If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, sweet mashed sweet potatoes spiced perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust that’s fried to perfection. Each hand pie is a perfect portable pocket of cozy autumn flavors with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a comforting snack, these little hand pies are sure to bring smiles and cozy vibes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these hand pies just right begins with simple but essential ingredients that each play an important role — from the silky smooth sweet potato filling to the crisp, golden crust that houses it all. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make magic happen:
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought): The foundation of your hand pies, providing that perfectly flaky and buttery base.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: Rich, naturally sweet, and creamy, they’re the heart of the filling.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, crucial for that classic cozy flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg rounds out the spice profile with its subtle earthiness.
- Canola oil: Ideal for frying, it ensures the pies come out golden and crisp without overpowering flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Used for the luscious glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness and a lovely finish.
- Whole milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling or dipping.
How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Filling
Start by combining the star ingredient — mashed sweet potatoes — with light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix everything until it’s beautifully blended, creating a cozy, sweet, and fragrant filling that sets the tone for these hand pies. Set it aside while you prep the crust.
Step 2: Prepare Crusts
Roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. This thinness ensures a delicate, flaky bite that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Use a 4 to 5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. From homemade dough, expect to get about 26 to 28 rounds, a perfect number to make plenty of hand pies for sharing or savoring.
Step 3: Fill and Shape
Place about one tablespoon of the sweet potato filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling to create a charming half-moon shape. Dip your finger into water and moisten the edges to help the dough seal tightly. Then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and add that classic pie crust touch.
Step 4: Fry Hand Pies
Heat canola oil in a pot to 375°F and carefully slide 2 or 3 hand pies into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they reach a gorgeous golden brown. This frying method makes sure the crust is crispy and light while locking in all that flavorful filling warmth. Drain the pies on paper towels to soak up excess oil and keep them perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Make Glaze
Mix confectioners’ sugar with 6 tablespoons of whole milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and gradually add more milk if needed to reach a pourable glaze consistency. This sweet, glossy glaze adds a lovely final touch that makes these pies even more irresistible.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the hand pies are still warm, generously drizzle or dip them in your prepared glaze. Let the glaze set just a bit before indulging, so you get that perfect balance of crispy crust and sweet, silky topping with every bite.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your hand pies with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top for added texture and warmth. A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can also make these treats feel wonderfully decadent without overpowering their natural flavors.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of spiced chai or rich coffee for a cozy fall snack. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the sweet and rich flavors in your pies.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the pies attractively on a rustic wooden board or placing them in a colorful basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. You could also serve them on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or cinnamon-spiced yogurt on the side for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert to enjoy later without losing their delicious charm.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unglazed hand pies flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months, perfect for those times when you want a sweet treat ready in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm the filling. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy. After reheating, you can drizzle fresh glaze on top for a renewed finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I bake Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe instead of frying?
Absolutely! While frying gives a crispier, golden crust, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for the filling?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch. Just make sure to mash them smoothly and adjust the sweetness and spices to taste, since canned versions may be less sweet or have a different texture.
Is it okay to use store-bought pie crust?
Definitely! Store-bought pie crusts save time and are a convenient option without compromising much on taste, making the Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe very approachable for busy cooks.
Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
You can try gluten-free pie crust options available in stores or make your own. Just keep in mind that gluten-free crusts may be more delicate, so handle gently during filling and frying or baking.
How long does the glaze keep its texture on the pies?
The glaze sets quickly but may soften over a day. For best presentation and texture, glaze the pies just before serving to keep that lovely, slightly firm sweet coating.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to craft these little pockets of sweet potato bliss, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and indulge in the joy of homemade comfort food. This Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe is wonderfully simple yet utterly charming — perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 26 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully crispy and sweet, these Sweet Potato Hand Pies feature a spiced sweet potato filling encased in flaky pie crust and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a smooth confectioners’ sugar glaze, they make a perfect seasonal treat or dessert snack.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 batch homemade pie crust recipe or 2 boxes store-bought pie crusts
Filling
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Frying
- Canola oil, for frying (enough to fill 2-3 inches in a medium pot)
Glaze
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 6–9 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors evenly. Set this aromatic filling aside.
- Prepare Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough. You should have about 26-28 rounds if using homemade dough, slightly fewer if using store-bought.
- Fill and Shape: Place about 1 tablespoon of the sweet potato filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Moisten the edges with a little water to help seal them, then crimp the edges firmly with a fork to ensure they stay sealed while frying.
- Fry Hand Pies: Heat 2-3 inches of canola oil in a medium pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil at a time. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove the pies and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep an eye on the oil temperature, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain 375°F for consistent frying.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar with 6 tablespoons of whole milk. Gradually add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze becomes smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: While the hand pies are still warm, either drizzle the glaze over them or dip the pies into the glaze. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use homemade pie crust for a flakier texture, or store-bought for convenience.
- Be careful when handling hot oil to avoid burns—use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor temperature.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding milk incrementally; make it thicker for dipping or thinner for drizzling.
- Sweet potato filling can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Leftover hand pies are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in an oven to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
