Flaky Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe: Autumn’s Sweetest Treat

Crisp autumn days call for delightful pumpkin hand pies that melt in your mouth with pure comfort.

Sweet spices dance through flaky pastry, creating little handheld desserts perfect for chilly afternoons.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through kitchens, promising delectable treats.

Compact and adorable, these miniature pies capture the essence of seasonal baking without overwhelming complexity.

Compact pastry pockets cradle smooth pumpkin filling, delivering rich flavors in every bite.

Sharing becomes effortless when each person gets their own personal pie.

You’ll fall in love with these charming, portable desserts that celebrate fall’s most beloved ingredient.

FAQs About Pumpkin Hand Pies Explained

• Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade pie crust works perfectly and can add a more personalized touch to your hand pies. Just ensure the dough is rolled out thin and evenly.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges of the hand pies tightly by pressing with a fork and avoid overfilling. This helps keep the delicious pumpkin mixture inside the pastry.

• Is it possible to make these hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them great for advance preparation.

Why Pumpkin Hand Pies Are the Perfect Portable Treat

• Craft Handheld Delights: Portable pumpkin hand pies transform traditional dessert into a convenient, grab-and-go treat perfect for parties, picnics, or quick snacking.
• Master Simple Baking: Beginners can confidently create these hand pies with basic kitchen skills, minimal ingredients, and straightforward assembly techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Celebrate Seasonal Flavors: Packed with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these hand pies capture the essence of fall in every delectable bite, making them ideal for seasonal gatherings and cozy moments.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative variations by adjusting spice levels, adding different toppings like powdered sugar, or experimenting with homemade or store-bought pie crusts to suit personal preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Delicious Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Pie Crusts: Basic foundation for creating delicate hand pie shells.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, rich vegetable base that provides the classic autumn flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that create a traditional pumpkin pie flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the filling.

• Egg, Milk: Creates a golden, glossy exterior that helps seal the hand pies.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a delicate sweet finish to the hand pies.

How to Make Pumpkin Hand Pies with Flaky Crusts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Take your pie crusts and roll them out on a surface lightly dusted with flour. Cut the dough into cute 4-inch circles or squares that will become your delicious hand pies.

Step 3: Create Magical Filling

• Smooth pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• A pinch of salt

Stir everything together until you have a rich, aromatic mixture that screams autumn.

Step 4: Build Your Hand Pies

Place a generous dollop of the pumpkin mixture right in the center of each dough shape. Fold the dough over to create a cute little pocket. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, making sure no filling escapes.

Step 5: Add a Golden Shine

Whisk an egg with a splash of milk to create a beautiful egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the tops of your hand pies to give them a gorgeous golden glow.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color that promises crispy, flaky deliciousness.

Step 7: Final Touches

Let the hand pies cool down for a few moments. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips for Baking the Best Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Chill the dough before rolling to prevent sticking and make handling easier.
• Seal edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best authentic flavor.
• Experiment with spices like cardamom or cloves to enhance the pumpkin's warmth.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting egg wash with almond milk and using vegan pie crust.

Unique Variations to Try with Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Spiced Apple Variation: Replace pumpkin puree with diced apples, add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar for a classic apple hand pie flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Variation: Mix cream cheese with pumpkin filling, creating a tangy and rich center that complements the sweet pumpkin base.
• Maple Pecan Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking and drizzle with maple syrup after cooling for added texture and sweetness.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Variation: Fold mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture for a decadent and indulgent hand pie experience.

Tasty Pairings for Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Pair Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm pumpkin spices with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the pie's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
• Boost Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of rich, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm hand pies for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Match Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the dessert's sweetness by drizzling smooth caramel sauce over the hand pies, creating a decadent autumn-inspired treat.
• Sip Mulled Apple Cider: Enjoy a warm mug of spiced apple cider that brings out the pie's seasonal flavors and provides a cozy drinking experience.

How to Store Pumpkin Hand Pies for Lasting Freshness

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight. Warm at 350F (175C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Crisp the crust by placing directly on the oven rack.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pies for 20-30 seconds. Check temperature and add 10-second intervals if needed.

Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal spices dance through classic Pumpkin Hand Pies, bringing warmth from Grandma’s kitchen to your dessert plate. Sweet pastry pockets filled with creamy pumpkin promise delightful autumn comfort you can savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Egg Wash and Topping:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by setting the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Flatten pie crusts on a flour-dusted surface and precisely cut into 4-inch uniform circles or squares.
3. Create the aromatic filling by blending pumpkin puree with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Carefully position a measured spoonful of pumpkin mixture centrally on each dough piece, leaving sufficient border for sealing.
5. Fold dough over the filling, creating a compact pocket, and firmly crimp edges using fork tines to ensure complete closure.
6. Whisk egg and milk together to create a glossy wash, then delicately brush the surface of each hand pie for a golden finish.
7. Strategically place hand pies on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until pastries transform into a rich, amber-brown color with crisp edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow pies to cool momentarily on a wire rack.
10. Optional: Dust with a light veil of powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet presentation.

Notes

• Choose cold butter when making the pie dough to ensure a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Chill the assembled hand pies for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape and prevent filling leakage.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Transform these hand pies into a seasonal treat by adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a drizzle of maple glaze for extra autumnal flavor.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 217 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg