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Strawberry Basil Hand Pies and Hand Pie Dough Recipe

Strawberry Basil Hand Pies + Hand Pie Dough Recipe

Think of these Strawberry Basil Hand Pies as summer’s most charming party guests—flaky, sweet, unexpectedly sophisticated, and totally picnic-perfect. Wrapped in a gluten-free crust that knows how to hold its own, and filled with juicy strawberries kissed by fragrant basil, they’re equal parts farmstand chic and nostalgic comfort. But wait—there’s more! A drizzle of white chocolate basil glaze turns each pie into a gift-worthy gem. Whether you’re baking for a bridal shower, backyard soirée, or just your own delight, this hand pie dough recipe makes small-batch magic look easy.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Yield

Prep Time Cook Time Servings
1 hour (including chilling) 25 minutes 16 hand pies

Ingredients

White Chocolate Basil Glaze

  • 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup chopped white chocolate

Strawberry Basil Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups diced strawberries
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (ensure it’s labeled GF)
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Hand Pie Dough

  • 3 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 7 oz cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup cold buttermilk, divided (see Tip)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Pro Tip: Let the basil steep in warm cream like you’re coaxing flavor from a secret garden. The longer it infuses, the richer your glaze.
Dough Wisdom: Keeping the butter cold is your golden ticket to flaky layers. Think “chilly but charming.”

Instructions

1. Make the White Chocolate Basil Glaze

In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat. Add whole basil leaves and press them with a spoon to release their flavor. Remove from heat, cover, and let the basil steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the basil leaves and return the cream to the pan. Add chopped white chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Basil Filling

In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries with chopped basil, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the strawberries evenly.

3. Roll Out and Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the hand pie dough to about 1/16 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles of dough and place them on baking sheets. Brush the edges with egg wash. Learn how to make the perfect egg wash here.

Spoon 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons of filling into each. Fold over, pinch to seal, crimp with a fork, and brush tops with more egg wash.

Have leftover scraps? Turn them into irresistible mini snacks!

4. Bake the Hand Pies

Freeze the assembled pies for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning racks in upper and lower thirds. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden.

5. Finish with Glaze

Drizzle warm pies with white chocolate basil glaze. Let it set before serving.

Hand Pie Dough Recipe

In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly with pea-sized pieces. Add buttermilk gradually until dough forms moist clumps. Wrap dough in plastic, shape into a disk, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Shortcut Tip: No buttermilk? Just mix 2/3 cup cold milk with 1 tsp vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and you’re good to go.

Overhead image of four golden brown strawberry basil hand pies topped with fresh basil, surrounded by strawberries and basil leaves, with the overlay text: "Tiny Pies. Big Picnic Energy."

 

Strawberry Basil Hand Pie FAQs

Still have questions fluttering around like napkins in a summer breeze? We’ve got answers that’ll keep your hand pies flaky, your fillings flavorful, and your prep stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know for pastry success (plus a few ideas to jazz things up even more!).

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

A: Yes, this recipe works with all-purpose flour too. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free flour if you’re baking for dietary needs.

Q: Can I make the hand pies in advance?

A: Definitely! Assemble and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen for fresh, fuss-free pie perfection.

Q: How long can I store the hand pies?

A: Baked pies will keep up to 3 days in an airtight container. Or freeze for up to 2 months — they reheat beautifully.

Q: Can I use other fruits or fillings?

A: Absolutely — strawberries and basil are just the beginning. Explore more hand pie filling ideas or go savory with chicken pot pie.

Tips for Pie Perfection

Freeze First: A quick chill before baking helps pies hold their shape and prevents leaks.
Brunch-Worthy Shine: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for bakery-style sparkle.
Make It a Gift: Wrap cooled pies in wax paper and twine for an edible keepsake worth sharing.

Variations to Try

  • Peach Thyme: Use sliced peaches and fresh thyme for late-summer flair.
  • Berry Mint Medley: Swap in blueberries and raspberries with chopped mint.
  • Chocolate Cherry: Add mini dark chocolate chips to cherry filling for a rich twist.
  • Savory Spin: Skip the glaze and try caramelized onions with goat cheese and rosemary crust.

Want More Great Recipes?

For more fruit-forward favorites, check out our Raspberry Buttermilk Slab Pie and playful Honeyed Fig Pie Pops. Craving savory? Cozy up with our Homemade Chicken Pot Pie.

Enjoy baking these delightful Strawberry Basil Hand Pies! Pin, share, and gift freely — dessert deserves a spotlight.

Strawberry Basil Hand Pies
Yield: 16 hand pies

Strawberry Basil Hand Pies and Hand Pie Dough Recipe

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Discover the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and fresh basil in these irresistible hand pies. Easy, gluten-free, and delicious!

Ingredients

White Chocolate Basil Glaze

  • 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup chopped white chocolate

Strawberry Basil Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups diced strawberries
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (ensure it’s labeled GF)
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Hand Pie Dough

  • 3 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 7 oz cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup cold buttermilk, divided (see Tip)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Hand Pie Dough Recipe

  • Ingredients
  • 3 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 7 oz cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup cold buttermilk, divided (see Tip)

Notes

Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 2/3 cup cold milk mixed with 1 tsp white or cider vinegar. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before using.

Expert Tips

  • Use fresh basil within 2–3 days for the brightest flavor.
  • Freeze unbaked pies and bake straight from frozen for perfect texture.
  • Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for that bakery sparkle.
  • Wrap cooled pies in wax paper and twine for a sweet edible gift.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 488Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 267mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 7g

The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

Did you make this recipe?

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Excerpted from 175 Best Mini-Pie Recipes by Julie Anne Hession © 2013 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca May not be reprinted without publisher’s permission

About Julee Morrison

Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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