What’s your favorite fall dessert? Try these easy homemade pumpkin hand pies made with fresh pumpkin and spices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or family favorite treat, save for later

Irresistible Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe

Introduction

As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisper, our taste buds start to crave the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Among the plethora of seasonal treats, pumpkin hand pies stand out as a delightful combination of flaky pastry, velvety pumpkin filling, and the perfect blend of spices. This recipe is designed to be both accessible and impressive, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s as much a joy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these irresistible pumpkin hand pies are sure to become a new favorite, perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or as a centerpiece for your fall gatherings.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a rich and inviting aroma, while the use of common pantry staples makes this recipe easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple filling and a store-bought or homemade pastry crust, these hand pies come together quickly, requiring minimal fuss and effort for maximum reward.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their elegant appearance, these pies are surprisingly straightforward to make, making them an ideal choice for entertaining or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The heart of these pumpkin hand pies lies in their ingredients. You’ll need a cup of pumpkin puree (canned is perfectly fine, but feel free to use fresh if you’re feeling adventurous), a half cup of heavy cream, a quarter cup of granulated sugar, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a half teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon of ground allspice. For the crust, you can either make your own pastry dough using flour, cold butter, and ice water or use store-bought puff pastry for an even quicker assembly. Practical substitutions include using coconut cream for a dairy-free version or adjusting the spice levels to your personal taste preferences.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
2. Step 2: Roll out your pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to about a quarter-inch thickness. If using puff pastry, follow the package instructions for thawing first. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, aiming for about 4-6 inches in diameter.
3. Step 3: Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Brush the edges with a little water, then fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
4. Step 4: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each pie. Brush the tops with a little bit of milk or beaten egg for a golden glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your butter is cold when making the pastry dough, as this will help create a flaky, tender crust. If using puff pastry, keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll it out.
• Don’t overfill the hand pies, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Leave a little room for the filling to expand.
• Consider using a variety of spices or adding a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin and sugar.

Heat Control

For baking the hand pies, maintain your oven at a consistent 375°F (190°C). The pies are done when the pastry is golden brown and firm to the touch, and the filling is warm and set. This should take about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as oven times can vary.

Crunch Factor

The pastry crust should be flaky and tender, with a slight crunch from the baking. To achieve this, make sure not to overwork the dough when making your own pastry, and keep the puff pastry well chilled before baking. A light egg wash or brushing with milk before baking will also help create a golden, crispy exterior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra flaky crust, try folding and re-rolling your pastry dough a few times before cutting out the circles. This technique, known as laminating, will help create layers in the dough.
• Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash or milk, as this will give you more control and help prevent the pastry from becoming too soggy.
• Keep your baked hand pies warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C) for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

• Leftover hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before baking and then baking frozen as needed.
• To reheat, place the pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• When freezing, place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put in the freezer until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These hand pies make wonderful gifts, especially during the fall season. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing in a gift basket, or arranging them in a wooden crate lined with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. You could also include a packet of hot cocoa mix or a few spices to complement the pumpkin flavor.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves to the filling for a unique twist.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with chopped nuts, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin for a slightly different flavor, or substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk for a vegan version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your pastry turns out too dense, it may be due to overworking the dough. Try to mix and roll out the dough just until it comes together, and keep it well chilled.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing a specific spice, feel free to omit it or substitute with a similar spice. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the pies are undercooked, the pastry may be pale and soft. If overcooked, the pastry may be too dark or the filling could be dry. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven’s performance.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these hand pies can be frozen before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake frozen pies for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Is it gluten-free? The filling is naturally gluten-free, but the pastry crust typically contains gluten. Consider using a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free pastry dough.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the instructions as usual. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly for larger batches.

Conclusion

With their perfect blend of autumnal spices, tender pastry, and creamy pumpkin filling, these irresistible pumpkin hand pies are sure to become a staple of your fall baking repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd, looking for a special treat to brighten up a chilly day, or simply wanting to share a little joy with friends and family, these hand pies are the perfect choice. So go ahead, get baking, and watch as these little pockets of warmth and flavor bring smiles to the faces of everyone around you. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and variations with us!