Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are a delightful and convenient treat that perfectly marries the classic sweetness of strawberries with the rich, decadent flavor of Nutella, encased in a flaky, golden pastry. This recipe is your shortcut to a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for unexpected guests, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a fun baking project with the family.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies
- 1 sheet (about 9-10 ounces) refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough, thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup Nutella, plus a little extra for drizzling (optional)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced small
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten strawberry flavor)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies
Making Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies is a breeze, promising a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe focuses on simplicity, allowing you to create a truly satisfying dessert in under 45 minutes of prep and cook time. The combination of warm, gooey Nutella and sweet, slightly tart strawberries encased in buttery, flaky pastry is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, the cornstarch, and the optional lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes while you prepare the pie dough. This allows the sugar to draw out some of the strawberry juices and the cornstarch to start thickening.
- Roll Out the Pie Crust: Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin. Gently unroll the refrigerated pie crust or roll out your homemade dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. If using a store-bought crust, it will likely be a circle. If using homemade dough, you can roll it into a rough rectangle or circle, depending on how you want to cut your shapes.
- Cut Out Pie Shapes: Using a cookie cutter, a knife, or even the rim of a glass, cut out 4-6 circles or squares from the pie dough. For example, a 4-inch round cookie cutter works well. You can re-roll scraps once to get additional shapes, but avoid overworking the dough.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Place half of the cut-out dough shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella onto the center of each dough shape, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the Nutella with a generous spoonful of the prepared strawberry filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Seal the Hand Pies: Lightly brush the edges of the dough shapes with the beaten egg wash. Place the remaining dough shapes on top of the filled ones. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal them securely. You can also use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative seal and ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Vent and Egg Wash: Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or two in the top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from puffing up too much and potentially bursting. Brush the tops of all the hand pies with the remaining egg wash.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the tops of the hand pies evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This will give them a beautiful, slightly crunchy, golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Keep an eye on the pies towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool: Let the Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the filling to set properly. They are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies
You’ll absolutely adore these Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies for their delightful balance of sweet and decadent flavors. The star of the show is undoubtedly the captivating combination of creamy, rich Nutella melting together with juicy, slightly tart strawberries, all nestled within a perfectly flaky, buttery pastry crust. Making these at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to purchasing pre-made pastries or even individual dessert portions from a bakery, saving you money while delivering superior freshness and flavor.
These hand pies are like a more portable, playful cousin to a classic strawberry cream cheese Danish, offering a comforting yet exciting taste experience in a convenient, handheld format. They’re perfect for a quick bake when a craving strikes or when you need a charming treat for a potluck or bake sale. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and dive into this easy and incredibly rewarding recipe to create your own Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies will ensure you can enjoy their deliciousness for days to come.
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This is ideal if you plan to eat them within this timeframe.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place cooled hand pies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The pastry might soften slightly in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, place hand pies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is re-crisped. You can also gently reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave, though the pastry will be softer.
- Freezing: Allow the hand pies to cool completely. Wrap each hand pie individually and tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
Final Thoughts
These Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are a truly special treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. They offer the perfect blend of comforting flavors and delightful textures, making them an instant favorite. Give them a try at home – you might just find your new go-to dessert!
Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, the cornstarch, and the optional lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes while you prepare the pie dough. This allows the sugar to draw out some of the strawberry juices and the cornstarch to start thickening.1 cup fresh strawberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin. Gently unroll the refrigerated pie crust or roll out your homemade dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. If using a store-bought crust, it will likely be a circle. If using homemade dough, you can roll it into a rough rectangle or circle, depending on how you want to cut your shapes.1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
- Using a cookie cutter, a knife, or even the rim of a glass, cut out 4-6 circles or squares from the pie dough. For example, a 4-inch round cookie cutter works well. You can re-roll scraps once to get additional shapes, but avoid overworking the dough.1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
- Place half of the cut-out dough shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella onto the center of each dough shape, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the Nutella with a generous spoonful of the prepared strawberry filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.1/2 cup Nutella, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
- Lightly brush the edges of the dough shapes with the beaten egg wash. Place the remaining dough shapes on top of the filled ones. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal them securely. You can also use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative seal and ensuring the filling stays inside.1 large egg, 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
- Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or two in the top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from puffing up too much and potentially bursting. Brush the tops of all the hand pies with the remaining egg wash.1 large egg
- Sprinkle the tops of the hand pies evenly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This will give them a beautiful, slightly crunchy, golden finish.1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Keep an eye on the pies towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Let the Irresistible Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the filling to set properly. They are delicious served warm or at room temperature.