Easy & Delicious Pumpkin Hand Pies: Your Perfect Fall & Holiday Dessert

Say goodbye to the traditional pumpkin pie dilemma and embrace the convenience and charm of these delightful pumpkin hand pies! Each adorable pastry features a rich, spiced pumpkin pie filling encased in a flaky, golden-brown pie dough circle, making them an irresistible handheld treat. The final touch? A luscious pumpkin spice icing drizzled generously on top, creating a truly memorable dessert that’s simple to make ahead for any gathering.

While the classic pumpkin pie holds a special place in our hearts, these individual hand pies offer a fresh and fun way to enjoy those beloved fall flavors. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed perfecting various pumpkin dessert recipes, from mini pumpkin pies to pumpkin pie bars, but transforming this Thanksgiving staple into a portable, easy-to-eat format has been a game-changer. These pumpkin hand pies are not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers and holiday hosts.

Just like my popular apple hand pies, this spiced pumpkin version is designed for ease. You won’t find any complicated crimping techniques or elaborate decorations here. The beauty of these pies lies in their rustic charm and effortless appeal. They’re perfectly portioned, incredibly satisfying, and can be enjoyed without the need for plates or forks, making them a fantastic addition to any buffet or dessert spread. Imagine guests grabbing a warm, flaky pie straight from the platter – pure autumnal bliss!

These hand pies are more than just a convenient dessert; they are a delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or holiday dessert table. Their individual size makes them perfect for sharing, and the vibrant flavors are sure to impress everyone. Be prepared for a chorus of compliments and requests for the recipe!

Mastering Your Pie Crust: Rolling for Success

Rolling out pie crust can sometimes feel intimidating, but with a few simple techniques, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. The key is to prevent sticking and ensure uniform thickness, which is vital for a well-baked hand pie.

Firstly, consistently flouring your work surface and rolling pin is paramount. A lightly floured surface allows the dough to move freely without adhering, preventing tears and making the rolling process much smoother. You’ll want to roll the dough to a precise thickness of about ⅛ inch. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a critical step. If your dough is thicker, it will be harder to seal the hand pies properly, and the filling may leak out during baking, leading to a messy baking sheet and less-than-perfect pies. A thin crust bakes evenly and contributes to that desirable flaky texture.

Here’s a detailed guide to rolling out your pie dough:

• Prepare Your Surface: Lightly dust your clean, dry work surface with all-purpose flour. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount, but avoid overdoing it, which can make the dough tough.
• Position the Dough: Place one chilled circle of pie dough onto the floured area. Sprinkle a little more flour over the top of the dough itself and on your rolling pin.
• Start Rolling Gently: Begin gently rolling the dough from the center outwards. After every few rolls, give the dough a quarter turn. This technique helps ensure the dough spreads evenly in all directions, prevents it from sticking in one spot, and helps maintain a round shape.
• Flour as Needed: Throughout the rolling process, don’t hesitate to lift the dough occasionally and add more flour to both the work surface and the top of the dough/rolling pin if you notice any sticking. This continuous dusting is your secret weapon against frustration.
• Check Thickness: Use a ruler or simply eyeball the thickness. Aim for that consistent ⅛-inch measurement across the entire sheet of dough. If the dough starts to become too warm and sticky, don’t hesitate to place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

For those who are visual learners, seeing is believing! You can watch exactly how I roll out pie crust in my pumpkin pie video. The video should automatically start at the 50-second mark, demonstrating this crucial step in action.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Assemble Your Pumpkin Hand Pies

Assembling these hand pies is a straightforward process, but a few key steps will ensure they bake up beautifully and hold their delicious filling without leaks.

• Cut the Pie Dough into Circles: Once your pie dough is rolled out to the desired ⅛-inch thickness, it’s time to cut your circles. I recommend a 5-inch cookie cutter for this, as it yields a perfectly sized hand pie – substantial enough but still easy to handle. This set is excellent for various baking needs. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, the rim of a 5-inch bowl or even a wide-mouth jar works just as well. Just ensure you don’t go any smaller than 5 inches, as smaller circles can be difficult to fill and seal effectively. Gather and gently re-roll any dough scraps to cut additional circles, making sure not to overwork the dough.
• Spoon the Pumpkin Pie Filling into the Center: Even distribution of filling is important. I find that a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop is the ideal tool for measuring and neatly placing the pumpkin pie filling into the center of each dough circle. This ensures every hand pie has a consistent amount of filling and, more importantly, prevents overfilling. Adding too much filling is a common mistake that can cause your hand pies to burst open or leak during baking, leading to a gooey mess.
• Brush One Edge with Egg Wash: Before folding, use a pastry brush (or even your fingertip if you’re careful) to lightly brush one half of the dough circle’s edge with egg wash. This acts as a powerful adhesive, helping the top and bottom crusts stick together securely when folded. A strong seal is your best defense against leaks!

• Fold the Dough Over and Press it Together: Carefully fold the un-brushed half of the dough over the filling to meet the egg-washed edge. Gently press the edges together with your fingers first, working your way around the semi-circle to remove any trapped air and secure the initial seal. Then, take a fork and firmly crimp the entire edge. This not only creates a beautiful, rustic pattern but, more importantly, creates a very tight seal, locking the delicious pumpkin filling inside.
• Chill Before Baking: This step is often overlooked but is absolutely vital for a flaky pie crust. After assembling all your hand pies, transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator and chill for at least 10-15 minutes (or even longer, up to 30 minutes). This cooling period allows the butter (or fat) in the pie dough to firm back up. When this cold fat hits the hot oven, it melts and releases steam, creating tiny air pockets that expand the dough into distinct, flaky layers. This chilling also helps prevent the pies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Add the Final Egg Wash and Cut Slits into the Tops: Just before baking, retrieve your chilled pies. Using a pastry brush, apply a light, even coat of egg wash over the top of each hand pie. This second application of egg wash will give your hand pies a beautiful, golden-brown sheen and a slightly crispy crust, enhancing their visual appeal. After brushing, take a sharp knife and carefully cut three small slits into the top of each pie. These slits are crucial – they act as vents, allowing steam from the baking filling to escape. Without these vents, the steam would build up, potentially causing the pie crust to crack, puff up unevenly, or even burst open, ruining the shape. For extra assurance that the slits don’t close during baking, you can gently push each one apart slightly with the tip of the knife immediately after cutting.
• Crimp the Edges Again, If Needed: As an extra precaution, especially if you’re new to making hand pies, you can gently press the edges with the tines of a fork one more time after adding the slits. This final re-crimping helps ensure that all seams are tightly sealed and reduces the risk of any delicious pumpkin filling leaking out as the pies bake. Trust me, a little extra attention to sealing here will save you from potential baking mishaps!

Finishing Touches: Creative Icing Options for Your Hand Pies

The icing is the crowning glory of these pumpkin hand pies, adding an extra layer of sweetness and spice that perfectly complements the rich filling. For this recipe, I opted for a simple yet incredibly flavorful vanilla icing, elevated with a generous dash of pumpkin pie spice. This creates a harmonious blend of classic vanilla sweetness with warm, autumnal notes.

However, don’t feel limited to this single option! Here are a few ideas to customize your hand pie experience:

• Classic Vanilla Icing: If you prefer a simpler finish, you can easily omit the pumpkin pie spice from the icing recipe for a clean, sweet vanilla glaze. This allows the pumpkin filling’s flavors to shine even more.
• Maple Cinnamon Glaze: For a different autumnal twist, consider the maple cinnamon glaze I use on my pumpkin scones. The rich, earthy notes of maple combined with warm cinnamon would be absolutely delicious and seasonally appropriate.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: A tangy cream cheese glaze would add a wonderful richness and depth. Simply combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla or maple extract for a decadent topping.
• Caramel Drizzle: For those who love a sweet and salty combination, a light drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the plain vanilla icing (or even instead of it) would be divine.
• Simple Sugar Dusting: For a less sweet option, a simple dusting of powdered sugar (perhaps even mixed with a tiny pinch of cinnamon) can offer an elegant finish.

Beyond the icing, consider how you might serve these delectable treats. A dollop of homemade whipped cream or a swirl of pumpkin spice whipped cream alongside would be a fantastic addition. They are also wonderful served with a cup of coffee or hot cider, making them perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack. These versatile hand pies are sure to be a hit no matter how you dress them up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Hand Pies

Can I Cut This Recipe In Half?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible and can be easily scaled down if you’re serving a smaller crowd or simply want fewer hand pies. When halving the recipe, most ingredients are straightforward to divide. However, the egg in the pumpkin pie filling requires a little finesse. To measure a partial egg, simply lightly beat a whole large egg in a small bowl, then use half of the beaten mixture (approximately 2 tablespoons). For the egg wash, you would also use half an egg, or if you prefer, you can use a full egg and simply have extra egg wash leftover, which isn’t a bad thing as it ensures good coverage.

Can I Use A Different Shape To Cut Them?

Technically, yes, you can experiment with different shapes for your hand pies, but I strongly advise caution. While the idea of a festive pumpkin-shaped pie might sound appealing, my experience has shown that they can be quite difficult to work with. The intricate curves and edges of shapes like pumpkins make it challenging to crimp and seal the dough securely. I’ve found that the pumpkin filling tends to ooze out in the oven, leading to a sticky, burnt mess on the baking sheet and a less-than-perfectly sealed pie.

That being said, a large round cookie cutter or bowl rim will make things significantly easier. The simple, continuous curve of a circle is much easier to seal tightly, drastically reducing the risk of leakage. Your hand pies will taste just as incredible, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration in the kitchen. If you must deviate from a circle, opt for simpler shapes like squares or rectangles, which also offer easier sealing than complex, curved designs. Remember, consistency in sealing is key to keeping that delicious filling where it belongs!

I genuinely hope you find joy in making these irresistible pumpkin hand pies! The harmonious blend of the warm, spiced pumpkin filling with the flaky, buttery crust is truly a match made in heaven. And the pumpkin spiced icing on top? It’s the perfect sweet and spicy finish that ties everything together. They are perfect for holiday entertaining, a cozy fall dessert, or simply a delightful treat. Enjoy every single bite!