Pumpkin Hand Pies Flaky Crust

Oh my goodness, you have to try these pumpkin hand pies with a flaky crust! They’re little pockets of fall flavor that are just too cute. Plus, they’re so easy to eat on the go!

I baked a batch over the weekend, and they turned out so soft and perfectly spiced. The flaky crust just melts in your mouth, and that pumpkin filling is like a little pumpkin pie in every bite. They’re perfect for fall parties or just a cozy snack.

Trust me, you’ll want to make a big batch because they’ll disappear fast. They’re just the right mix of sweet, spicy, and buttery. Everyone will love them!

So let’s grab some pie dough and pumpkin puree. I’ll show you how to whip up these adorable pumpkin hand pies. They’re easy, delicious, and totally perfect for fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Flakiness: Each bite reveals a delicate, buttery crust made from refrigerated pie dough, baked to a golden crisp. The crust acts as a perfect shell for the creamy filling.
• Balanced Flavor: The filling combines pumpkin puree with classic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Just enough sweetness from brown sugar brings out the natural earthiness of pumpkin.
• Simple, Yet Impressive: While the recipe is beginner-friendly, the hand pies look elegant and offer a homemade touch that impresses guests. Ideal for holidays, bake sales, or a weekend baking project.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including rolling and filling)
Bake Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on oven and pie size)
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe yields 8 hand pies, which makes about 4 servings if serving as a dessert or snack. You can easily double the ingredients to make more for a crowd.

Difficulty:
This is an easy-to-moderate recipe. It’s beginner-friendly if you use pre-made pie crust, but experienced bakers can elevate it by making homemade dough or adding design elements like crimped edges or sugar-dusted tops.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare and bake these hand pies:

• Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness.
• Baking sheet: To hold the hand pies in the oven; lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Parchment paper: Keeps the pies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easy.
• Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash, which gives the crust its shiny, golden finish.
• Fork: For crimping the edges and ensuring the pies are sealed.
• Small bowl: To mix the pumpkin filling and whisk the egg wash.
• Spoon: To scoop and fill the dough rounds with the pumpkin mixture.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Hand Pies

These hand pies use simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements will be in the recipe card later):

• Refrigerated pie crusts: Two sheets of store-bought dough make this recipe quick and reliable, but you can substitute with homemade pastry if desired.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Smooth and consistent in texture, it’s the base for the filling. If you use homemade puree, make sure it’s thick and well-drained.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice that defines classic pumpkin pie flavor.
• Ground ginger: Brings a hint of brightness and mild heat to balance the sweetness.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a rich, nutty note to the mix.
• Ground cloves: Deep, earthy, and aromatic—just a pinch adds depth.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and adds a layer of warm flavor.
• Egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
• Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and a hint of sweetness.

Variations for Pumpkin Hand Pies

If you’d like to change things up or add your twist, try these ideas:

• Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese into each pie for a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
• Use Homemade Dough: Make your own pastry crust with flour, butter, salt, and water for an extra flaky texture.
• Swap Spices: Replace the individual spices with a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend for convenience and consistency.
• Decorate the Tops: Cut small shapes into the top crust for a vent (like leaves or pumpkins), or use a small knife to create slits for a rustic look.
• Add Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Hand Pies – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a small bowl, combine:

• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  Mix until smooth and evenly blended. This filling should be thick and not runny, so it stays neatly inside the pies during baking.

3. Roll and Cut the Pie Crust

Unroll the refrigerated pie crust sheets on a lightly floured surface. If the dough cracks, press gently to smooth it out.
Use a round cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches) or a glass to cut out circles of dough. Gather the scraps and re-roll if needed to cut additional rounds. You should get about 16 circles total (8 pairs).

4. Fill and Seal the Hand Pies

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin filling onto the center of half of the dough circles.
Top each with a second dough circle. Use your finger or a fork to press and seal the edges all around. This step helps keep the filling inside during baking.
Use the fork to poke a few holes on the top of each pie to let steam escape.

5. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with a teaspoon of water. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of egg wash over each hand pie.
Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar for a little crunch and sparkle.

6. Bake the Hand Pies

Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The tops should be shiny from the egg wash, and the edges lightly crisped.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for snacking or sharing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep the Dough Cold: If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Cold dough helps keep the layers flaky and prevents spreading.
• Use Even Portions: When filling the pies, use a measuring spoon to keep portions uniform. This ensures even baking and prevents leaks.
• Seal Well: Press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from escaping during baking. You can also brush a bit of water or egg wash on the edges before sealing for a stronger bond.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst open while baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per pie.
• Cool Before Eating: The filling will be hot right out of the oven. Let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes to set the filling and avoid burns.

Storing Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
• Freezer: Wrap the unbaked hand pies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Information (Per Hand Pie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	160mg
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugars	9g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thick and drained of excess liquid to prevent soggy pies.

Q: Can I make the pies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the pies up to the baking step, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I use a different filling?
Of course! Apple, sweet potato, or even chocolate filling work well. Just make sure the filling is thick and not too wet.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Hand Pies are a cozy, fall-inspired dessert with a flaky crust and spiced pumpkin filling. Simple to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a versatile treat for any gathering. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a sweet snack, these hand pies are a great option.