Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

There’s something truly magical about baking, especially when it comes to creating Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and melted chocolate. My friends were over for a casual get-together, and I wanted to impress them with something unique yet comforting. As I rolled out the dough, I could already taste the crispy crust enveloping the rich, luscious filling. Each bite was an explosion of flavors that left everyone asking for seconds!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
250 kcal
Protein:
3 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
15 g
Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon, Oven

Why Try This Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Rich

One of the reasons I adore Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies is the harmony between the sweet strawberries and the rich, dark chocolate. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the deep flavor of the chocolate, creating a satisfying balance that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect harmony for your taste buds!

2. Handheld Goodness

These hand pies are not just delicious but also incredibly convenient. You can easily grab one on the go, making them an excellent choice for picnics, road trips, or a quick dessert at home. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s perfectly portioned and easy to eat?

3. Memories in Every Bite

Every time I make Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies, I’m reminded of family gatherings where desserts were the highlight. These pies have a way of bringing people together, sparking joy and nostalgia as we share stories over delicious bites.

4. Versatile Enjoyment

Another reason to love these hand pies is their versatility. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert or enjoy them cold as a sweet treat with your morning coffee. They easily adapt to any occasion!

5. A Fun Baking Project

Baking these hand pies can be a fun activity to do with family or friends. Rolling out the dough, filling them with strawberries and chocolate, and watching them turn golden brown in the oven is a delightful experience that creates lasting memories.

6. Simple Yet Impressive

Despite their elegant appearance, Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies are surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that will leave your guests in awe. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional baker to impress!

What’s In This Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

The beauty of Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies lies in their wonderful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the flaky crust to the sweet, juicy filling. The combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter forms a deliciously tender dough, while the strawberries and dark chocolate create an indulgent filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and flakiness.
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the dough.
  • 1/4 cup cold water plus 2 tablespoons: Helps bring the dough together without warming it up.
  • 2 cups chopped strawberries: The star of the filling, adding sweetness and freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or more depending on sweetness of berries: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling, preventing it from being too runny.
  • 1 cup chopped dark chocolate: Adds richness and depth to the filling.
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Provides moisture and richness to the filling.
  • 1 large egg, beaten: Used for the egg wash to give a golden color to the crust.
  • 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg for the egg wash.
  • Turbinado sugar for sprinkling on pies: Adds a crunchy top and enhances sweetness.

Directions for Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Creating Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies is a delightful process. Let’s go through each step together, ensuring your pies turn out perfect. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious hand pies ready to wow your family and friends!

  1. To make the pie dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, and salt on low speed just to combine. This initial mixing is essential for evenly distributing the dry ingredients.
  2. Add the butter, mixing first on low and then increasing the speed to medium low. You’re looking for the mixture to resemble small peas. This step incorporates the fat into the flour, creating that flaky texture we love.
  3. With the mixer on low, gradually add the cold water, beating just until the dough comes together. It should hold its shape but not be overly sticky.
  4. Turn the dough out onto your work surface. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This chilling time firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat to prevent sticking.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the strawberries are well coated. This mixture will be the delicious filling for your pies!
  7. Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a square about 1/8-inch thick. Roll gently to avoid tearing the dough.
  8. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces, about 5×5 squares. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into the center of each square, then top with about 1 tablespoon of chopped dark chocolate. This is where the magic happens!
  9. Brush the edges of the square with heavy cream. Bring opposite corners together to form a triangle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie, sealing that delicious filling inside.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the egg and water with a fork. Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash, giving it a lovely golden color when baked. Sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
  11. Repeat with the remaining squares of dough. Roll out the second disk of pie dough and do the same, ensuring you have enough pies to share!
  12. Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheets. Using a sharp knife, cut a small vent or two in the top of each pie to let steam escape while baking.
  13. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown. The filling may bubble out a bit, and that’s perfectly fine—it just adds to the rustic charm. Transfer to a wire rack and allow the pies to cool completely before serving.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Cold ingredients are key: Using cold butter and water helps create a flaky crust. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough texture.
  • Don’t skip the chilling step: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
  • Adjust sweetness: Taste the strawberries before adding sugar. Depending on their sweetness, you may want to adjust the amount.
  • Experiment with fillings: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor profile.

Make It Your Own

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Here are some fun ideas to personalize your Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies. Whether you want to experiment with flavors or enhance the presentation, these tips will help you make this recipe your own!

  • Storage: Allow the hand pies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze uncooked pies; just prepare them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Pairing: Serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
  • Flavor variations: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry filling for a warm twist.
  • Presentation: For a beautiful finish, dust the cooled pies with powdered sugar just before serving.

Accompaniments for Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

When serving Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies, consider these delightful accompaniments:

  • Fresh fruits: A side of mixed berries or sliced fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the hand pies.
  • Coffee or tea: Pair these desserts with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, enhancing the experience with warm beverages.
  • Ice cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream perfectly complements the flavors of the hand pies, making for an indulgent dessert.
  • Picnic delight: These hand pies are great for outdoor gatherings. Pack them for a picnic or a day at the beach!
  • Seasonal occasions: Perfect for spring celebrations or Valentine’s Day, these hand pies make a sweet addition to any festive dessert table.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the filling in Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before mixing them with sugar and cornstarch. This will help prevent your pies from becoming soggy. The flavor will still be delicious, and it can make preparing the pies even easier!

The hand pies are done baking when they turn a lovely golden brown color on the outside. You might also notice a slight bubbling from the filling when they are ready. To double-check, you can insert a toothpick into the crust; it should come out clean without any wet dough clinging to it. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving!

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

To store leftover Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!

Conclusion

In summary, Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of dark chocolate, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. Their ease of preparation makes them a go-to dessert for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these hand pies; they’ll surely impress anyone you share them with. Happy baking!

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies

Craving something sweet? These Strawberry Dark Chocolate Hand Pies are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and rich, gooey chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to impress at your next gathering. Make them tonight for a delightful dessert experience!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup cold water plus 2 tablespoons
  • 2 cups chopped strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or more depending on sweetness of berries
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup chopped dark chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Turbinado sugar for sprinkling on pies

Instructions
 

  • To make the pie dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, and salt on low speed just to combine.
  • Add the butter, mixing first on low and then increasing the speed to medium low.
  • With the mixer on low, gradually add the cold water, beating just until the dough comes together.
  • Turn the dough out onto your work surface. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until well coated.
  • Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a square about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces, about 5x5 squares. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into the center of each square, then top with about 1 tablespoon of chopped dark chocolate.
  • Brush the edges of the square with heavy cream. Bring opposite corners together to form a triangle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie.
  • In a small bowl, combine the egg and water with a fork. Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  • Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheets. Cut a small vent or two in the tops of each pie.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Allow the hand pies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked pies; just prepare them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid.
  • Tip 3: Serve these hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Tip 4: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry filling for a warm twist.
  • Tip 5: For a beautiful finish, dust the cooled pies with powdered sugar just before serving.
Keyword chocolate dessert recipes, easy hand pie recipe, Spring Desserts, strawberry hand pies

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