If you are looking to delight your taste buds with a scrumptious treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, the Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These hand pies bring together the luscious, creamy richness of Nutella with the bright, fresh burst of diced strawberries all wrapped up in flaky, buttery puff pastry. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and chocolatey flavors that make it impossible to stop at just one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and visual appeal that make these hand pies so special.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The golden, flaky encasement that holds all the delicious filling together and puffs beautifully when baked.
- ¼ cup Nutella: Adds creamy, chocolate-hazelnut sweetness, the star flavor lending indulgence to every bite.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (diced): Provides a juicy, slightly tart contrast that brings freshness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries and helps create a syrupy filling when combined with cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture so the filling stays perfectly intact inside the hand pies.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty, delicate sweetness for presentation and final flourish.
How to Make Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Strawberry Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. While the oven heats, toss your diced strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. This combination sweetens the berries while thickening the juices so the filling won’t be runny. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface to keep the puff pastry from sticking. Roll out the thawed sheet into a 10×10-inch square. This step ensures even thickness for a perfectly flaky crust. Once rolled, cut the pastry into four equal squares, which will become your hand pies.
Step 3: Add Nutella and Strawberry Filling
On one half of each pastry square, spread about one tablespoon of Nutella, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking. Next, carefully spoon a small amount of the strawberry mixture on top of the Nutella. The layering here makes every bite intensely flavorful, combining smooth chocolate with juicy fruit.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a neat triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal each hand pie and prevent any delicious filling from escaping. This step also creates that charming crimped edge that looks so inviting.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Vent
Place your hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet and brush each one with the beaten egg. This step adds a gorgeous glossy finish when baked. Don’t forget to cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to vent, ensuring the crust remains crisp and puffed instead of soggy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the hand pies in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet touch.
How to Serve Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe to cafe-worthy status. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal and a subtle sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra sliced strawberries arranged alongside add a refreshing contrast and color pop that makes your plating Instagram-ready.
Side Dishes
These hand pies shine wonderfully as a standalone snack or dessert, but pairing them with some creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add richness and balance. A cup of fragrant tea or a bold espresso provides a perfect beverage partner, making for a cozy and satisfying treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving the hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra Nutella and strawberry compote for dipping. Wrapping each pie in parchment and tying with twine creates a charming picnic vibe that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family outdoors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any hand pies left over, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This maintains their flaky texture while keeping the filling fresh. Just be sure to enjoy them quickly as the puff pastry can lose its crispness over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked hand pies by arranging them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked pies anytime—simply bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your hand pies in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they are heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften puff pastry and lose that crucial flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for the filling, but if frozen is all you have, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
Yes! You can use store-bought pie crust or homemade dough, but keep in mind puff pastry gives that signature light, flaky texture that’s hard to replicate exactly with other crusts.
Can I add spices to the strawberry filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can add a delicious warm note to the fruit mixture, making these hand pies even more delightful and personalized.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Sealing the edges with a fork is key, and leaving a small border when spreading the Nutella helps contain the filling. Ensuring the berry filling is thickened with cornstarch also reduces leakage during baking.
Are these hand pies suitable for kids?
Definitely! These hand pies make a fun, handheld dessert that kids can enjoy. The combination of sweet Nutella and fresh strawberries is often a big hit with little ones and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe is a joyful experience that promises delicious results every time. This recipe balances simple, quality ingredients with straightforward steps, resulting in a treat that feels both indulgent and homemade. Whether for a casual snack or special occasion, these hand pies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your puff pastry and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies featuring flaky puff pastry filled with rich Nutella and sweet, juicy strawberries. Perfect for a sweet snack or decadent dessert, these hand pies combine luscious chocolate-hazelnut spread with fresh fruit wrapped in a golden, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup Nutella
Dough and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will thicken during baking and balance the tartness of the fruit.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×10-inch square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide it into 4 equal squares.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spread about 1 tablespoon of Nutella on one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edge. Spoon a small amount of the strawberry mixture on top of the Nutella layer.
- Seal Pies: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent leaks during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the sealed hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the hand pies are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought pie crust or homemade dough for puff pastry depending on preference.
- For enhanced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the strawberry filling.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the hand pies after baking for an indulgent finish.
