Flaky Pumpkin Hand Pies: The Cozy Fall Recipe You’ll Adore

Crisp autumn days call for delightful pumpkin hand pies that melt in your mouth with buttery, flaky crust goodness.

Pastry chefs have long celebrated these miniature desserts as portable delicacies packed with seasonal warmth.

Seasonal spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of comforting flavors.

Crafting these individual treats becomes an art form that connects you with traditional baking techniques.

Delicate pastry edges promise a crunch that contrasts beautifully with smooth pumpkin filling.

Every golden-brown pocket holds a promise of sweet nostalgia and culinary creativity.

You’ll want to savor each carefully crafted morsel and share the magic with those closest to you.

FAQs

• Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hand pies in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar before putting them in the oven.

• Is it okay to use canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

• How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking?

To prevent leaks, make sure to seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling the pies. Leave a small border around the edges when adding the filling to ensure a good seal.

Pumpkin Hand Pies: Little Pockets of Fall

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: These hand pies deliver cozy autumn flavors in a portable, personal-sized treat that everyone can enjoy without complicated preparation.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family events where people want something deliciously nostalgic and easy to eat without utensils.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe with basic kitchen tools, straightforward mixing technique, and minimal ingredients that guarantee delicious results.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding different spices, using alternative pie crusts, or adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences.

Hand Pie Ingredient Gathering Guide

• Pie Crust: A flaky base that provides the perfect tender and crisp foundation for the pumpkin hand pies.
• Egg Wash: A golden-brown glaze that helps create a shiny and crisp exterior.

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that brings the classic autumn flavor to the hand pies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides an extra sweet and crisp topping for the pies.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: A warm blend of spices that creates the quintessential pumpkin pie flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall taste of the filling.

How to Bake Pumpkin Hand Pies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape the Pastry Circles

Gently roll out your pie crusts on a clean surface.

Use a cookie cutter or a drinking glass to create perfectly round dough circles approximately 4 inches wide.

Step 3: Create Luscious Pumpkin Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the ingredients blend into a smooth, aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Fill the Pastry Rounds

Place a generous tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture directly in the center of each dough circle.

Step 5: Seal the Hand Pies

Carefully fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape.

Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, ensuring the filling stays tucked inside.

Step 6: Add Golden Finishing Touches

Gently brush each hand pie with egg wash.

Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top to create a sparkling, caramelized exterior.

Step 7: Create Steam Vents

Take a sharp knife and make small slits on the top of each pie.

These vents allow steam to escape and help prevent soggy pastry.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the hand pies in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and prevent burning.

Tips for Flaky Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Refrigerate butter and pie dough before rolling to ensure a super flaky, tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
• Drain excess liquid from pumpkin puree using a paper towel to prevent soggy hand pies and maintain a perfect texture.
• Crimp pie edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling to stop filling from seeping out during baking.
• Add a pinch of salt to the filling to balance sweetness and boost the warm spice profile of the pumpkin mixture.
• Use a pastry brush to apply egg wash evenly and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful, crisp exterior.

Pumpkin Hand Pie Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Hand Pies: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie dough or almond flour pastry for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Hand Pies: Swap egg wash with plant-based milk, use vegan pie crust, and replace egg with flax egg for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spiced Apple Variation: Substitute pumpkin puree with diced apples, add cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic fall-inspired hand pie.
• Maple Pecan Adaptation: Mix chopped pecans into the filling and drizzle with maple syrup before baking for a rich, nutty flavor profile.

Serving Pumpkin Hand Pies with Flaky Crust

• Festive Autumn Plating: Arrange hand pies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and scattered whole nuts for a cozy seasonal presentation.
• Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve with warm vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence and rich flavor contrast.
• Portable Party Treats: Pack these hand pies in cute mini paper bags for school lunches, picnics, or fall gatherings as delightful grab-and-go desserts.
• Beverage Buddies: Complement with spiced chai latte, hot apple cider, or strong black coffee to enhance the warm pumpkin spice notes.

Storing Pumpkin Hand Pies Fresh

• Wrap individual hand pies in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Carefully stack hand pies between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place frozen or refrigerated pies on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain flaky crust texture.

Pumpkin Hand Pies Flaky Crust Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful pumpkin hand pies blend classic autumn flavors with buttery, flaky crust for a portable dessert that celebrates seasonal comfort. Warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling nestled in crisp pastry invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg

Spices and Flavorings:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Roll out pie crusts and create precise 4-inch diameter circular shapes using a round cookie cutter or glass rim.
3. Combine pumpkin puree with brown sugar, aromatic spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
4. Center approximately one tablespoon of pumpkin mixture onto each dough circle, ensuring equal distribution.
5. Carefully fold dough circles into half-moon configurations, pressing edges firmly with fork tines to create complete sealed pockets.
6. Apply a delicate egg wash across the surface of each hand pie, then generously dust with granulated sugar for additional texture and sweetness.
7. Create small strategic venting slits on the top of each pie using a sharp knife to allow steam release during baking.
8. Position hand pies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, monitoring until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
9. Remove from oven and allow minimal cooling time before serving to maintain optimal warmth and flakiness.

Notes

• Chill the pie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flakier, more tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Use room temperature pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly to avoid lumpy filling that could tear the delicate pastry.
• Try alternative spices like cardamom or allspice to create a unique flavor profile that suits personal taste preferences.
• For gluten-free variations, substitute regular pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg