mini bear pop tarts
these beary smol pop tarts aka hand pies are so delicious perfect to make for upcoming holiday parties ♡
i usually make my own crust and filling from scratch (strawberry compote is SO easy to make - just 3 ingredients!) but i was a bit short on time so everything but the icing is store bought. i will share my own recipe down in the comments bc i swear it tastes so much better, but honestly store bought is more convenient. pls feel free to save this to try at home!
home made hand pies 🥧
-yields 9 pies-
~PASTRY~
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg
EGG WASH
1 egg
~FILLING~
6 oz strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
3/4 cup of sugar
2 tbs lemon juice
~ Instructions ~
- In a pot, mix strawberries, sugar and lemon.
- Stir over med-low heat until sugar is dissolved, then increase to med-high. Stir slowly until jam is thickened (about ten mins)
- Set aside and let cool.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add softened butter and combine until mixture begins to hold together.
- Combine milk and egg together, then add to mixture - mix until dough forms (be careful not to overmix)
- Separate into two equal halves, then roll out to about 1/8 inch thickness
- Use cookie cutter or a knife to cut an even number of pieces.
- Mix egg and milk together in a small bowl, and brush each piece with the egg wash.
- Spoon the cooled jam onto the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
- Carefully place the second piece of dough over the assembled ones, and use a fork to press the edges together. Prick holes into the tops to allow steam to escape.
- Allow pies to chill for 30 mins in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 25-30 mins. Allow to cool before icing.
- To make icing, whisk 3/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk together.
#lemon8partner #lemon8food #homecafe #homebakery #cutedesserts
Hey everyone! I'm so glad you're loving these adorable mini bear pop tarts! I wanted to share a few more tips and tricks to make your homemade hand pie journey even more fun and versatile. First off, while strawberry compote is my go-to (and seriously, it's so easy with just 3 ingredients!), don't limit yourselves! I've experimented with other fillings, and they turn out just as delicious. For those who asked about "cherry pop tarts" or "fruit tarts," a simple cherry compote made the same way as the strawberry one is fantastic. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a spiced apple filling for a fall vibe are also amazing. If you're craving something richer, like a "hot fudge sundae pop tart," you could try a thick chocolate ganache or even a dollop of Nutella with some chopped nuts before sealing. Just make sure your filling isn't too runny so it doesn't seep out during baking. Now, about the pastry! I know my scratch recipe is a labor of love, but let's be real, sometimes life gets busy. For those wondering about "homemade pop tarts with puff pastry," you absolutely can use store-bought! It makes the process so much faster, and they still taste incredible. Just grab a roll of pre-made pie crust dough or puff pastry from the refrigerated section. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness, just like you would with homemade dough. Then, use your favorite "cookie cutter"—whether it's a "BEAR" shape or any other fun design—and follow the rest of the instructions for filling and sealing. You'll still get that lovely "golden crust" with an "egg wash" and they'll be ready to bake in no time. This is a game-changer when you need a quick "party pastry pop tart" fix! Speaking of parties, these "mini pop tarts" are absolute showstoppers! To make them even more special, consider different icing colors or adding sprinkles once the "icing sets." You could even make a variety of shapes using different "cookie cutter" designs for a festive spread. They're perfect for brunch, dessert platters, or even as edible gifts. Just make sure to let them cool completely after baking (about an hour is usually good until the "icing sets") before you start packaging them up. If you're making them ahead, store them in an airtight container in the "refrigerator" for up to 3-4 days. You can gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving for that fresh-baked feel. I hope these extra tips help you create your perfect batch of "bear pop tarts"! Happy baking!
So cute!!!