How to Make Pumpkin Hand Pies

October 2, 2015 by Amy Clark

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When I was a kid one of my favorite treats in the world was an apple pie that they served at a fast food restaurant in town. The flaky crust in a pocket filled with the warm apple filling was the perfect comfort food to me and it always seemed to be the perfect amount to satisfy my sweet tooth craving. Clearly, I am no food snob when it comes to the humble pie whether it is from a box in the grocery store or a local diner. Just give me ALL THE PIE.

It should come as no surprise that my children adore pie like their mother so I wanted to create a treat for them that would be deemed one of the coolest after school snacks I have made to date. Of course, we are creating the only pie worth making, at least according to our household. For us, it is the incredible pumpkin pie that truly brings together the flavors of fall in every delicious bite and makes it feel like Thanksgiving… even if it really is just another boring Monday.

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Of course, I have a little secret in the refrigerator now that I am a busy mom. These little treats couldn’t be easier to prepare thanks to store-bought pie crust that saves me a lot of time on treats (and dishes). With a little pumpkin shape placed on top of each delicate pie and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, this treat looks impressive, but can be pulled together in a matter of minutes. These would be just perfect for a fun Halloween lunchbox treat or to celebrate the season any other day of the week! Best of all, since the filling calls for just a cup of pumpkin puree, it is the perfect way to use up a leftover can that might be taking up space in your refrigerator.

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If you haven’t made a hand pie before, it couldn’t be easier. You can use a floured cup as a circle cutter or a biscuit cutter to cut out your circles. Add a tablespoon of your filling to the tops of each of your circles and then add an identical circle on top to pull the pie together. To make sure everything is secure, I seal and add pretty scores with a fork.

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To add a little decoration, I love to buy seasonal decorative pie cutters that add a little detail to the edge of my pies, decorative edible touches to a dessert table for the holidays, and happen to add the perfect detail to these hand pies. To secure these adorable pumpkins, I brushed the pies with an egg wash and then rested this on top, brushing again lightly with the egg wash. It adds a beautiful touch and shine to the crust and makes these pretty pies into a little work of art.

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I hope you can share these treats with someone you love this month and I look forward to sharing another fun idea on the blog next month with you!

Pumpkin Hand Pies

1 cup pumpkin puree
3/8 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon heavy cream
2 packages prepared pie crust (make sure to bring this to room temperature)
1 egg
Cinnamon and sugar to garnish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, mix together the pumpkin, brown sugar, spices and heavy cream. Set aside. Unroll your room temperature pie crusts. Using a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter or the opening of a drinking glass as your guide, cut out your circles. Remember, however many you can cut out of your first pie crust, you will want to try to do the same amount on the next pie crust to create your toppers. The amount you can get will depend on your circle size that you are punching out. Place your first half of your circles on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Add in about a tablespoon pie filling, then place a dough circle on top. Press together with your fingers to seal them. Then use your fork to seal and create a pretty edge to the pie. Whisk one egg in a small bowl and then brush on top of the dough. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a big glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet treat!

Looking for more pumpkin inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes:

Amy Clark

Amy Allen Clark has been the driving force behind MomAdvice since 2004. In addition to running a successful community for women and running after her two kids, she has appeared on The Early Show, and in Parents magazine, Redbook, Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, MSN Money and The New York Times.