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Fried Strawberry Hand Pies 🍓

These delightful fried strawberry hand pies are a healthier take on a classic dessert. Featuring a fresh strawberry filling, an easy homemade dough, and a simple icing, they're perfect for a treat any time!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 15
Calories 524 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Small Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry cutter (optional)
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Biscuit cutter (4 ½-inch)
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Strawberry Pie Filling

  • 3 cups fresh, organic strawberries washed, stemmed, and quartered
  • 1/2 cup natural light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary (optional, for a unique twist)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Easy Pie Dough

  • 3 cups self-rising flour (see Pro Tips for a healthier homemade version)
  • 1/2 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), for frying

Simple Icing

  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 4-5 tbsp evaporated milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • 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 hand pies warm, perhaps with a light scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of rosemary in the filling based on your preference; it adds a unique, fragrant twist!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 524 kcal
  • Total Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Net Carbs: 40g
  • Fats: 38g
  • Protein: 5g
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