Name: Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies - Perfect Fall Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 to 16 hand pies
Ingredients: 2 refrigerated pie crusts; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon water; 2 tablespoons coarse sanding sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for topping)

Pumpkin Hand Pies, oh how I love you! These delightful little pockets of autumnal bliss are more than just a dessert; they’re a hug in pastry form, a portable celebration of crisp air and cozy sweaters. There’s an undeniable magic in their bite-sized perfection, making them an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from a casual potluck to a festive Thanksgiving table. What truly sets these Pumpkin Hand Pies apart is the perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and a warm, spiced pumpkin filling that just sings of fall. They’re a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular, offering all the comforting flavors of a full-sized pumpkin pie without any of the fuss. Get ready to fall in love with these charming treats!

The Allure of the Portable Pie

There’s something incredibly endearing about a treat that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Pumpkin Hand Pies offer that delightful convenience, allowing you to savor every spiced, sweet bite without the need for a fork and knife. They are ideal for busy holidays, school lunches, or simply enjoying on a brisk afternoon stroll. Their charming appearance also makes them a wonderful addition to any dessert platter, adding a whimsical touch that guests will adore.

Why We Adore These Little Wonders

The reason these Pumpkin Hand Pies are so beloved is their ability to capture the very essence of autumn. Imagin extracte the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmgin extract and ginger mingling with the sweet, earthy notes of pumpkin, all encased in a tender, golden crust. This recipe takes those classic fall flavors and presents them in a fun, accessible package. They are incredibly versatile, too – enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or even as a delightful breakfast treat. The satisfaction of making them yourself, and then sharing them (or not!), is part of the pure joy.

Ingredients:

2 refrigerated pie crusts
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (divided)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
2 tablespoons coarse sanding sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for topping)

Preparing the Filling

This recipe for Pumpkin Hand Pies uses a wonderfully simple yet flavorful filling that comes together in a flash. The key is to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of pumpkin puree. This is the star of our show, providing that classic autumnal flavor. Next, add the 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar. Using packed brown sugar will give the filling a lovely caramel note and a bit more moisture than granulated sugar. Now, stir in the 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. This will make the filling extra smooth and rich. For that quintessential fall aroma and taste, we’ll add 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can create your own by combining cinnamon, gin extractger, nutmeg, and cloves. Finally, a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, cohesive filling. Don’t overmix, just ensure everything is well incorporated. This will be the delicious heart of your Pumpkin Hand Pies.

Assembling the Hand Pies

Now it’s time to bring our Pumpkin Hand Pies to life! You’ll need your two refrigerated pie crusts. Gently unroll them onto a lightly floured surface. It’s important to handle the crusts with care so they don’t tear. I like to use a round cookie cutter, about 4 to 5 inches in diameter, to cut out circles from each crust. If you don’t have a cutter, you can use the rim of a large glass or a small bowl. You should aim to get about 6-8 circles from each crust, depending on their size. You want enough dough to comfortably hold the filling without overflowing. Once your circles are cut, place about half of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These will be the bottoms of your hand pies. Now, spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared pumpkin filling onto the center of each of these bottom crust circles. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the pies and might cause the filling to leak out during baking. Leave a small border around the edge of each circle for sealing.

Sealing and Decorating

The next step is to create the tops of your delicious Pumpkin Hand Pies and seal them securely. Take the remaining pie crust circles and place one on top of each filled circle. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal. For an extra secure seal and a beautiful decorative edge, I like to use the tines of a fork to crimp all around the perimeter of each hand pie. This not only looks pretty but also helps prevent any of that delightful pumpkin filling from escaping during the baking process. Now, for a little extra shine and flavor, we’re going to make an egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. This creates a simple yet effective wash that will give your Pumpkin Hand Pies a lovely golden-brown hue when baked. Brush this egg wash generously over the top of each hand pie. Finally, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of coarse sanding sugar over the egg-washed tops. This sugar will create a wonderful crunchy texture and a beautiful sparkle on your finished pies. For an extra touch of autumnal flavor and aroma, dust an additional 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice over the sanding sugar.

Baking to Perfection

Preheating your oven is a crucial step for achieving perfectly baked Pumpkin Hand Pies. Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature will allow the crust to bake through and turn a beautiful golden brown without burning the edges or the filling. Carefully place the baking sheet with your assembled and decorated Pumpkin Hand Pies into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for the crust to be golden brown and slightly puffed, and the filling to be set and warm. If the edges of your pies start to brown too quickly before the centers are cooked, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil. This will protect the edges from overcooking while allowing the rest of the pie to bake through. Once they are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Cooling and Enjoying

The aroma wafting from your oven should be absolutely incredible by now! Once the Pumpkin Hand Pies are baked to golden perfection, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. It’s important to let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the filling to set up a bit more and makes them easier to handle. After this initial cooling, gently transfer the Pumpkin Hand Pies to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully ensures the filling is firm and the crust is crisp. While they are delicious served warm, they are also fantastic at room temperature. These Pumpkin Hand Pies are wonderful on their own, or you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a delightful dessert. Enjoy the sweet, spiced, and tender filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – delightful homemade Pumpkin Hand Pies! We hope you enjoyed following along with this recipe. These charming hand pies are the perfect blend of flaky, buttery crust and a warm, spiced pumpkin filling, making them an absolute treat for any occasion. They’re wonderfully versatile, ideal as a grab-and-go breakfast, a satisfying dessert after a hearty meal, or even a festive addition to your holiday cookie platters.

For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving your Pumpkin Hand Pies warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair beautifully with a steaming mug of apple cider or a rich hot chocolate. Feel free to get creative with variations! You could add a pinch of nutmeg or gin extractger to the crust for an extra flavor kick, or even incorporate some chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin filling for added texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crust designs too – lattice tops or decorative crimping can elevate their appearance even further. We encourage you to make these Pumpkin Hand Pies your own and share them with loved ones. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough for Pumpkin Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pie dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Hand Pies?

Once cooled, store leftover Pumpkin Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently in a warm oven or toaster oven for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

While pumpkin puree is ideal for the classic flavor, you could experiment with other pureed winter squashes like butternut squash or sweet potato. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the spices accordingly.