Sweet Potato Stuffed Hand Pies

These Sweet Potato Stuffed Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of sweet potato, cinnamon, and nutmeg inside a flaky, golden pie crust. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or holiday treat, these hand pies are easy to make and can be customized with a sweet glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. With their portable size, they’re great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (to mix with the egg)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, dice, and boil the sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and heavy cream (or milk). Stir until well-mixed.
4. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
5. Spoon a tablespoon of the sweet potato filling onto the center of each pie crust circle.
6. Fold each circle in half, covering the filling, and use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing them tightly.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
8. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie to give them a golden finish while baking.
9. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. (Optional) While the pies are cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
• Pumpkin Version: Substitute the mashed sweet potatoes with canned or fresh pumpkin puree for a different twist.
• Nuts and Raisins: For added texture, mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the filling.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based pie crust, coconut oil instead of butter, and almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have extra filling, store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These hand pies can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Reheat the hand pies in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pies, seal them, and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
2. Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
   Yes, canned sweet potato puree can be used as a time-saving alternative to fresh sweet potatoes.
3. Can I use a different type of pie crust?
   Absolutely! You can use puff pastry, phyllo dough, or a homemade pie dough for a different texture.
4. Do I need to add the glaze?
   The glaze is optional. The hand pies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra sweetness if desired.
5. Can I make these hand pies in a different shape?
   Yes, feel free to make them larger or use different shapes like squares, rectangles, or triangles.
6. Can I make a double batch?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more hand pies, just be sure to adjust your baking time if needed.
7. What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
   You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or maple syrup, but brown sugar gives the filling a richer flavor.
8. Can I add some salt to the filling?
   A pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of the sweet potatoes and balance the sweetness.
9. How do I make the filling smoother?
   If you prefer a smoother filling, use a blender or food processor to puree the sweet potatoes after boiling.
10. Can I serve these warm or cold?
    These hand pies are delicious both warm and at room temperature, making them a great option for any time of day.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Stuffed Hand Pies are a perfect combination of seasonal flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy treat during the colder months or as a fun dessert for a family gathering, these hand pies are sure to please. With their simplicity and versatility, they can be customized to suit your taste, making them a delightful addition to any occasion.

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