the fresh, juicy burst of strawberries, you have to try this Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe. These charming little pockets of pastry are filled with a perfectly balanced combination of sweet strawberries and rich hazelnut spread, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Whether you need a fun dessert for a weekend gathering or a scrumptious snack to enjoy with tea, these hand pies will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building perfect flavor and texture. From the buttery pie crust to the fresh strawberries, every element comes together to create a mouthwatering experience.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough: This forms the wonderfully flaky and tender base for your hand pies.
- ¾ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped: Fresh strawberries provide juiciness and natural sweetness, making your pies bright and flavorful.
- ½ cup Nutella hazelnut spread: A creamy, decadent filling that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry mixture perfectly without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling so it doesn’t get too runny when baked.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the strawberry filling.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used to brush on top, giving the pies a beautiful golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon milk or water: Mixed with the egg wash for an even, glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional): Adds a lovely sparkle and slight crunch on top.
How to Make Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this is essential for easy cleanup and even baking. Then, in a small bowl, combine your finely chopped strawberries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and set it aside to let those flavors meld.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until they’re smooth and a little thinner than when you took them out of the package. Using a round cutter, cut out 8 equal-sized circles. This step ensures uniform hand pies that bake evenly and look just as charming as they taste.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place about a tablespoon of Nutella in the center of each dough circle—be generous, because this creamy goodness is the star of the show! On top of the Nutella, spoon another tablespoon of the strawberry mixture. The contrast between these two fillings creates that perfect balance of flavors you’ll adore.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Brush the edges of the dough circles lightly with water, then fold them over to form half-moons, enclosing the filling inside. Use the tines of a fork to press down along the edges—it seals the pies tightly and adds a charming decorative touch. This step helps prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together your beaten egg and milk or water, then brush this mixture over the tops of the hand pies. If you like, sprinkle the coarse sugar on top for a little sparkle and crunch. Pop the pies onto your lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they puff up beautifully and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, let the hand pies cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy. Now you are ready to dig in and savor every bite of your Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe!
How to Serve Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra Nutella can elevate these hand pies, making them look as irresistible as they taste. Fresh strawberry slices on the side add a lovely fresh pop, tying the presentation and flavors together flawlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this sweet treat into a fully rounded dessert. A cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the rich hazelnut and fruity flavors, perfect for an afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your hand pies on a rustic wooden board with some fresh mint leaves scattered around for a natural, homemade vibe. If you’re feeling festive, place them in open-top cupcake liners or stack them with parchment paper between layers for a charming, inviting display at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any hand pies remaining (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust nice and flaky without losing the fresh taste of the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked hand pies by arranging them on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes the Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe incredibly convenient to prepare ahead.
Reheating
Rewarm your hand pies in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the flaky texture and melt the filling slightly. Microwave reheating tends to soften the crust too much, so the oven method is your best bet to recapture that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them very well to avoid a watery filling. Frozen strawberries can be a great option when fresh ones are out of season.
Is it necessary to use refrigerated pie crust or can I make my own?
You can certainly use homemade pie dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s chilled before rolling it out to get that perfect flaky texture.
Can these hand pies be made dairy-free?
Yes, by selecting dairy-free pie crust and substituting the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a touch of maple syrup, you can make these suitable for dairy-free diets.
How long do the hand pies last once baked?
They are best enjoyed the day they’re baked but can last up to two days stored at room temperature in an airtight container without losing too much freshness.
Can I make these hand pies in an air fryer?
Definitely! Bake them at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes in an air fryer for a quick alternative that still yields a golden, crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. These hand pies satisfy sweet cravings with a perfect balance of fruity brightness and creamy richness wrapped in flaky pastry. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and it might just become your new go-to dessert for special occasions or anytime you want a little slice of happiness.
Print
Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies, featuring flaky pie crust filled with rich Nutella and a sweet strawberry mixture. Perfectly portioned for an easy dessert or snack, they bake to a golden brown with a crunchy sugar topping.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
Filling
- ¾ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup Nutella hazelnut spread
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash & Topping
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. This mixture will thicken while baking to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare Pie Dough Circles: Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter, cut out 8 equal circles for the hand pies.
- Assemble Pies: Place about 1 tablespoon of Nutella in the center of each dough circle. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the strawberry mixture on top of the Nutella gently.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Lightly brush the edges of the dough circles with water to help seal. Fold each circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed tightly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet. Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture evenly over the tops of each pie to create a golden glaze. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the hand pies cool slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey Nutella and strawberry filling safely.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute if thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
- For an alternative cooking method, these hand pies can be air fried at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Ensure edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
