Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe

Flaky Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe: A Charming Fall Treat

Crafting delectable sweet potato hand pies might just become your new culinary adventure.

Crisp pastry envelops a creamy, spiced filling that dances with warmth and comfort.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished kitchen memories.

Flaky edges and golden-brown surfaces promise a delightful sensory experience.

Modest ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your plate.

Small handheld delights invite spontaneous snacking and sharing with people you love.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle spice that will make you smile.

Mini Sweet Spiced Pies: Flavorful Favorites

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: These mini sweet spiced pies deliver homemade goodness in a compact, adorable package perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without massive prep time.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personalization with different spices, potential filling variations, and simple ingredients most home cooks already have in their pantry.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Portable hand pies work beautifully for casual gatherings, potlucks, school lunches, or as delightful after-dinner treats that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Simple Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe provides an excellent opportunity for novice bakers to practice pastry skills with minimal complex techniques and straightforward step-by-step instructions.

Mini Spiced Pies: What Goes In

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, orange-fleshed potatoes that form the base of the pie filling.
  • Pie Dough: Soft, pliable pastry that creates the delicate crust for the mini pies.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar, Vanilla: Ingredients that add sweetness and depth to the pie filling.
  • Butter, Cream: Rich dairy components that create a smooth and creamy texture.
Spices and Egg Wash:
  • Spices: A blend of warm spices that complement the sweet potato flavor.
  • Egg Wash: A golden brushing that gives the pies a beautiful shiny finish.

Fast Mini Pie Instructions

Fast Mini Pie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Wash and pierce sweet potatoes with a fork.

Roast in the oven at 400°F until completely soft and easily pierced with a knife, about 45-60 minutes.

Let cool slightly, then peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter
  • Heavy cream

Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a silky, fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Pie Dough

Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface.

Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut 4-5 inch circles.

Gather and re-roll remaining dough to maximize your pie yield.

Step 4: Fill Pie Circles

Place a generous spoonful of sweet potato filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

Step 5: Seal Handheld Pies

Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling.

Press edges together with a fork to create a decorative seal and prevent filling from leaking.

Step 6: Add Golden Shine

Whisk an egg and brush the surface of each pie with the egg wash, ensuring a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Arrange pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Optional Sweet Finish

Once completely cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if desired.

Tips for Golden Mini Pies

  • Microwave or boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender for easier mashing and smoother filling.
  • Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger ratios to match your taste preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Press fork edges firmly and evenly to prevent filling leakage and ensure a beautiful crimped appearance.
  • Use a pastry brush for even golden-brown coating, which adds a professional bakery-style finish to mini pies.
  • Prepare pie dough and filling a day ahead, then assemble and bake fresh for maximum convenience and flavor.

Mini Pie: Fresh Spins to Try

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Hand Pies: Replace butter and cream with coconut milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Use plant-based egg wash alternative like almond milk.
  • Gluten-Free Mini Pies: Swap traditional wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Savory Spiced Potato Pockets: Transform sweet version by reducing sugar, adding herbs like rosemary and thyme. Include crumbled goat cheese or roasted vegetables in filling.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without extra calories.

Serving Mini Sweet Spiced Pies

  • Cozy Dessert Picnic: Pack these mini pies in a cute basket for a delightful outdoor treat with friends and family.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside coffee or tea as a delectable morning indulgence that will brighten everyone's day.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual pies in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming present during festive seasons.
  • Elegant Plating Style: Dust with powdered sugar and add a small mint leaf for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.

Keeping Mini Pies Tasty

  • Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place frozen or refrigerated pies on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • For a speedy option, microwave individual pies for 30-45 seconds. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.

FAQs

  • Are these pies difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! These mini sweet spiced pies are straightforward and easy to prepare, even for novice bakers. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are common kitchen staples.

  • Can I use a different type of potato?

While sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and creamy texture, you could substitute with pumpkin or butternut squash for a similar result. Just ensure the alternative is well-mashed and has a similar consistency.

  • How do I prevent my pie edges from opening during baking?

Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges firmly. Press down carefully to create a tight seal that prevents the filling from leaking during baking. You can also use a little water on the edges to help them stick together better.

Print
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Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe

Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade sweet potato hand pies blend Southern comfort with delicate pastry perfection. Flaky crust and spiced filling create an irresistible dessert that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 package pie crusts
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Spices and Flavorings:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Pierce sweet potatoes and roast at 425°F for 45-50 minutes until completely soft and tender throughout.
  2. Remove sweet potatoes from oven, allow to cool slightly, then carefully peel and mash into smooth, creamy consistency.
  3. Incorporate sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and heavy cream into mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until uniformly blended.
  4. Roll out pastry dough on lightly floured surface and cut into precise 4-5 inch circular shapes using round cookie cutter or knife.
  5. Position spiced sweet potato mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving small border around edges for sealing.
  6. Gently fold pastry dough over filling, creating half-moon shaped pockets, then press edges firmly with fork tines to create decorative sealed border.
  7. Whisk egg wash and delicately brush surface of each mini pie, ensuring complete coverage for golden, glossy finish.
  8. Transfer mini pies onto parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until pastry turns rich golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely before optional drizzling of sweet glaze over top of each mini pie.

Notes

  • Swap out sweet potatoes for pumpkin or butternut squash for a different seasonal twist that keeps the cozy flavor profile intact.
  • Use gluten-free pie crust mix to make these mini pies friendly for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious treat.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting total sugar by one-third for a lighter dessert that still maintains rich, warm spice notes.
  • Freeze unbaked pies for quick future desserts by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then storing in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern Cuisine

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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