Easy Pumpkin Hand pies

These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their flaky crust and delicious pumpkin filling, they are sure to impress family and friends. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy evening snack, these hand pies offer a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart. Their portability makes them ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or simply enjoying at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for bakers of all skill levels to create these delicious treats.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich and comforting flavor.
• Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are great for on-the-go snacking, making them perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Versatile Treat: Customize the filling with extra spices or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With their appealing look and taste, these hand pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easy Pumpkin Hand pies, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Cookie-cutter or hand pie cutter
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Helps quickly mix the dough, saving time and effort while ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which is key to achieving that perfect flaky texture.
• Cookie cutter: Provides a uniform size for each hand pie, ensuring they bake evenly.

Ingredients

These pumpkin hand pies are made with flaky 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: Make the Pie Dough

Start by making the pie dough. In a food processor, add the flour, sugar, and salt, mixing until combined.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add cold cubed butter to the mixture. Blend until you achieve a crumbly texture where butter pieces are incorporated into the flour.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

Add ice water gradually while mixing. Stop when the dough begins to hold together. If needed, add another tablespoon of water.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, egg, sweetened condensed milk, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Remove chilled dough from the fridge. On a floured surface, roll it into a large circle using a rolling pin.

Step 7: Cut Circles

Using a cookie cutter (approximately 3 1/2 inches), cut out circles from the rolled dough. Aim for about 20 circles to make 10 hand pies.

Step 8: Fill and Seal Pies

Add about one tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto one dough circle. Top with another circle of dough; seal edges using a fork. Dip fork in flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Make slits on top of each pie for steam release. Brush tops with an egg wash and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake hand pies for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling on a rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies!

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies

These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a delightful treat any time of the year. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve these hand pies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for a creamy contrast.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Pair warm pumpkin hand pies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to elevate their flavor and texture.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.

With Hot Spiced Apple Cider

• Serve alongside hot spiced apple cider for a comforting beverage that complements the flavors of pumpkin and spices.

How to Perfect Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies

To ensure your Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Keep your butter and water ice-cold to create a flaky pie crust.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough hand pies; less is more!
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps it relax, making it easier to roll out.
• Seal edges well: Ensure you press down firmly around the edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices in your filling, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg based on your taste preference.
• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on your pies in the oven; they should be golden brown but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies can enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Salad
   A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the hand pies.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots provide a savory touch that complements dessert well.
3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie, offers a nice contrast to sweet pumpkin flavors.
4. Fruit Compote
   Serve with a warm fruit compote made from apples or berries for added sweetness and texture.
5. Yogurt Dip
   A creamy yogurt dip can be refreshing and pairs nicely with the spices in the hand pies.
6. Mashed Potatoes
   Rich and buttery mashed potatoes can serve as a surprising yet comforting side, perfect for autumn gatherings.
7. Steamed Asparagus
   Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and color, balancing out richer flavors from the hand pies.
8. Pumpkin Soup
   For a themed meal, serve alongside a warm bowl of pumpkin soup for an extra dose of autumn flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Pumpkin Hand pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the dough to chill can lead to tough hand pies. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour for optimal flakiness.
• Overfilling with pumpkin filling: Adding too much filling can cause the hand pies to burst open while baking. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per pie.
• Not sealing edges properly: If the edges aren’t sealed well, they might open during baking. Use a fork and make sure to press firmly around the edges.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt pies. Ensure your oven is preheated to 200°C (400°F) before baking.
• Forgetting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash will lead to less golden and shiny pastries. Brush them before baking for that beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place in the fridge for best results.

Freezing Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Baked hand pies can also be frozen; wrap them tightly before freezing.

Reheating Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, but this may result in a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Warm them gently on low heat in a skillet until hot, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Pumpkin Hand pies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin; just make sure it’s roasted and pureed until smooth for the best results.

How do I know when my Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies are done?

The hand pies should be golden brown on top. You can also check if they’re firm when gently pressed.

Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg.

What other spices can I add to my filling?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like allspice or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

How long do these hand pies last in the fridge?

Easy Pumpkin Hand Pies can last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Pumpkin Hand pies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the filling with different spices or even add chocolate chips for a twist. They make a perfect dessert or snack option that everyone will love!