Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: The star-shaped design adds a patriotic flair, making these hand pies ideal for national holidays and themed parties.
- Portable and Convenient: These individual-sized pies are easy to serve and enjoy without the need for plates or utensils.
- Versatile Fillings: You can customize the fillings with your favorite berries or even a combination of fruits to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake when needed, saving time during busy celebrations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated pie crusts
- Strawberry preserves
- Blueberry preserves
- Egg
- Water
- Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of stars from the dough.
- Add Fillings: Place half of the star cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of strawberry preserves onto the center of some stars and blueberry preserves onto others, ensuring you leave a border around the edges.
- Seal the Pies: Cover each filled star with another star cutout. Press the edges together gently, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a bit of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sealed pies. For added sweetness and a slight crunch, sprinkle granulated sugar on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 8-10 hand pies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
- Different Shapes: Feel free to use other cookie cutter shapes to suit various themes or occasions.
- Glaze Topping: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled pies for added sweetness and decoration.
- Savory Option: Experiment with savory fillings like cheese and spinach for a different twist on the classic hand pie.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Ensure you don’t overfill the pies and that the edges are sealed tightly by crimping with a fork.
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crusts work well and can add a personal touch to the recipe.
Is it possible to use fresh fruit instead of preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a thicker filling.
Can these hand pies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make the pies more golden on top?
Applying an egg wash before baking helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.
What can I serve alongside these hand pies?
They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I make these pies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free pie crust, you can adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
Are there other fillings I can try?
Certainly! Apple, cherry, or peach preserves make excellent alternatives.
How do I store leftover pie crust?
Wrap any unused pie crust tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add spices to the filling?
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the fruit fillings.
Conclusion
These Blueberry & Strawberry Star Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat that combines the sweet flavors of berries with a flaky crust. Their charming shape and portability make them a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a patriotic holiday or simply in the mood for a fun dessert, these hand pies are sure to please. Enjoy baking and sharing them with your loved ones!
Print
Blueberry & Strawberry Star Hand Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry & Strawberry Star Hand Pies are the perfect patriotic dessert for your 4th of July celebrations, offering a delicious combination of sweet berry fillings in a fun, star-shaped pastry. These hand pies are not only festive but also portable, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. With a flaky, golden crust and customizable fillings, these pies are sure to impress your guests and add a whimsical touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Refrigerated pie crusts
Strawberry preserves
Blueberry preserves
1 egg
Water
Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare Pie Crusts: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of stars from the dough.
-
Add Fillings: Place half of the star cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of strawberry preserves onto the center of some stars and blueberry preserves onto others, leaving a border around the edges.
-
Seal the Pies: Cover each filled star with another star cutout. Press the edges together gently, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
-
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sealed pies. If desired, sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
-
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pies are golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can use any shape of cookie cutter to suit the occasion.
For a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled pies.
You can freeze the unbaked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American