Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries, warm from the oven. Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies bring a delightful twist to your holiday baking, evoking the feeling of festive cheer with every bite. With their crisp edges and tender, flaky filling, these hand pies are as delightful to look at as they are to taste, making them a perfect treat to share with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies are not just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of the season itself! They offer a delightful combination of textures – flaky pastry hugging a sweet and tangy strawberry filling—and bring a dash of holiday spirit to any gathering. Plus, they’re easy to make, and you can personalize them with festive sprinkles for an extra touch of joy.
Ingredients Needed For Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
- 1 9-inch Store-bought Pie Crust (for double-crust pie): A shortcut that saves time but doesn’t compromise flavor; choose a premium brand for best results.
- 1 can Lucky Leaf Premium Strawberry Pie Filling: Fresh strawberries might be out of season, but this filling captures their juicy flavor perfectly!
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): This gives your pies that beautifully golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixing with the egg creates the perfect wash for browning.
- Optional: Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar: Sprinkling this on top adds a festive sparkle and some crunch.
- 1 and 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): The sweet glaze holds everything together and enhances the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream): This helps achieve the right consistency for your glaze.
- Optional: Sprinkles: Because what’s a holiday treat without a pop of color?
How to Make Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
- Thaw the pie crust according to package directions. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the egg and water in a small bowl to create the egg wash.
- Roll out the thawed pie crust to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out 6 to 7 Christmas trees using a cookie cutter.
- Brush the edges of the tree shapes with the egg wash to help them seal.
- Spoon 1 to 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of strawberry filling into the center of each tree, allowing room for the crust to fold.
- Roll out a second crust and cut out more tree shapes. Place these over the filling and crimp the edges tightly.
- Cut 3 slits into the top of each pie for steam to escape, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pies are bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Coat the warm pies with the glaze and add sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
Serve these festive hand pies warm with a hot cup of cocoa or a chilled glass of milk. They make an adorable centerpiece on a holiday dessert table and are great for cookie exchanges!
How to Store Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
If you have any leftovers (though they’ll be hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer separated by parchment paper and use them within a month for the best quality.
Tips to Make Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
- Avoid Overstuffing: Make sure to use the right amount of filling; too much can make sealing difficult.
- Chill Your Crust: If your pie crust becomes too warm while working, it can get sticky. Pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Experiment with Glaze: Feel free to add some vanilla extract or almond extract to the glaze for a delightful flavor twist.
Variations and Substitutions
- Filling Options: Swap out the strawberry filling for other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or apple for a different flavor.
- Dough Alternatives: If you’re up for it, homemade pie crust can add a personal touch and extra flavor—just make sure to chill it well before rolling.
- Vegan or Egg-Free: You can skip the egg wash and brush with almond or soy milk instead, or simply omit the egg for a vegan option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook down the fresh strawberries slightly and add a bit of sugar to balance the flavor.
How can I make the hand pies look extra festive?
Try using colored sprinkles on the glaze or forming your hand pies into other fun holiday shapes, like stars or bells!
Can I freeze the hand pies?
Yes, these pies freeze well! Just ensure they are fully cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How long do these hand pies last?
When stored properly, they can last up to three days at room temperature or a month in the freezer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the pie fillings and crusts in advance, then assemble and bake the hand pies on the day you want to serve them for the freshest taste.
Christmas Tree Strawberry Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the hand pies
- 1 9-inch Store-bought Pie Crust (for double-crust pie) Choose a premium brand for best results.
- 1 can Lucky Leaf Premium Strawberry Pie Filling Fresh strawberries might be out of season.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash) Gives the pies a beautifully golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon water Mix with the egg to create the perfect wash.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (optional) Adds a festive sparkle and some crunch.
For the glaze
- 1 and 1/4 cup powdered sugar Enhances the flavor and holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
- sprinkles (optional) To add a pop of color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Thaw the pie crust according to package directions.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the egg and water in a small bowl to create the egg wash.
- Roll out the thawed pie crust to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out 6 to 7 Christmas trees using a cookie cutter.
- Brush the edges of the tree shapes with the egg wash to help them seal.
- Spoon 1 to 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of strawberry filling into the center of each tree, allowing room for the crust to fold.
- Roll out a second crust and cut out more tree shapes. Place these over the filling and crimp the edges tightly.
Baking
- Cut 3 slits into the top of each pie for steam to escape, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pies are bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Glazing
- Mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and coat the warm pies with the glaze.
- Add sprinkles if desired and serve immediately.
