Description of this recipe
These Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the irresistible flavors of Nutella and fresh strawberries. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, satisfy a sweet craving, or simply enjoy a comforting homemade pastry, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. The combination of warm, gooey Nutella, juicy strawberries, and crisp, golden pastry creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore these Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious. The combination of Nutella and strawberries is a classic pairing that never fails to please, and when encased in flaky puff pastry, it becomes even more irresistible.
Secondly, the simplicity of this recipe is a major selling point. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these hand pies in no time. This makes them perfect for those moments when you need a quick and satisfying dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The store-bought puff pastry is a real time-saver, allowing you to focus on the fun part – assembling the pies and enjoying the aroma as they bake.
Another reason to love these hand pies is their versatility. They are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Serve them as a delightful dessert after dinner, bring them to a potluck or picnic, or enjoy them as a special treat with your afternoon coffee. They are also a great option for holiday gatherings or parties, as they are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
Lastly, these hand pies offer a delightful homemade touch that store-bought pastries simply can’t match. There’s something special about creating something with your own hands, and the satisfaction of biting into a warm, freshly baked hand pie is truly unparalleled. Plus, you can customize them to your liking by adding different fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the hand pies inside, allowing the puff pastry to rise properly and achieve a golden-brown color.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential as it prevents the hand pies from sticking to the baking sheet. It also makes cleanup much easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Roll Out Puff Pastry and Cut into Rectangles
- Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. This prevents the puff pastry from sticking to the surface as you roll it out.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 8 equal rectangles. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
- Take four of the pastry rectangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- On each of these rectangles, spread a thin, even layer of Nutella, leaving a small border around the edges. The border is important as it allows you to seal the hand pies properly.
- Top the Nutella layer with a spoonful of diced fresh strawberries. Distribute the strawberries evenly over the Nutella.
- Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over the strawberries. The sugar enhances the sweetness of the filling and adds a slight caramelized flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Hand Pies
- Carefully place the remaining pastry rectangles on top of the filled ones, aligning the edges as closely as possible.
- Use a fork to firmly press the edges of each hand pie. This seals the filling inside and prevents it from leaking out during baking. The fork also creates a decorative crimped edge.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. The egg wash gives the hand pies a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)
- Once the hand pies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer the hand pies to a wire rack to cool further.
- If desired, dust the cooled hand pies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, for an extra comforting experience. The warmth enhances the gooeyness of the Nutella and the juiciness of the strawberries.
For a more elegant presentation, serve the hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess complements the warm, flaky pastry and creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Pair these hand pies with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. The combination of the sweet pastry and the warm beverage is a match made in heaven. They also go well with a glass of milk or a sparkling cider.
For a special occasion, consider serving the hand pies as part of a dessert platter, alongside other treats such as cookies, brownies, and fruit tarts. This provides a variety of options for your guests and ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Tips:
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is much easier to work with when it’s cold. If it starts to get too warm and sticky, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the hand pies with Nutella and strawberries, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking. A thin layer of Nutella and a small spoonful of strawberries is all you need.
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges of the hand pies firmly with a fork to create a tight seal. This prevents the filling from escaping and ensures that the pies puff up properly.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings. Try adding other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or bananas. You can also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent the pastry from drying out.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per hand pie)
Calories: Approximately 250-300
Protein: 4 grams
Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies are a testament to the fact that delicious homemade treats don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delightful pastry that is sure to impress. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy Nutella, and fresh strawberries is a match made in heaven, and the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these hand pies are the perfect choice. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of these Strawberry Nutella Hand Pies. Your taste buds will thank you!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A1: While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the hand pies. Diced smaller to avoid extra moisture. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may release more moisture during baking, which could make the pastry a bit soggy. To minimize this, pat the thawed strawberries dry with a paper towel before adding them to the filling.
Q2: Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can definitely make these hand pies ahead of time. Assemble the hand pies as directed, but do not bake them. Instead, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake them, simply brush them with egg wash and bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked hand pies for longer storage. To freeze them, place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, there’s no need to thaw, simply add 5 minutes to the cook time.
Q3: Can I substitute the Nutella with something else?
A3: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Nutella or if you have any allergies, you can easily substitute it with other spreads. Peanut butter, almond butter, or any other type of nut butter would work well. You can also use chocolate hazelnut spread, cookie butter, or even a layer of jam or preserves. Just make sure to use a spread that is relatively thick and not too runny, as this could make the pastry soggy.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have an egg for the egg wash?
A4: If you don’t have an egg for the egg wash, don’t worry, there are several substitutes you can use. One option is to brush the tops of the hand pies with milk or cream. This will give them a slightly golden color, although it won’t be as rich as with an egg wash. Another option is to use melted butter. Brush the tops of the hand pies with melted butter before baking for a golden-brown finish. Alternatively, you can also use a mixture of milk and sugar. Combine equal parts milk and sugar, and brush the mixture over the tops of the hand pies. This will give them a slightly sweet and golden crust.
Q5: How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
A5: To prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy, there are a few key steps you can take. First, make sure to not overfill the hand pies with the filling. Too much filling can cause the pastry to become soggy. Second, seal the edges of the hand pies tightly with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Third, bake the hand pies at the correct temperature. A hot oven is essential for ensuring that the puff pastry rises properly and becomes crispy. Finally, avoid adding too much moisture to the filling. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch to the filling to help absorb any excess moisture.
