Pumpkin Hand Pies: A Portable Taste of Fall

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in the flavors of the season with our Pumpkin Hand Pies – a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin pie with the convenience of a handheld pastry. These flaky, buttery pies are filled with a rich and creamy pumpkin filling, making them perfect for enjoying on the go or sharing with friends and family at any autumn gathering. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or looking for a festive dessert, these Pumpkin Hand Pies are sure to satisfy your cravings and evoke all the cozy feelings of fall.

Who is this Recipe For?

This recipe is for anyone who loves the classic flavors of pumpkin pie and enjoys a convenient and portable snack. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a grab-and-go treat for your family or a baking enthusiast eager to experiment with seasonal flavors, these Pumpkin Hand Pies are perfect for you. They’re also great for holiday parties, tailgates, or any occasion where you want to share a taste of fall with others.

Why It’s Great

What makes these Pumpkin Hand Pies so great is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky pastry crust pairs perfectly with the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, creating a deliciously satisfying treat that’s reminiscent of a slice of homemade pumpkin pie. Plus, the individual hand-held servings make these pies easy to enjoy anywhere, whether you’re snuggled up by the fireplace or out and about exploring the autumn foliage.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

For the Pie Crust:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the ice water to the flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it forms a cohesive ball.
  5. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling out.

For the Pumpkin Filling:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

For Assembly:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled pie dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
  3. Use a round cookie cutter or small bowl to cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
  4. Place a spoonful of the pumpkin filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
  5. Brush the edges of the dough circles with beaten egg, then fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
  6. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pies, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Repeat the process with the remaining pie dough and filling.
  8. Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  9. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the tops of the pies to allow steam to escape during baking.
  10. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these Pumpkin Hand Pies, you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Rolling pin
  • Round cookie cutter or small bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover Pumpkin Hand Pies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the pies at room temperature, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Food Pairings

These Pumpkin Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider for a cozy autumn treat.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own from scratch. Simply roll out the store-bought dough according to the package instructions, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

While canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, you can use it in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that the filling may be sweeter and more heavily spiced than the homemade pumpkin filling called for in the recipe.

Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pies ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover the unbaked pies tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delicious and portable way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their flaky, buttery crust and creamy pumpkin filling, these pies are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and get ready to savor the taste of autumn with these delightful hand-held treats. Happy baking!

Discover more from Bocados Sabrosos

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading