Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that bursts with the sweet-tangy flavor of fresh strawberries and a surprising hint of aromatic basil. These Strawberry Basil Hand Pies are not just a dessert; they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have your friends and family begging for more. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a delightful afternoon snack, these hand pies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 hand pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the strawberries start to release their juice and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil into the strawberry mixture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the refrigerated pie crusts to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, about 3-4 inches in diameter. You should be able to get about 12 circles.
- Spoon a small amount of the strawberry-basil mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a golden glaze.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pie.
- Bake the hand pies for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the most intense flavor. The juicier the berries, the more delicious your hand pies will be.
- Don't skip letting the strawberry mixture sit - this allows the sugar to draw out the fruit's natural juices and helps create a perfect filling consistency.
- Make sure to leave enough border when sealing the hand pies to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top of the egg wash before baking for a beautiful, sparkling crust.
- Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- These hand pies can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
