Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe

Welcome to a delicious treat that will steal your heart – Delicious Chocolate Hearts Hand Pies! These delightful hand pies are a perfect combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate filling.

Crafted with love and care, these hand pies are not just a joy to behold but also a delight to taste. The crisp, buttery crust encases a luscious chocolate filling that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Whether you’re preparing these for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet moment for yourself, these Delicious Chocolate Hearts Hand Pies are sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create some love-filled treats together!

Quick Benefits

• Rich chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate
• Creamy and indulgent filling with a hint of peanut butter
• Perfect handheld treats for parties, picnics, or on-the-go snacking

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: These hand pies are filled with a luscious chocolate and peanut butter filling that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: The combination of cocoa powder, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and peanut butter creates a heavenly chocolate flavor in every bite.
• Handheld Treat: These hand pies are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a delightful dessert for picnics, parties, or packed lunches.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and a great way to impress friends and family.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your preferences by skipping the peanut butter or adjusting the sweetness level according to your taste.
• Beautiful Presentation: Shaped like hearts, these hand pies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a lovely treat for special occasions or as a gift.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe

Chocolate Pie Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226g), cold and diced
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (21g), unsweetened
• 1/2 cup cold milk or cream (120ml)
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (24g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups flour (281g), gently measured

Chocolate Mixture

• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (31g, skip if preferred)
• 1/2 cup cream (120ml), heavy
• 4 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate (113g)

Decoration

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (16g, skip if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable or canola oil
• 2 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate (57g)

Putting Together

• 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons chunky sugar for sprinkling (skip if preferred)

Pro Tips for Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When making the chocolate filling, melt the chocolate and cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile. For a richer taste, include the smooth peanut butter, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a more straightforward chocolate filling.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure a flaky pastry crust, handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing. Be sure to chill the hand pies for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the dough to relax and prevent shrinking in the oven. Brushing the pies with an egg wash before baking not only adds a beautiful golden finish but also helps seal the edges for a neater presentation.

Pro Tip 3: Get creative with the shapes by using heart-shaped cookie cutters for a festive touch. To prevent sticking, flour the work surface and rolling pin lightly when rolling out the dough. Feel free to customize the hand pies by sprinkling chunky sugar on top for a delightful crunch, or omit it for a smoother finish. Enjoy these chocolate hearts warm or at room temperature for a decadent treat!

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe

Step 1: Create Crust

Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until mixture resembles crumbs. Gradually add cold milk until dough clumps. Divide dough in half, wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Step 2: Cut Heart Shapes

Roll out dough on floured surface and cut out 3-inch heart shapes. Chill hearts in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Mix Filling

Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Optionally, add peanut butter. Allow to sit for 15 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Build Hand Pies

Brush half of the heart shapes with egg mixture. Spoon filling onto the brushed hearts, top with remaining hearts, and seal edges with a fork. Brush the tops with egg mixture and sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Step 5: Cook Pies

Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are firm. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touch

Combine melted chocolate and oil (and peanut butter, if desired) for drizzling over cooled pies.

Storage Tips

To store the delicious chocolate hearts hand pies, allow them to cool completely at room temperature first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If stacking the hand pies, place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper in between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Store the hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the hand pies. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen hand pies can be kept for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen hand pies, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy the chocolatey goodness of these hand pies at your convenience by storing and reheating them properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for this recipe, you can swap the white sugar for brown sugar or honey for a slightly different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter. Almond milk or oat milk can be used instead of regular milk or cream in the dough to make it dairy-free.

If you prefer a different type of nut butter or have allergies, you can substitute almond butter or hazelnut butter for the peanut butter in the chocolate filling. Additionally, you can use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a richer taste. If you want to skip the egg wash for brushing, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative or simply brush with melted butter for a shiny finish. Feel free to omit the chunky sugar topping for a less sweet option or sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve these Delicious Chocolate Hearts Hand Pies on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. You can also drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the hand pies for an extra indulgent touch.

To make these hand pies even more special, try cutting out the dough into mini heart shapes instead of traditional circles. This will not only make them visually appealing but also add a touch of love to your dessert spread. Serve them on individual dessert plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a scoop of raspberry sorbet for a refreshing twist. Your guests will be impressed by the creativity and thoughtfulness put into this sweet treat!

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Hand Pies: Easy Valentine’s Day Recipe

Question?

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the pie crust?

Answer.

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter for the pie crust to have better control over the saltiness of the final product.

Question?

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate?

Answer.

While you can substitute the chocolate, it may alter the taste and texture of the filling. Semi-sweet chocolate is preferred for its balanced sweetness and cocoa content.

Question?

Can I make the hand pies in advance and freeze them before baking?

Answer.

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before baking as per the recipe instructions.

Conclusion

As you take your first bite into these Delicious Chocolate Hearts Hand Pies, let the rich and decadent flavors envelop your taste buds, creating a moment of pure bliss. The combination of flaky pastry and gooey chocolate filling is simply irresistible, making these hand pies a perfect treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re making these hand pies for a special Valentine’s Day celebration or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and your loved ones. Remember, baking is not just about following instructions but about infusing each step with love and creativity. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating these Delicious Chocolate Hearts Hand Pies. Happy baking!