Is the three-day “no-call” rule really a rule? Is it a bad sign if a man doesn’t punctuate his text messages? What does it mean that my husband bought me a toaster for our anniversary (but also made me Flourless Chocolate Torte)? Do the pink Valentine M&Ms demonstrate more affection than the regular colored ones? COMPLICATED. This Valentine’s Day, I say we take a deep breath, set “the rules” aside, and say “I love you” with one of the least fussy and most sincere forms of affection: pie. (Or, if you’re into saying “I love you” at breakfast, try these Strawberry Crepes.) Pie is homey. It’s sweet. It’s at its best when at its messiest, when the crust is so flakey it litters the plate with crumbs of love. More than any other dessert, pie, to me, expresses tenderness and caring. While this sentiment applies to Brownie Pie, Pumpkin Pecan Pie, and even Vegan Chocolate Pie, for Valentine’s Day, these little heart-shaped strawberry hand pies are especially dear.

How to Make Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies

Made with your favorite pie crust recipe (such as this Oil Pie Crust) or store-bought pastry dough) and a jar or can or prepared strawberry pie filling, these little heart-shaped hand pies are almost as easy as they are adorable.

The Ingredients

Pie Crust. To keep things as simple as possible, I used my tried-and-true Darn Good Whole Wheat Pie Crust (but you could also reach for your favorite store-bought crust).Strawberry Pie Filling. Makes these little hand pies as easy as can be. If you don’t love strawberry, you could also go with cherry, apple, or even blueberry (this Cranberry Orange Sauce would also be a tasty filling). Lemon Zest. Jazzes up the store-bought filling with a little extra brightness. Egg. A brush of egg wash creates a nice seal and gives the tops some shine.Turbinado Sugar. For a finishing flourish of sparkling sugar. Because even the simplest Valentines deserve a little glitter.

The Directions

Baking Sheets. Perfect for baking these mini pies.Parchment Paper. To keep your pies from sticking to the baking sheet.

Heart-Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies: because I love you. No texting or rock throwing required.

More Special Strawberry Desserts

Strawberry CrispGluten Free Strawberry ShortcakeStrawberry Oatmeal BarsStrawberry Rhubarb Crisp Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 9Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 27Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 92Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 79Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 21Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 71Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 6Heart Shaped Strawberry Hand Pies  Valentine s Day    WellPlated com - 73