Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies
Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies are one of those treats I reach for when I want something playful but impressive, something that makes the kitchen smell like a bakery in minutes.
Years ago, I boarded a weekend pastry crash course and fell for the ritual of folding simple dough around a bright filling, pressing the edges with a fork, and watching a fragile little package puff and blush in the oven. That first batch of hand pies taught me that tiny pastries can carry big memories, and they became my go to when friends stop by unexpectedly.
Now I make Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies for mornings when I need comfort, for afternoon tea with a chatty neighbor, and for low key holiday gatherings where something sweet but handheld is exactly what the table needs. I love how the tartness of bright strawberries plays against the creamy, almost nutty richness of the chocolate hazelnut spread. It is an easy showstopper that feels fancy without a lot of fuss, and I always smile a little when I see the flaky crust break to reveal the glossy filling.
Recipe Snapshot
47 mins
30 mins
17 mins
Medium
180 kcal
American
Paleo, Gluten-Free
Desserts
Rolling pin, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Small bowl, Paring knife
Why We Love This Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies
Bright contrast of flavors
I adore how the combination of strawberries and chocolate hazelnut spread creates a lively flavor conversation, where the fruit’s natural acidity balances the spread‘s lush sweetness. When I bite into the pastry and get that first pop of jammy strawberry with a smear of velvety nutty chocolate, it feels celebratory in the simplest way.
Handheld charm
These little pies are so portable that I often tuck them into picnic baskets, or pass a plate around at brunch. I love the way everyone gravitated toward them at my last gathering. They make sharing effortless, and they encourage casual conversation because everyone can hold one and keep talking.
Approachable technique
I like that this recipe honors pastry tradition but keeps the methods friendly. Rolling, sealing, and docking are all small rituals you can master quickly. I remember the first time I froze mine briefly before baking, and the crust rose with a beautiful lift, which made me confident in trying more fillings afterward.
Flexible timing and prep
Whether you have a leisurely morning or a tight afternoon window, these pies adapt. You can assemble and freeze for later, or bake straightaway. I often prep the filling ahead and assemble when friends arrive. That flexibility makes them a secret weapon for last minute hosting.
Comfort with a touch of elegance
There is something comforting about a warm pastry, and pairing strawberries with a nutty, creamy spread elevates the familiar into something a bit more special. I love serving them warm so the filling is soft and seductive, or at room temperature when the crust has relaxed and the flavors settle together.
What to Buy for Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies

When I shop for these pies, I focus on a few heroes: flaky hand pie dough, ripe strawberries, a rich chocolate hazelnut spread, and a simple egg wash to give the crust a glossy finish. These ingredients work together because the dough provides structure and flake, the fruit lends brightness and texture, and the spread brings creamy body and depth.
- Hand Pie Dough (recipe follows): Provide a tender, flaky pastry base for the hand pies; prepared dough should be chilled and rolled to even thickness so it bakes to golden layers. Ensure seams are sealed to prevent filling leakage and allow for venting to release steam during baking.
- 1 1/4 cup (198 grams) finely diced strawberries: Add bright, fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness while contributing small juicy pockets; dice uniformly so pieces distribute evenly and release moisture predictably. Toss with a binder to keep strawberries from making the dough soggy during baking.
- 2 tablespoons (40 grams) seedless strawberry jam: Contribute concentrated strawberry flavor and extra sweetness while helping to bind the fruit filling; choose a seedless jam to maintain a smooth texture without crunchy bits. Warm slightly if thick so it mixes evenly with the diced strawberries and flour.
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour: Provide structure to the filling by absorbing excess juice and preventing sogginess; use a light dusting and mix thoroughly to evenly coat fruit pieces. Ensure flour is distributed so the filling sets properly when baked without becoming pasty.
- 3/4 cup (222 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread: Offer rich, creamy, nutty-chocolate filling that contrasts fruity notes and adds indulgent texture to each pie; spoon or dollop into centers for balanced portions. Use a spreadable consistency so it melds with the fruit without leaking excessively while baking.
- 1 large egg (50 grams): Create an egg wash to promote glossy, golden-brown pastry and help edges adhere when beaten and brushed; beat until smooth for even application. Optionally reserve a small amount for sealing or use wholly for brushing before baking.
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) water: Thin the egg wash to a brushable consistency for smooth application and to prevent overly thick coating; combine water and egg thoroughly so the wash spreads evenly. Use chilled water to control temperature and avoid thinning too much which would reduce browning.
Step by Step Instructions for Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies

These instructions walk you through assembly and baking with sensory cues and troubleshooting tips so your pies come out flaky, sealed, and glossy. Take your time with rolling and sealing, and pay attention to the look and feel of the dough and filling as you work.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll half of Hand Pie Dough into a ?-inch-thick circle. Cut 10 to 12 (4 1/2 x 3-inch) rectangles, rerolling scraps once. Roll remaining Hand Pie Dough into a ?-inch-thick circle. Cut 10 to 12 (4 x 2 1/2-inch) rectangles, rerolling scraps once.: The dough should feel cool and slightly firm under your hands, not sticky, and as you roll you will hear a soft frictional sound while the surface becomes smooth. Visually aim for even thickness across the circle so each rectangle bakes evenly. Reroll scraps only once to avoid overworking the gluten which causes toughness. A common mistake is rolling the dough too thin, which leads to fragile crusts; keep an eye on thickness and chill the dough if it becomes soft while you work.
- In a small bowl, stir together strawberries, jam, and flour.: As you stir, you will notice the fruit juices coming together with the jam into a glossy, slightly thickened mixture, and the flour will take up excess liquid so the filling holds shape. Smell the bright, fruity aroma as ingredients meld. Mix gently to avoid smashing the diced strawberries , because you want textural contrast inside the pies. If the filling looks runny, it may leak during baking; add a whisper more flour to firm it up, but do so sparingly to keep a fresh fruit character.
- On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, place smaller rectangles 1 inch apart. Spread 1 tablespoon (18 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread on each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Top with 1 tablespoon (21 grams) strawberry mixture.: When you spread the chocolate hazelnut spread , you will feel its creamy resistance and see it gleam; keep the border clear so sealing is easy. Place a measured spoonful of the strawberry mixture atop the spread, noting how the jewel like pieces sit against the glossy chocolate. A frequent error is overfilling, which leads to leaks; using the measured amounts ensures tidy pies that bake to a golden shell without losing their filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) water. Brush edges of smaller rectangles with egg wash, and top with a larger rectangle, press edges firmly to seal; press edges with the tines of a fork. Freeze for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 1 hour.: The egg wash will glisten as you brush it along the edge, creating a tacky surface that bonds dough layers. Pressing the edges should produce a faint indent and a satisfying tactile resistance; the fork tines leave a decorative pattern and improve the seal. Chilling is crucial, because chilled pies hold their shape and puff better; try not to skip the rest period, or the pies may spread and the filling may ooze. One trap is sealing while the dough is too warm, which can cause the filling to start melting and create steam pockets that burst.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).: You will sense a change in the kitchen as it warms, and preheating ensures the oven springs to high heat so the crust sets quickly, creating flake and a golden hue. Place a rack in the middle position so heat circulates evenly. If you skip preheating, the pies may bake unevenly and absorb more fat from the dough, resulting in a denser texture; always confirm your oven has reached temperature before putting the tray in.
- Brush top of dough with egg wash. Using the tip of a paring knife, make 3 small slits in top of dough.: Brushing the top gives a glossy, reflective finish that browns beautifully, and the small slits will sigh as steam escapes, preventing bursts. The surface should look smooth and wet after brushing, and the slits should be tidy, not ragged. Avoid cutting too large vents which can let filling bubble out, or leaving no vents which can trap steam and crack the crust unpredictably.
- Bake until crust is golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet, and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.: As the pies bake you will hear a gentle crackle and smell a toasty, nutty aroma; the crust will shift from pale to a warm golden shade and edges will look crisp. Letting them cool briefly lets the filling set so it does not spill when you bite in, yet warm pies offer the most decadent texture contrast. A mistake to avoid is removing them immediately from heat to a cold surface which can shock the dough; instead, transfer to a room temperature sheet and rest a few minutes for best results.
Tips and Variations

These tips help you adapt the process, avoid pitfalls, and get the most flavor and texture from each pastry. Each tip highlights a small technique or variation that can have a big impact.
- Chill dough and pies: Always keep the hand pie dough cold to ensure flake and prevent the butter from melting into the flour, which keeps the crust tender and layered.
- Measure fillings carefully: Use a kitchen scale or measuring spoons to portion the chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry mixture so pies bake consistently without leaking.
- Use seedless jam: Seedless strawberry jam produces a smooth mouthfeel and avoids tiny seeds disrupting the tender texture of the filling.
- Don’t overwork scraps: Reroll pastry scraps only once to prevent developing too much gluten, which makes crusts chewy rather than flaky.
- Vent well but not excessively: Make three neat slits to let steam escape while preserving the interior moisture, avoiding messy eruptions of filling.
- Freeze for make ahead ease: Freeze assembled pies on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag for up to one month; bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time for best results.
Serving This Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies
These hand pies are versatile for casual and special occasions. Serve them warm for maximum indulgence, or at room temperature for easy transport. Think about pairing that enhances the sweet tart interplay of strawberries and chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Casual brunch: Serve warm on a platter with coffee for a cozy weekend morning treat that guests can grab and enjoy.
- Afternoon tea: Present them on a tiered tray with light savory bites so the pies become the sweet centerpiece.
- Holiday gatherings: These are perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations where handheld desserts are appreciated and feel intimate.
- Picnic friendly: Pack them at room temperature in a shallow container with parchment so they do not stick together and remain easy to eat outdoors.
- Storage: Store cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. Freeze for up to one month and reheat gently in a low oven to refresh the crust.
FAQ
Conclusion
These pies are special because they pair bright fruit with creamy, nutty chocolate in a flaky, handheld package. They are straightforward to assemble, adaptable for make ahead plans, and impressive to serve to guests. Give them a try when you want something that feels both comforting and celebratory. You may find they become a repeat in your baking rotation whenever you want an easy showstopper.

Baked Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Hand Pies
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Bowl
- Paring knife
Ingredients
- Hand Pie Dough (recipe follows) Provide a tender, flaky pastry base for the hand pies; prepared dough should be chilled and rolled to even thickness so it bakes to golden layers. Ensure seams are sealed to prevent filling leakage and allow for venting to release steam during baking.
- 1 1/4 cup (198 grams) finely diced strawberries Add bright, fresh fruit flavor and natural sweetness while contributing small juicy pockets; dice uniformly so pieces distribute evenly and release moisture predictably. Toss with a binder to keep strawberries from making the dough soggy during baking.
- 2 tablespoons (40 grams) seedless strawberry jam Contribute concentrated strawberry flavor and extra sweetness while helping to bind the fruit filling; choose a seedless jam to maintain a smooth texture without crunchy bits. Warm slightly if thick so it mixes evenly with the diced strawberries and flour.
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour Provide structure to the filling by absorbing excess juice and preventing sogginess; use a light dusting and mix thoroughly to evenly coat fruit pieces. Ensure flour is distributed so the filling sets properly when baked without becoming pasty.
- 3/4 cup (222 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread Offer rich, creamy, nutty-chocolate filling that contrasts fruity notes and adds indulgent texture to each pie; spoon or dollop into centers for balanced portions. Use a spreadable consistency so it melds with the fruit without leaking excessively while baking.
- 1 large egg (50 grams) Create an egg wash to promote glossy, golden-brown pastry and help edges adhere when beaten and brushed; beat until smooth for even application. Optionally reserve a small amount for sealing or use wholly for brushing before baking.
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) water Thin the egg wash to a brushable consistency for smooth application and to prevent overly thick coating; combine water and egg thoroughly so the wash spreads evenly. Use chilled water to control temperature and avoid thinning too much which would reduce browning.
Instructions
- On a lightly floured surface, roll half of Hand Pie Dough into a ?-inch-thick circle. Cut 10 to 12 (4 1/2 x 3-inch) rectangles, rerolling scraps once. Roll remaining Hand Pie Dough into a ?-inch-thick circle. Cut 10 to 12 (4 x 2 1/2-inch) rectangles, rerolling scraps once.: The dough should feel cool and slightly firm under your hands, not sticky, and as you roll you will hear a soft frictional sound while the surface becomes smooth. Visually aim for even thickness across the circle so each rectangle bakes evenly. Reroll scraps only once to avoid overworking the gluten which causes toughness. A common mistake is rolling the dough too thin, which leads to fragile crusts; keep an eye on thickness and chill the dough if it becomes soft while you work.
- In a small bowl, stir together strawberries, jam, and flour.: As you stir, you will notice the fruit juices coming together with the jam into a glossy, slightly thickened mixture, and the flour will take up excess liquid so the filling holds shape. Smell the bright, fruity aroma as ingredients meld. Mix gently to avoid smashing the diced strawberries , because you want textural contrast inside the pies. If the filling looks runny, it may leak during baking; add a whisper more flour to firm it up, but do so sparingly to keep a fresh fruit character.
- On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, place smaller rectangles 1 inch apart. Spread 1 tablespoon (18 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread on each, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Top with 1 tablespoon (21 grams) strawberry mixture.: When you spread the chocolate hazelnut spread , you will feel its creamy resistance and see it gleam; keep the border clear so sealing is easy. Place a measured spoonful of the strawberry mixture atop the spread, noting how the jewel like pieces sit against the glossy chocolate. A frequent error is overfilling, which leads to leaks; using the measured amounts ensures tidy pies that bake to a golden shell without losing their filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) water. Brush edges of smaller rectangles with egg wash, and top with a larger rectangle, press edges firmly to seal; press edges with the tines of a fork. Freeze for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 1 hour.: The egg wash will glisten as you brush it along the edge, creating a tacky surface that bonds dough layers. Pressing the edges should produce a faint indent and a satisfying tactile resistance; the fork tines leave a decorative pattern and improve the seal. Chilling is crucial, because chilled pies hold their shape and puff better; try not to skip the rest period, or the pies may spread and the filling may ooze. One trap is sealing while the dough is too warm, which can cause the filling to start melting and create steam pockets that burst.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).: You will sense a change in the kitchen as it warms, and preheating ensures the oven springs to high heat so the crust sets quickly, creating flake and a golden hue. Place a rack in the middle position so heat circulates evenly. If you skip preheating, the pies may bake unevenly and absorb more fat from the dough, resulting in a denser texture; always confirm your oven has reached temperature before putting the tray in.
- Brush top of dough with egg wash. Using the tip of a paring knife, make 3 small slits in top of dough.: Brushing the top gives a glossy, reflective finish that browns beautifully, and the small slits will sigh as steam escapes, preventing bursts. The surface should look smooth and wet after brushing, and the slits should be tidy, not ragged. Avoid cutting too large vents which can let filling bubble out, or leaving no vents which can trap steam and crack the crust unpredictably.
- Bake until crust is golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet, and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.: As the pies bake you will hear a gentle crackle and smell a toasty, nutty aroma; the crust will shift from pale to a warm golden shade and edges will look crisp. Letting them cool briefly lets the filling set so it does not spill when you bite in, yet warm pies offer the most decadent texture contrast. A mistake to avoid is removing them immediately from heat to a cold surface which can shock the dough; instead, transfer to a room temperature sheet and rest a few minutes for best results.
Notes
- Chill dough and pies: Always keep the hand pie dough cold to ensure flake and prevent the butter from melting into the flour, which keeps the crust tender and layered.
- Measure fillings carefully: Use a kitchen scale or measuring spoons to portion the chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberry mixture so pies bake consistently without leaking.
- Use seedless jam: Seedless strawberry jam produces a smooth mouthfeel and avoids tiny seeds disrupting the tender texture of the filling.
- Don’t overwork scraps: Reroll pastry scraps only once to prevent developing too much gluten, which makes crusts chewy rather than flaky.
- Vent well but not excessively: Make three neat slits to let steam escape while preserving the interior moisture, avoiding messy eruptions of filling.
- Freeze for make ahead ease: Freeze assembled pies on a tray until firm, then transfer to a bag for up to one month; bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time for best results.
