Irresistible Sweet Potato Hand Pies – A Delightful Treat

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Sweet Potato Hand Pies wafting through your home. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky crust that crumbles just right, revealing a sweet and spicy filling that dances on your taste buds. These little pockets of joy are perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast—because who says you can’t have pie for breakfast?

As I recall the first time I made these delightful hand pies, my kitchen turned into a chaotic symphony of flour dust and laughter. Friends gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation as the smell enveloped us. Little did they know that I was merely trying to distract them from my less-than-stellar cooking attempts in the past. But trust me, once they took their first bite, I was crowned the unofficial “Hand Pie Queen.”

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when she had her first bite—she said it was like autumn wrapped in a flaky hug.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm and smooth ones; they should be vibrant orange inside for optimal sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that flaky crust; sift before measuring for best results.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar works wonders to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

• Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and depth; consider using fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor.

• Nutmeg: Just a dash will elevate your filling; it’s the secret ingredient that makes everyone ask for seconds.

• Butter: Cold and unsalted butter is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your crust.

• Eggs: Use one egg for an egg wash; this gives your hand pies that beautiful golden color.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances sweetness and complements the spices beautifully—don’t skip it!

• Milk or Cream: For brushing on top before baking; it adds an extra layer of richness and browning.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping about two medium sweet potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—around 15 minutes should do it.

Make the Filling: Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined—let those flavors marry!

Create Your Dough: In another bowl, mix flour with cold butter until crumbly. Add sugar and enough cold water to form a soft dough—don’t overwork it or you’ll lose that flaky texture!

Roll Out Your Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut circles with a biscuit cutter or glass—aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Fill Your Pies: Place a spoonful of filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork or pinch them together—make sure no filling escapes during baking!

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each pie with milk or cream and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown—and let me tell you, the smell will drive you wild!

There you have it! A delightful journey from raw ingredients to scrumptious Sweet Potato Hand Pies awaits you! Enjoy every crispy bite filled with nostalgia and warmth.

Now it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get baking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make your Sweet Potato Hand Pies a success, start by roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and caramelized. While they cool, prepare your dough to avoid a soggy structure. Once the filling is ready, roll out your dough and cut into circles, then fill them before sealing tightly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with spices! Instead of just cinnamon, try nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. You can also swap in different types of sweet potatoes or add nuts for crunch. For a savory twist, add cheese or fresh herbs.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet Potato Hand Pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their delightful crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

Sharing my first attempt at these pies brings back memories of flour flying everywhere—my kitchen looked like a baking tornado hit! Friends devoured them with smiles, making me feel like a pastry wizard.

FAQ

What type of sweet potatoes should I use for Sweet Potato Hand Pies?

For the best flavor and texture, opt for garnet or jewel sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture create a delightful filling that pairs perfectly with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Hand Pies?

Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the hand pies but do not bake them yet. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.

How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ready?

Your sweet potatoes are done roasting when they’re fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. This enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your hand pie filling.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for a delicious gluten-free version without compromising taste or texture.

Conclusion for Sweet Potato Hand Pies

These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are more than just a dish; they’re an experience filled with warmth and flavor. Whether you’re customizing your fillings or mastering cooking techniques, remember that creativity is key. Enjoy sharing these delicious bites during special occasions or cozy nights at home!

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Sweet Potato Hand Pies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines a golden, flaky crust with a sweet and spiced filling. These versatile pastries can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these mouthwatering hand pies that will impress family and friends. Every bite offers the essence of autumn wrapped in a cozy hug, making them perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk or cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and chopping them into small cubes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, combine flour and butter until crumbly. Add sugar and enough cold water to form a soft dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
5. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges using a fork.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each pie with milk or cream and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie (80g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg