Looking for a delightful treat that will warm your heart and impress your loved ones? Look no further than these charming Easy Pie Crust Hearts! Perfect for any occasion, these buttery, flaky treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious indulgence. Whether you choose to fill them with sweet jam, rich chocolate, or enjoy them plain, these heart-shaped delights are sure to steal the show. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a batch of 12 lovely hearts that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to make these adorable pastries that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 hearts
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork. Continue adding water until the dough just begins to come together and can be formed into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
- Optional: For filled hearts, place a small amount of fruit jam, chocolate, or other filling in the center of half the heart cutouts.
- If creating filled hearts, place a second heart on top of each filled heart. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
- Transfer the heart-shaped pie crust to the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with an egg wash or sprinkle with additional sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Pie Crust Hearts! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is cold before you start. This helps create a flaky texture in your pie crust. You can even chill your flour for an extra step!
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be gentle. Overworking can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Use Ice Water: Always use ice water when adding moisture to the dough. This keeps the butter from melting and helps maintain that flaky texture.
- Experiment with Fillings: While fruit jams and chocolate are classic choices, feel free to get creative! Try nut butters, cream cheese, or even savory fillings for a unique twist.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your hearts as they bake. You want them to be golden brown and crisp, but not burnt.
- Presentation Matters: For an extra touch, brush the tops of your hearts with an egg wash before baking for a beautiful golden sheen, or sprinkle them with sugar for a sweet crunch.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness.Enjoy creating these delightful Pie Crust Hearts, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg
