Pumpkin Butter Hand Pies

If you’ve ever craved a bite-sized treat that captures the essence of fall, pumpkin butter hand pies might just be what you’re looking for. These flaky pastries offer a balance of rich pumpkin flavor and comforting spices, making them ideal for any autumn occasion. You can whip them up quickly, and they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. But before you decide how to enjoy these treats, it’s worth considering their fascinating history and the simple recipe that brings them to life. Curious about how to make them and what makes them so special?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Pumpkin Butter Hand Pies recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make and assemble, making it perfect for your busy days. You won’t need any special baking skills or equipment, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner.

The preparation time is quick, taking only about 15 to 20 minutes. Plus, you can make these pies in advance and freeze them for later, allowing you to enjoy a delicious grab-and-go dessert anytime.

When it comes to flavor and texture, the flaky and tender pastry pairs wonderfully with the rich, smooth pumpkin butter filling. The addition of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives it those perfect autumn flavors. An egg wash adds a beautiful golden finish, and optional toppings like cinnamon sugar provide that extra crunch. Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the overall flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

Versatility is another highlight of this recipe. You can serve these hand pies warm, at room temperature, or even cold. They’re great for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering.

You can easily customize the shapes and toppings, using either homemade or store-bought puff pastry. Enjoy these delightful treats your way!

History

The rich history of pumpkin pie is as delightful as the treat itself, with roots tracing back to early American settlers. In 1621, these settlers may have created a version of pumpkin pie without a crust, using hollowed pumpkins filled with milk, honey, and spices. Northeastern Native American tribes played a key role in cultivating squash and pumpkins, which were gifted to the settlers.

By 1651, French chef Francois Pierre la Varenne introduced a recipe for “Tourte of Pumpkin,” featuring a pastry shell. The 1670s saw English cookbooks include recipes for “pumpion pie,” incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The evolution of pumpkin pie continued with Amelia Simmons’ 1796 cookbook, American Cookery, which presented crust-baked pumpkin puddings. Native American tribes played a significant role by introducing pumpkins and teaching settlers how to use them, while French culinary techniques influenced the recipes. The global spice trade also enriched pumpkin pie, bringing in flavors that shaped its taste.

Recipe

Pumpkin Butter Hand Pies Recipe

These delightful pumpkin butter hand pies are the perfect fall treat, combining the warm spices of pumpkin butter with a flaky puff pastry crust. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings or as a comforting snack. Each hand pie is filled with a rich and spiced filling, making them a delightful alternative to traditional pumpkin desserts.

Whether you use store-bought or homemade pumpkin butter, the sweet and spiced filling will surely please your taste buds. With a golden-brown crust and a deliciously spiced filling, these hand pies are a fun twist on traditional pumpkin desserts.

Preparing them is a simple process that involves rolling out puff pastry, filling it with a generous scoop of pumpkin butter, and sealing it to create pocket-sized pastries. In just a short time, you can have a batch of these delicious hand pies ready to share or savor all on your own.

Ingredients
– Pumpkin butter
– Puff pastry
– Egg
– Cinnamon
– Nutmeg
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Optional topping: cinnamon sugar or coarse sugar

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth out any creases.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out pastry into 6 equal rectangles.
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin butter with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
Take one rectangle of pastry and place a heaping tablespoon of the pumpkin butter filling in the center, leaving a small border around the edges.
Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to help seal the pies.
Place another rectangle of pastry on top of the filled rectangle and gently press down to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to guarantee they stay closed during baking.
Brush the top of the sealed pies with egg wash for a golden finish, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or coarse sugar if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the hand pies are puffed up and golden brown.

For the best results, be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it. This will help achieve that perfect flaky texture.

If you want to experiment with flavors, feel free to add a touch of vanilla extract to the pumpkin butter or try using a different spice blend. And remember, these hand pies can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or festive gatherings. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to enjoying pumpkin butter hand pies, you’ll find they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them a standout treat for fall.

These individual servings are perfect for portion control, allowing you to indulge without overdoing it. You can use either store-bought or homemade puff pastry, making the preparation as easy or as involved as you prefer. Additionally, the popularity of pumpkin hand pies has surged in recent years, especially during autumn.

For storage, keep your hand pies in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating in a 350°F oven is best to maintain their crispiness.

Brushing the tops with egg wash before baking gives a golden finish, while a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a delightful crunch.

Remember to verify that the edges are sealed well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. After baking at the right temperature for 18-22 minutes, allow them to cool on a wire rack, and then savor the warm, spiced goodness.

With these tips, you’ll create hand pies that aren’t only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ

Got questions about making pumpkin butter hand pies? You’re not alone! Many people wonder about alternatives and techniques.

If you’re short on time, you can use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of homemade pumpkin butter. For the crust, store-bought pie crust or puff pastry works just fine. Remember, using cold butter is key; cut it into small cubes and freeze it for best results.

When measuring flour, be careful. Avoid scooping directly from the bag; instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup for accuracy. Additionally, using a slow cooker to prepare your pumpkin butter can save you time and effort.

Brushing with an egg wash before baking gives your pies that golden, shiny finish you want. After baking, let your hand pies cool on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms. It’s best to wait until they reach room temperature before serving, as this allows the filling to thicken.

If you want to prep in advance, feel free to make the dough up to three days ahead or freeze assembled pies before baking.

Lastly, you can easily customize your hand pies by adjusting spices or using vegan butter if needed. Enjoy your delicious creations!