New Delicious Fried Strawberry Hand Pies Recipe

Are you ready to dive into a world of crispy, fruity, and utterly irresistible bliss? Forget everything you thought you knew about dessert, because we’re about to introduce you to a treat that will make your taste buds sing and your heart happy: the glorious Fried Strawberry Hand Pies! Imagine a golden, flaky crust, perfectly fried to a crisp, encasing a warm, gooey explosion of sweet and tangy strawberries, kissed with a hint of fragrant rosemary, all drizzled with a dreamy, smooth icing. It’s pure handheld heaven, a nostalgic bite that feels both comforting and exciting. Get ready to impress your family, delight your friends, or simply treat yourself to a little slice of fried, strawberry-filled paradise!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these delightful little pockets of joy. Here are just four that will have you preheating your oil in no time:

1. Freshness Overload: This recipe champions fresh, organic strawberries, delivering a vibrant, authentic fruit flavor that simply can’t be beaten. Each bite is like a mini summer party in your mouth!
2. Speedy & Satisfying: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can whip up these delectable Fried Strawberry Hand Pies faster than you can say “dessert first!” They offer maximum flavor with minimal effort.
3. Customizable & Creative: While the rosemary adds a unique, sophisticated twist, the recipe is versatile. Don’t like rosemary? Skip it! Want to add a pinch of cinnamon? Go for it! The simple icing is also a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a backyard BBQ, or just need a comforting treat, these hand pies are always a hit. Their individual serving size makes them easy to enjoy, and their irresistible taste guarantees smiles all around.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

Gather your fresh ingredients, and let’s get baking (or rather, frying!) these incredible Fried Strawberry Hand Pies!

Strawberry Pie Filling:

• 🍓 3 cups fresh, organic strawberries, washed, stemmed, and quartered
• 🍚 ½ cup natural light brown sugar, packed
• 🌿 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary (optional, for a unique twist)
• 🧂 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 🍋 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
• 🌽 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 🍦 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Easy Pie Dough:

• 🥟 3 cups self-rising flour (see Pro Tips for a healthier homemade version)
• 🥥 ½ cup non-hydrogenated shortening (or use coconut oil for a healthier fat alternative)
• 🥛 1 cup evaporated milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
• 🥜 2-3 cups light peanut oil (or a healthier frying oil like canola or vegetable oil)

Simple Icing:

• ✨ 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 💧 4-5 tablespoons evaporated milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
• 🤏 ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• 🧈 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

Detailed Directions: Crafting Your Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create the most delicious Fried Strawberry Hand Pies you’ve ever tasted!

Strawberry Pie Filling:

1. Prep the Berries: In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of the quartered strawberries, brown sugar, rosemary, and sea salt. Lightly mash them with a potato masher or fork.
2. Thicken It Up: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot.
3. Simmer & Set: Bring the strawberry mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, cooking for just 1 minute while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and the remaining 1 cup of fresh chopped strawberries.
4. Cool Quickly: To chill the filling fast, place the pot into a larger bowl filled with ice water. This helps it cool down quickly and set properly.

Easy Pie Dough:

1. Combine Fats & Flour: In a large bowl, mix the self-rising flour and non-hydrogenated shortening (or coconut oil) with a fork or pastry cutter until it forms a crumbly texture.
2. Form the Dough: Gradually add the evaporated milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead Lightly: Gently knead the dough in the bowl about 20 times until it becomes smooth.
4. Chill Out: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.

Simple Icing:

1. Whisk It Smooth: While the dough chills, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of evaporated milk, sea salt, and melted unsalted butter until perfectly smooth.
2. Adjust Consistency: If needed, add the last tablespoon of milk gradually to reach your desired drizzle consistency.

Assemble & Fry:

1. Roll & Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough. If it crumbles, gently knead it a few more times, then roll again. Use a 4 ½-inch biscuit cutter (or a glass rim) to cut out circles. Re-gather and re-roll dough scraps to make more circles.
2. Enlarge Circles: Lightly roll each dough circle an additional 1 inch in diameter to make them large enough for the filling. Place them on a floured or parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Fill ‘Em Up: Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry filling onto one half of each dough circle.
4. Fold & Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, gently seal the edges, and then crimp them securely with a fork. Place the assembled hand pies back on the baking sheet.
5. Heat Oil: Fill a large cast iron skillet about ⅓ of the way with peanut oil (or your chosen healthier frying oil). Heat the oil to 325°F (162°C).
6. Fry to Golden: Carefully fry 3-4 hand pies at a time for about 45 seconds per side until they are beautifully golden brown.
7. Drain & Glaze: Remove the fried pies and drain them on a wire cooling rack (or a plate lined with paper towels). Once slightly cooled, spoon the icing evenly over the top of each pie.
8. Serve Warm: Enjoy these delicious Fried Strawberry Hand Pies warm, perhaps with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Presenting and Serving Your Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

These delightful Fried Strawberry Hand Pies are already a showstopper on their own, but with a little flair, you can elevate them even further! They’re perfect for almost any occasion, from a fancy dessert spread to a simple afternoon pick-me-up.

• Classic & Creamy: A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a warm hand pie is pure heaven. The cold creaminess perfectly complements the warm, fruity filling.
• Whipped Dream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and lightness. You can even infuse the cream with a hint of vanilla or a dash of strawberry liqueur.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white!) over the icing. The chocolate and strawberry combination is always a winner.
• Brunch Star: Serve them as a special breakfast or brunch pastry! They pair wonderfully with coffee or a mimosa.
• Fruit & Mint Garnish: Arrange them artfully on a platter with a few extra fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet option or ran out of icing, a simple dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful, delicate finish.

Storing Your Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

While these Fried Strawberry Hand Pies are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the pan, you can certainly store them to savor later!

• At Room Temperature: If planning to eat them within 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The crust might lose a little of its crispness, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Later: To freeze, arrange the cooled, unfrosted hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Oven/Air Fryer: For the best results and to regain some crispness, reheat Fried Strawberry Hand Pies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through.
  • Microwave: You can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but they will be softer, not crispy.

  Make sure to add the icing just before serving if reheating from frozen or refrigerated.

FAQs About Fried Strawberry Hand Pies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
   Yes, you can! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. You might need to adjust the cornstarch slightly if they’re particularly watery.
2. What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
   You can easily make your own! For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. So, for 3 cups, you’d use 3 cups all-purpose flour, 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
3. Can I bake these hand pies instead of frying them?
   Absolutely! For baked hand pies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) for a golden finish, and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Is the rosemary essential for the filling?
   The rosemary adds a unique, fragrant, and slightly savory twist that beautifully complements the strawberries. However, it’s completely optional! If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it.
5. What’s the best oil for frying these hand pies?
   Peanut oil is excellent due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are also great alternatives if you prefer.
6. How do I prevent the hand pies from becoming soggy?
   Ensure your filling is completely cooled and well-set before assembling. Also, fry them at the correct oil temperature (325°F/162°C) and drain them immediately on a wire rack after frying to allow excess oil to drip away.
7. How do I know the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?
   You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and floats to the surface within a few seconds, the oil is ready. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it just sits there, it’s not hot enough.
8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can! Wrap the dough disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen before rolling out.
9. Are these hand pies considered “healthy”?
   While they are a delicious treat, fried foods are generally higher in calories and fat. This recipe offers “healthier” alternatives like coconut oil for frying or shortening, but they’re best enjoyed in moderation as a special indulgence!
10. What other fruit fillings could I use?
    This dough is versatile! You could try fillings with blueberries, peaches, apples (cooked down), or cherries for a different but equally delicious hand pie experience.