Name: Pumpkin Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade pie crust recipe or 2 boxes store-bought pie crusts; 2 cups pumpkin pie filling (homemade or store-bought); Canola or vegetable oil, for frying; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

These Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for fall or any occasion where you’re craving a warm and comforting dessert. With a flaky, golden crust and a sweet pumpkin pie filling, these hand pies are easy to make and ideal for enjoying on the go or sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Portable: These hand pies are packed with the delicious flavors of pumpkin pie spice and a creamy pumpkin filling, 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 pumpkin pie 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 Pumpkin Hand Pies:

Pie crust: Use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe or store-bought pie crust for convenience.
Pumpkin pie filling: Use your favorite homemade pumpkin pie filling or store-bought for a quick and easy option.
Canola or vegetable oil: For frying the hand pies. You can substitute with other high-heat oils, such as peanut oil or grapeseed oil.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy coating.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.

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 Pumpkin Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Filling

Roll out the pie crust(s) on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. If using homemade pie crust, you should get about 26-28 rounds. If using store-bought pie crust, you may get fewer rounds, as the crusts are typically smaller and thinner.

Step 2: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling. Use your fingers to crimp the edges of the dough together to seal the hand pies, or use a fork to create a decorative pattern.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Hand Pies

Heat the canola or vegetable 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 at a time and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the hand pies from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined cooling rack to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining hand pies, making sure to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the hand pies are still warm, dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Pumpkin Hand Pies warm or cold.

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.
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 the hand pies in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown, or air fry them at 360°F (182°C) for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

How to Serve Pumpkin Hand Pies

Dessert: These Pumpkin 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:

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 or even savory fillings like cheese and vegetables.

Can I make these hand pies without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air fry them. See the notes section for instructions.

How can I make these hand pies vegan?

You can use vegan butter and a vegan pie crust. Make sure to check that your pumpkin pie filling is also vegan-friendly.

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