Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to your table. These little pastries are filled with a creamy sweet potato mixture and wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. They are perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Sweet Potato Hand Pies is a fun and rewarding experience. The sweet potato filling is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, handmade pies have a charm that store-bought versions can’t match. These hand pies are also versatile; you can enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, making them great for any occasion!

How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
6-8 tablespoons ice water
2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth. If the mixture is too runny, add cornstarch to thicken it.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one dough disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles, place a scoop of filling in the center of each, fold them over, and seal the edges. Repeat with the second disc.
Bake the Hand Pies: Place the assembled pies on the baking sheet. Cut slits on top for ventilation and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze the Pies: Once the hand pies are done baking, drizzle the glaze over them.
Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then enjoy your Sweet Potato Hand Pies!

Pro Tip: Unbaked hand pies can be frozen for later. Just thaw before baking!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies

You can serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special dessert. They also make fantastic snacks for picnics or gatherings.

How to Store Sweet Potato Hand Pies

To store your Sweet Potato Hand Pies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider wrapping them individually and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Make sure the butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling to your taste.
Use leftover sweet potato mash for a quick filling option.

Variation

You can try using pumpkin instead of sweet potato for a different flavor. Adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling can also give a nice twist to the hand pies.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time. Just follow the same steps for filling and baking.

2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pies.

3. Are Sweet Potato Hand Pies healthy?
They do contain sweet potatoes, which are nutritious, but they are still a treat. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Enjoy making your Sweet Potato Hand Pies and sharing them with family and friends!