The aroma of warm butter and bubbling fruit filling instantly fills the kitchen with a sense of comfort. These Strawberry Letters combine a flaky, homemade crust with a sweet, tart jam center for a treat that feels personal and handcrafted. I love making these on quiet afternoons when I want to create something special that isn't overly complicated.
Why You'll Love This
These hand pies are a whimsical twist on traditional pastry, offering a beautiful presentation without requiring advanced decorating skills. The recipe uses simple pantry staples to create Strawberry Letters that look like they came from a boutique bakery. The homemade filling allows you to control the sweetness, making them far superior to store-bought alternatives. They are one of those versatile Valentine's Day baked goods ideas that work equally well for a romantic gift or a fun family baking project.
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Ingredients
This recipe relies on cold dairy and fresh fruit to create the tender pastry and vibrant filling for your Strawberry Letters. You will need standard baking tools like a food processor and baking sheet to bring these Love Letter Cookies alternatives to life.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen strawberries - Use ripe red berries for the best natural color and flavor.
- Honey - Adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Cornstarch - Essential for thickening the jam so it stays inside the pastry.
- All-purpose flour - Provides the structure for a sturdy but tender crust.
- Unsalted butter - Must be very cold to create flaky, distinct layers.
- Ice water - Binds the dough while keeping the fat solid before baking.
- Lemon juice - brightens the sweetness and adds a slight tang.
Optional Extras
- Vanilla bean paste - Stir a teaspoon into the jam for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.
- Almond extract - A few drops added to the dough gives it a subtle nutty aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Letters (Step-by-Step)
These straightforward steps ensure your hand pies turn out flaky and beautifully shaped every time.
Make Jam
Simmer the strawberries, sugar, and honey in a saucepan until the fruit breaks down and juices release. Stir frequently to prevent sticking so the mixture thickens evenly.
Thicken Filling
Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking on low heat for several minutes. Remove the pot from the heat once the texture becomes glossy and gelatinous.
Prepare Dough
Pulse the flour, sugar, and cold butter in a processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water slowly until the dough clumps together when squeezed.
Shape Pastries
Roll the chilled dough into a square, cut into diamonds, and place a dollop of jam in the center. Fold three corners toward the middle to create an envelope shape that secures the filling.
How thin should I roll the dough for hand pies? For the best texture, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick so it is sturdy enough to hold the filling but still bakes up crisp.
Bake Pies
Brush the tops with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the edges are crisp. Remove them from the oven when the pastry turns a deep golden brown.
Tips
The secret to perfect Strawberry Letters lies in keeping your ingredients and dough as cold as possible throughout the process.
Don't overfill → prevents the envelopes from bursting open → maintains the Heart Strawberries design.
Chill the dough → prevents the butter from melting too early → keeps the layers flaky.
Cool the jam → prevents the bottom crust from getting soggy → ensures a crisp base.
Seal edges well → stops the filling from leaking out → keeps the shape defined.
Use egg wash → gives the pastry a professional shine → adds a glossy golden finish.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage
Store these hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their crisp texture. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days, though the crust may soften slightly. They make excellent mini desserts when reheated briefly in a toaster oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a contrast between the hot pastry and cold dairy. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter with fresh Be My Valentine Strawberries and dusted powdered sugar.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam instead?
Yes, you can use high-quality jarred preserves to save time. However, the filling might be thinner, so try to choose a thick preserve or reduce it slightly on the stove first.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely, the dough can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tightly wrap it in plastic to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors or drying out.
Why did my hand pies open while baking?
This usually happens if the pastry was too warm or if the filling was too hot when assembled. Make sure to chill the assembled pies for 10 minutes before putting them in the oven.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, assemble the pies completely and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this Dessert project, you might also like these other sweet treats from my kitchen. These Strawberry Letters are just the beginning of our baking adventures!
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Strawberry Letters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer strawberries, sugar, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened. Mash the fruit gently and watch for large bubbles to ensure it reduces.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for five more minutes on low heat. Remove from heat when the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
- Pulse flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until the dough holds together when pressed.
- Roll the chilled dough into a square, cut into diamond shapes, and place a spoonful of cooled jam in the center. Fold the points to resemble an envelope so the filling stays inside.
- Brush with egg wash, top with a dough heart, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove when the pastry turns a light golden brown.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
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