Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries featuring a flaky golden crust filled with juicy strawberries and a maple-sweetened cream cheese layer. Quick to prepare and easy to enjoy on the go, these hand pies bring a comforting, bakery-style touch to any occasion—from breakfast to dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These hand pies are the perfect fusion of fruit and creaminess wrapped in a tender, crisp crust. The use of prepackaged pie dough makes them incredibly accessible, while the strawberry and cream cheese filling offers a rich, slightly tangy balance to the sweetness. Their size makes them ideal for sharing, snacking, or packing for a picnic or lunchbox. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming, bakery-fresh finish.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 rolls prepackaged pie crust
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 2 oz cream cheese (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Optional Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, microwave the cream cheese for about 20 seconds to soften. Stir in the maple syrup until smooth and fully blended.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts. Cut each crust into six 3×4-inch rectangles (12 total), re-rolling scraps if necessary.
- Arrange six of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges. Top each with 1 tablespoon of chopped strawberries.
- Cut a small vent in the remaining six rectangles (a slit or decorative cutout). Place each vented rectangle on top of a filled one and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Whisk the egg and water together for the optional egg wash. Brush over the tops of the hand pies for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 hand pies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories: 215 kcal per hand pie
Variations
- Jam-Filled Version: Replace fresh strawberries with strawberry jam or preserves for a smoother filling.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking instead of powdered sugar.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Berry Mix: Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs.
storage/reheating
Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust’s crispness.
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze hand pies?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked hand pies can be reheated directly from the freezer.
Do I have to use maple syrup?
No, you can substitute with honey, agave, or even a bit of granulated sugar for sweetness.
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches all work well as substitutes or additions.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Ensure you leave space around the edges and seal firmly with a fork. Chilling the pies before baking can also help.
Is the egg wash necessary?
No, it’s optional. It adds shine and a deeper golden color but doesn’t affect the overall taste.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, homemade pie dough works beautifully and can add a richer flavor.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Use a thick filling (not too juicy), and avoid overfilling. Baking on parchment paper helps promote even browning.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly in both taste and size, making them a great treat for school lunches or parties.
Can I make these hand pies dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and plant-based pie dough.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies are a deliciously easy way to enjoy the charm of homemade pastries without the fuss. With their flaky crust, sweet-tart fruit, and creamy center, they’re a versatile treat for any time of day. Whether served warm or cool, dusted with sugar or eaten as-is, these hand pies are sure to become a delightful addition to your baking repertoire.
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Flaky and golden hand pies filled with sweet strawberries and creamy maple-flavored cream cheese. These easy, portable pastries make a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 rolls prepackaged pie crust
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 2 oz cream cheese (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (optional, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, microwave the cream cheese for about 20 seconds to soften, then mix with maple syrup until smooth.
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts and cut out 6 rectangles (about 3×4 inches each) from each crust, for a total of 12. Re-roll scraps if needed.
- Place 6 rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each, leaving space at the edges. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped strawberries on top.
- Cut a vent (slit or decorative shape) in the remaining 6 rectangles and place them over the filled ones. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Whisk together egg and water for an optional egg wash. Brush over the tops of the hand pies for shine.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature pie crusts for easier handling and cleaner cuts.
- Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Try flavored cream cheese or swap in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variation.
- Hand pies are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in a toaster oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg