Description
Pumpkin Hand Pies are flaky, portable pastries filled with a smooth, spiced pumpkin mixture perfect for cozy fall snacking. Featuring a buttery crust and a perfectly balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these hand pies make an ideal treat for gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting seasonal dessert. Customizable and easy to prepare, they offer a delicious way to savor the flavors of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- Pie crust dough (store-bought or homemade), enough to cut 4–5 inch rounds
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg or substitute with plant-based milk and maple syrup for vegan version)
- Salt, a pinch
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Mix-ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup (optional)
- Mini dark or milk chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, a pinch of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well-blended, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4 to 5 inch round or square cutter to cut the dough into individual hand pie shapes.
- Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the pumpkin filling (and any optional mix-ins) in the center of each dough piece, leaving space at the edges. Lightly brush the edges with water, fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg wash (or vegan substitute) to promote a shiny golden crust during baking.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and fragrant. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chill dough before rolling to help achieve flaky layers and prevent stickiness.
- Don’t overfill the pies to avoid leaks and ensure easy sealing.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Make small slits on the top crust to vent steam and prevent sogginess.
- Cool pies for 10 minutes before serving to let filling set and avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg