Name: Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade pie crust recipe or 2 boxes store-bought pie crusts; 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Canola oil, for frying; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar); 6-9 tablespoons whole milk

These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful and comforting treat that’s perfect for fall or any time of year. With a flaky crust and a warm, sweet potato filling, these hand pies are easy to make and perfect for a cozy snack or a festive dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Portable: These hand pies are packed with the delicious flavors of sweet potato, brown sugar, and cinnamon, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Their individual size makes them perfect for enjoying on the go or sharing with friends and family.
Easy to Make: With store-bought or homemade pie crust and a simple filling, these hand pies are surprisingly easy to assemble and cook.
Versatile: You can enjoy them as a sweet treat, a dessert, or even a comforting snack on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Sweet Potato Hand Pies:

Pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade pie crust for convenience.
Mashed sweet potatoes: Adds a sweet and creamy filling.
Light brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
Canola oil: For frying the hand pies. You can substitute with other high-heat oils, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil.

For the Glaze:

Confectioners’ sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth glaze.
Whole milk: Thins the glaze to the desired consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Hand Pies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Add 1 tablespoon of the sweet potato filling to the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough to seal the hand pies.

Step 3: Fry the Hand Pies

Heat the canola oil in a medium pot to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy thermometer or a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Carefully place 2-3 hand pies in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the hand pies from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining hand pies, making sure to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the hand pies are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 6 tablespoons of milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies and let it set slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use chilled dough: For easier handling and to prevent the dough from becoming too soft, keep the pie crust chilled until ready to use.
Don’t overfill the hand pies: Overfilling can cause the filling to leak out during frying or baking.
Maintain the oil temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature ensures that the hand pies cook evenly and become crispy.
Alternative cooking methods: You can bake or air fry the hand pies instead of frying them (see instructions in the Notes section).

How to Serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Dessert: These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Party Treat: They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or afternoon tea.
Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying snack on a chilly day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:¹

You can freeze the unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Bake or fry from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of filling?

Yes, you can experiment with other fillings, such as fruit fillings, pumpkin puree, or even savory fillings like cheese and vegetables.

Can I make these hand pies without the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The hand pies are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar.

How can I make these hand pies vegan?

You can use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for the glaze. Make sure to check that your pie crust and any other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Sweet Potato Hand Pies that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!