10 Irresistible Hand Pies Recipes for Ultimate Comfort

There’s something magical about hand pies. Imagine flaky, buttery pastry encasing a warm filling that can be sweet or savory, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make even the most stubborn of food critics drool in anticipation. Hand pies are the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket on a chilly day—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.

I remember the first time I made hand pies for my family. It was during a chilly fall afternoon when I decided to whip up a batch filled with spiced apples and cinnamon. My kids could hardly wait for them to cool before they dove in, their faces lighting up as they tasted the warm filling. It was a moment of pure joy that we still talk about today. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack, a party treat, or even an easy weeknight dinner, hand pies are perfect for any occasion!

I’ll never forget the time my friend tried one and exclaimed it was “like eating happiness wrapped in pastry.”

Essential Ingredients

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

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile staple that gives your crust the right texture; I always opt for unbleached flour for added richness.

• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter to create that flaky texture; trust me, it’s worth it!

• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without melting the butter; keep it icy for best results.

• Your Favorite Filling: From fruit preserves to savory meats; get creative with flavors you love!

• Egg Wash: One egg beaten with a splash of water gives that gorgeous golden finish.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough holds together without being sticky.

Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky texture.

Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half of your chilled dough until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles—aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Add Your Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of your favorite filling onto one half of each circle. Be careful not to overfill or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands!

Seal and Crimp Edges: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal in all that deliciousness.

Bake Them Up!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake until golden brown—about 25-30 minutes will do it!

And there you have it: scrumptious hand pies ready to devour! The smell alone will have everyone gathering around like moths to a flame, eager to grab one fresh out of the oven!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your filling while the dough rests in the fridge. Roll out and cut your dough, fill it generously, then seal and bake until golden brown. This sequence ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional fillings for unique flavors like spicy jalapeño cheese or chocolate hazelnut. Experimenting with herbs and spices can elevate these hand pies to gourmet status, keeping everyone guessing.

Storing & Reheating

To store hand pies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a crispy finish that rivals fresh-baked pies.

Memories of my first attempt at making hand pies fill me with laughter; I miscalculated the filling and ended up with mini explosions in the oven that had everyone giggling.

FAQ

What dough works best for hand pies?

A flaky pastry or pie crust is ideal, giving a tender texture once baked.

Can I make hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them in advance and freeze before baking for quick snacks later.

What are some popular filling ideas?

Try classic apple pie filling, savory beef stew, or spinach with feta cheese for variety.

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Hand Pies

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• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Hand pies are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Perfect for snacks, parties, or cozy dinners, these portable pies are easy to make and customize. Whether you fill them with spiced apples, savory meats, or creative flavor combinations, hand pies promise comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 cup filling of your choice (e.g., fruit preserves, cooked meats)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
2. Chill: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll Out: On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick and cut into circles (4-5 inches in diameter).
4. Fill: Place 1 tablespoon filling on one half of each circle.
5. Seal: Fold over, crimp edges with a fork to seal.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush with egg wash and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg