Mini Fruit Hand Pies
These adorable mini fruit hand pies are the perfect treat for little hands and big appetites! Filled with juicy, sweet fruit and baked to perfection, they're a tasty and fun way to get kids excited about eating their fruits. So why not try them out and add some excitement to your snack, dinner or dessert time routine!
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- 3-4" cookie cutter (any shape you like!)
- Pastry brush
- Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 package store bought pie crust
For the Filling:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen fruit finely chopped(berries, peaches, apples, cherries - anything goes!)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1.5 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze or Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions
Make the Filling:
- Combine your chosen fruit, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and thickens slightly.
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies (it will continue to thicken while cooling).
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a work surface and lightly roll out the pie dough crusts (one at a time).
- Using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out your desired shapes (circles, stars, hearts - get creative!). Use one for the top and one for the bottom and be sure to cut out small shapes in the pie dough that’s going on top (or cut slits) to allow the heat to escape in the oven.
- Place 1-2 tablespoonfuls or mini ice cream scoop of filling in the center of each dough round. Brush the edges with egg mixture, then top with matching shaped pie dough cut out. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with egg mixture, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the Glaze or Dipping Sauce:
- For a touch of sweetness and shine, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice to make a thin glaze. Once cooled, drizzle over the pies or serve on the side as a dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Tiny Chefs:
- Get the kids involved in every step! They can help measure ingredients, mix the dough, cut out shapes, and even brush on the glaze.
- Let them choose their favorite fruits for the filling.
- Let their creativity shine with shapes! Cut the dough into animal shapes, hearts, or stars for a fun twist.
- Make it a decorating party! Have fun sprinkling the hand pies with cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or even edible glitter.
- These mini fruit hand pies are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. They're a delicious way to get them excited about baking and enjoying fresh fruit. So grab your little sous chefs, crank up the tunes, and get ready for a fun-filled baking adventure!
- Turn this recipe into a learning experience! Talk about the different fruits you're using, their nutritional benefits, and where they come from.
- Make it a science experiment! Let the kids test out different shapes and fillings to see how they affect the baking time and flavor.
- Show your artistic side! Decorate the cooled hand pies with icing, sprinkles, or even food coloring to create edible masterpieces.
- With a little creativity and imagination, these mini fruit hand pies can be more than just a delicious treat. They can be a bonding experience, a learning opportunity, and a chance to create lasting memories in the kitchen. So have fun, get messy, and enjoy the sweetness of homemade goodness!