Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups strawberries (hulled and quartered); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 1 egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 7.05 ounces refrigerated pie crust (2 count package); 1 egg white; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or coarse sugar, optional)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking for a charming treat that blends fresh, fruity brightness with rich, creamy indulgence, you’ll fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe. These delightful little parcels bring together juicy strawberries and luscious cream cheese tucked inside a flaky, golden crust, making them irresistibly perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a pretty dessert option. Every bite bursts with fresh strawberry flavor lightly balanced by the tang of cream cheese, wrapped in tender pastry that’s both crispy and buttery. It’s truly a recipe that feels like a warm hug from your oven, and once you try it, these hand pies will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There is a small white heart-shaped dish filled with white sugar at the top left. To the right, a white square bowl is filled with bright red strawberries with green leaves. Below the sugar, a small clear bowl contains white salt. Next to it, a clear bowl holds a whole brown egg. To the right side, two rolled refrigerated pie crusts wrapped in clear plastic lie vertically. Below the egg, a small clear bowl contains white cornstarch. Next to cornstarch, a small clear bowl holds dark brown vanilla extract. Near the bottom left, a whole yellow lemon is present. Lastly, at the bottom center, a small pink plate with a textured pattern holds a block of white cream cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the sweet and tangy filling to the beautifully flaky crust.

Strawberries: Fresh, hulled, and quartered, they provide vibrant flavor and natural sweetness that’s the star of the filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to both the strawberry filling and for sprinkling on top to give a subtle crunch.
Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling with a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture for a perfect, jam-like consistency that won’t leak out of the pies.
Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with the strawberries.
Egg yolk: Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture, enhancing its silky texture.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy kick that livens up the cream cheese filling.
Salt: A tiny pinch to sharpen the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Refrigerated pie crust: Your shortcut to flaky, buttery perfection that requires minimal effort and folds beautifully.
Egg white: Used for brushing the edges and tops to help with sealing and to create a glossy finish.
Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for an extra touch of sparkle and crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Start by combining the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Heating it gently over medium-low heat softens the strawberries, releasing their natural juices while allowing the cornstarch to thicken the mixture to a luscious jam-like texture. Mash the softened berries lightly to create a rustic filling full of delightful texture. Once thickened, cooling the mixture completely is crucial to prevent a soggy crust later on, so pop it in the fridge while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip together the cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth and well combined. This filling is where the dreamy tang and velvety texture come into play, creating the perfect creamy counterpart to the fruity strawberry jam. Keep it at room temperature for easy spreading.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pie Crust

Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the refrigerated pie crust. Roll out the dough gently to remove any creases, making sure it’s smooth and even. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 20 hearts total—10 for the bottoms and 10 for tops. Remember to cut a small X on the top pieces for steam vents, which keeps your pies perfectly baked without bursts or soggy spots.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place the bottom crusts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spoon a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling onto each heart, spreading it within the edges. Top that with an equally generous spoonful of strawberry filling. Then, brush the edges lightly with egg white before sealing with the vented top crusts. Crimp the edges carefully with a fork for a pretty finish and a good seal. Chilling the pies in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the dough relax and prevents shrinking during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Give the tops a final egg white brush and sprinkle sugar on top if you want an added sparkle and crunch. Bake the pies for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly flaky. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes so the filling sets slightly—this way, every bite holds its shape perfectly.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

The image shows a white tray lined with parchment paper holding nine heart-shaped dough pieces arranged in three rows and three columns. Four dough hearts on the left side have a layer of cream topped with a red strawberry jam forming a smaller heart shape on each. Three dough hearts in the middle column have a thick, creamy yellow layer spread on them. The three hearts on the right side are plain dough without any topping. In the top left corner, there is a white rectangular bowl holding whole strawberries, and three loose strawberries are placed on the white marbled surface near it. The bright and clean setup emphasizes the different filling options on the dough hearts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate these hand pies beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and charming look perfect for serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few fresh strawberry slices add a pop of color and freshness that visually complements the pies and freshens each mouthful.

Side Dishes

These hand pies pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, transforming your snack into a decadent dessert experience. For a breakfast or brunch option, serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea and a small bowl of fresh fruit salad to keep the meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these hand pies on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a cozy, inviting vibe. Arrange them with some fresh flowers and berries to create a beautiful spread at any gathering. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable picnic or party favor that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe treats keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate them; just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying to maintain that perfect flaky crust.

Freezing

These hand pies freeze beautifully, either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked pies, wrap them tightly and place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring them to a sealed bag or container. Baked pies can be frozen in the same fashion. This way, you can have a quick and delicious treat ready just by reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could affect the filling consistency.

How can I tell when the cream cheese filling is perfectly smooth?

Mix the cream cheese with the other ingredients until completely lump-free, creamy, and soft to the touch. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer helps get a silky texture much faster and easier than mixing by hand.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

No worries! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like or simply cut squares or circles using a knife or cup rim. Just keep the sizes consistent so all pies bake evenly.

Why do I need to cool the strawberry filling completely before assembling?

If the strawberry jam is still warm, it will melt the butter in the pie crust, resulting in a soggy crust instead of a flaky one. Cooling it ensures the crust stays crisp and tender as it bakes.

Can these pies be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free pie crust. Be mindful to check the crust ingredients to keep the recipe fully vegan, and adjust the egg wash with a plant milk or oil for brushing.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Strawberry Cream Cheese Hand Pies Recipe enough for anyone who loves a sweet, fruity treat with a bit of creamy richness tucked inside every flaky bite. These hand pies are as satisfying to make as they are to eat, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Give them a try soon—you might just find your new favorite dessert or snack that brightens any day!