These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies are the perfect treat for any occasion! With their flaky pie crust and delightful pumpkin filling, they bring warmth and joy to gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also offer a deliciously spiced flavor that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy them as a dessert or a snack, and watch everyone smile with delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These hand pies come together easily, making them an excellent choice for busy bakers.
- Flavorful Filling: The pumpkin pie filling is rich and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for that cozy taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to simple family meals, these pies fit right in.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or toppings to make these hand pies uniquely yours.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in shaping and filling the pies for a fun baking activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Easy Pumpkin Hand pies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or hand pie cutter
- Fork
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool makes creating the pie dough quick and efficient by blending ingredients seamlessly.
- Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out your dough evenly, ensuring perfectly shaped hand pies.
- Fork: Ideal for sealing edges of the hand pies and adding decorative patterns.
Ingredients
These pumpkin hand pies are made with flakey pie dough, filled with an easy and delicious pumpkin pie filling, and topped with plenty of cinnamon sugar!
For the Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 230 g Butter
- 8 tbsp Water (ice water)
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Ginger
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Egg
- 1/3 cup Sweetened condensed milk
For Topping
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by making the pie dough. In a food processor, add the flour, sugar, and salt, then mix until combined.
Add cold cubed butter and blend until well combined.
Then add ice water and mix for about 10 seconds. Check if it holds together; if not, add another tablespoon of water.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean floured surface and gather it into a ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least an hour.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully mixed.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, roll out the pie dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 5: Cut Dough Circles
Using a 3 1/2 inch cookie cutter or hand pie cutter, cut out circles from the rolled dough. You should have enough to make about 20 circles for 10 hand pies.
Step 6: Fill and Seal Pies
Place one tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto each dough round. Carefully top each with another circle of dough. Use a fork to seal the edges firmly.
Step 7: Add Slits & Brush Eggs
Make slits on top of each pie using a knife. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
Step 8: Bake Pies
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Once done, allow them to cool for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, serving these hand pies with complementary flavors can elevate the experience.
With Whipped Cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich pumpkin filling.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
With Caramel Sauce
- Drizzling caramel sauce over the hand pies enhances their sweetness and adds a luxurious touch.
With Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the pumpkin filling.
As Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy them as part of a brunch spread alongside coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day.
With Seasonal Fruits
- Pair with apple slices or pomegranate seeds for a fresh and fruity contrast to the rich pie filling.
How to Perfect Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
To ensure your Easy Pumpkin Hand pies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water keep the dough flaky, resulting in crispy hand pies.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough pie crusts; handle it gently.
- Seal edges properly: Press down firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Chill before baking: Refrigerating filled hand pies for 15 minutes helps maintain shape while baking.
- Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want golden brown tops without burning.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
Serving side dishes alongside your Easy Pumpkin Hand pies can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Cranberry Sauce
A tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet pumpkin filling. - Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The savory flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the hand pies beautifully. - Sweet Potato Mash
A creamy sweet potato mash adds warmth and pairs well with pumpkin-based desserts. - Fall Salad
A salad featuring mixed greens, apples, and walnuts offers freshness and crunch alongside rich hand pies. - Cheese Platter
Include cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch that balances sweetness with savory notes. - Hot Apple Cider
Warm apple cider enhances the fall flavors and creates a cozy atmosphere when served with dessert. - Pumpkin Soup
For true pumpkin lovers, serving pumpkin soup as an appetizer makes for a delightful seasonal meal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Pumpkin Hand pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the pie dough can lead to a tough texture. Be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before rolling out.
- Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the hand pies to burst open while baking. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per pie for perfect results.
- Skipping the egg wash: Neglecting the egg wash means missing out on that beautiful golden finish. Brush each pie with egg wash before baking for an appealing look.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Not making slits in the top: Forgetting to make slits on top of the pies can trap steam inside, leading to soggy crusts. Make a few small cuts before baking for crispy results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
- Wrap each hand pie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Pumpkin Hand pies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Easy Pumpkin Hand pies more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding extra spices like cloves or allspice to the filling mixture.
Can I make these Easy Pumpkin Hand pies vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg.
What is the best way to serve Easy Pumpkin Hand pies?
These hand pies are excellent served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! Just ensure you cook and puree it until smooth before using it as filling.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies offer a deliciously simple way to enjoy pumpkin flavors any time of year. They are versatile enough for customization; feel free to experiment with different spices or fillings. Give this recipe a try and delight your friends and family!
Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies. Perfect for any occasion, these hand pies feature a flaky crust encasing a spiced pumpkin filling that brings warmth to gatherings, family dinners, or cozy evenings at home. Quick and easy to prepare, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special touch. These delightful treats are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 hand pies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 230 g butter
- 8 tbsp ice water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the pie dough by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cubed butter and blend until combined. Pour in ice water and mix briefly until dough holds together.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Make the filling by combining pumpkin puree, egg, sweetened condensed milk, spices, and salt in a mixing bowl; whisk until smooth.
- Roll out chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter.
- Place one tablespoon of filling onto each circle, top with another circle of dough, and seal edges with a fork.
- Make slits on top of each pie, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at preheated oven (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (60g)
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 153mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <3g
- Cholesterol: <33mg
Keywords: Use cold ingredients for a flaky crust. Customize your filling with additional spices like cloves or allspice. These hand pies can be frozen for up to three months—just reheat before serving.
