If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall treat that manages to be portable, nostalgic, and downright delicious, this Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to dessert. Each bite delivers warm, spiced mashed sweet potatoes tucked inside a tender, golden pie crust, making them ideal for cozying up on a chilly day or sharing at a festive gathering. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or just need a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes, these charming hand pies surprise and delight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how the magic of this Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one adds something special, from creamy texture to spiced aroma, vibrant color to that crave-worthy flaky crust.
- Mashed Sweet Potato: The star of the show, bringing creamy sweetness and autumn color—be sure it’s well-cooked and thoroughly mashed for the smoothest filling.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and balances the natural earthiness of the sweet potato.
- Ground Cinnamon: A must for cozy warmth and that unmistakable sweet spice aroma.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brightens and deepens the overall flavor with a subtle complexity.
- Salt: Vital for enhancing all the sweet and spiced flavors—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Lends lovely floral and sweet undertones to the filling.
- Large Egg (filling): Helps bind the filling so it bakes up perfectly creamy and set inside each pie.
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts: For ease and flakiness, store-bought crust is wonderful, but homemade works beautifully too.
- Egg Wash (1 egg plus water): Brushed on top for that irresistible golden finish with a subtle sheen.
- Coarse Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar: Adds sparkle, crunch, and a hint of extra sweetness—totally optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also allows for an even bake and quick, easy cleanup—trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and one egg. Mix everything thoroughly until the filling is smooth and silky. The goal here is a luscious, well-blended mixture that will bake up perfectly inside each hand pie.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pie Crusts
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter or even the rim of a glass (anywhere from 4 to 5 inches across) to cut out circles. Gather any scraps and re-roll as needed to maximize those golden, flaky rounds.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Hand Pies
Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato filling into the center of each circle. Fold each round over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together gently but firmly. Use the tines of a fork to seal the edges—this adds pretty ridges and ensures no filling escapes while baking.
Step 5: Finish, Brush, and Vent
Arrange your hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water, and brush each pie with this egg wash—it’ll help the surface bake up shiny and gorgeously golden. For a little extra magic, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar. Finally, use a sharp knife to cut a tiny slit in the top of each pie. This simple step lets steam escape as the pies bake and keeps them from bursting.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the hand pies are puffed and gloriously golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—just enough time for the filling to set slightly, making each bite perfect!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your finished hand pies with a little powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm caramel, or a scattering of toasted pecans creates a show-stopping presentation. Each garnish brings extra flair and flavor to the Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe, making them feel bakery-worthy with almost no effort!
Side Dishes
Serve your hand pies with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream, or alongside a steaming mug of chai or coffee. The warm spiced filling pairs wonderfully with creamy, cool sides and cozy drinks, especially if you’re serving these pies for a holiday dessert or fall brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, display your Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board, nestled with mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. Or, wrap each pie in parchment and twine for grab-and-go treats at picnics, bake sales, or lunchboxes. Little touches like these make the experience every bit as special as the flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe (lucky you!), simply let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days—the pie crust stays flaky, and the filling deliciously moist.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. This way, you can always have a stash of homemade comfort food on hand for spontaneous cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
For that just-baked flavor and texture, pop leftover or frozen Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe into a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The crust will perk right up, and the filling will taste as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potato or canned sweet potato puree works perfectly in this recipe if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid and mix well to match the consistency of fresh mashed sweet potato.
Can I make the Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can. The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to use, and the assembled (but unbaked) pies can also be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
What other fillings can I try?
Feeling adventurous? Swap in pumpkin, apple butter, or even a mixture of chopped pecans and mini marshmallows for a fun twist on the Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe. Just keep the filling thick to prevent leaks.
How do I keep the hand pies from splitting open?
Be careful not to overfill each round and make sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork. Cutting a small vent on top of each pie ensures steam escapes, keeping your Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe sealed and picture-perfect.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten free pie crust or ready-made gluten free dough. The filling is naturally gluten free, so these hand pies can easily fit special dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd, a family afternoon snack, or just yourself, this Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe brings comfort and a touch of Southern-inspired flair to any occasion. There’s something so joyful about sharing these golden, hand-held pockets of spiced sweetness—so go ahead and bake up a batch. You’re going to fall in love, one bite at a time!
Print
Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for fall. With a flaky crust and a sweet, spiced sweet potato filling, they make a delicious dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1½ cups mashed cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for filling)
Crust:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: Combine mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out pie crusts, cut into rounds, place filling, seal, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool before serving.
Notes
- You can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Add chopped pecans or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
