Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

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Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful embodiment of autumn’s rich, cozy flavors. These handheld treats combine the comforting essence of spiced pumpkin filling with the decadent sweetness of maple glaze, making them a perfect choice for the fall season. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy pumpkin, perfectly balanced with the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

These hand pies are not just a dessert; they are an experience, evoking memories of family gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and cozy evenings by the fire. The use of maple syrup in the glaze adds a layer of depth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pies and giving them a glossy, irresistible finish. The combination of the tender, golden crust with the smooth, flavorful filling creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Filling:
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
the Pie Crust:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Maple Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparation

 1: Make the Pie Crust
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, egg yolk, and heavy cream.
  2. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3: Assemble the Hand Pies
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  3. Using a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.
  4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg wash, fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal.
  6. Use a fork to crimp the edges, then place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
 4: Bake the Hand Pies
  1. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
 5: Make the Maple Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies.

COOKING Note

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of cardamom to the pumpkin filling or sprinkle some chopped pecans over the glaze. Also, make sure the dough is kept cold while working to ensure the crust stays flaky.

Serving Suggestions

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions:

  1. Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the hand pies warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the warm, flaky crust adds a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
  2. With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These hand pies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte. The rich flavors of the filling and the sweetness of the glaze are complemented by the warmth and slight bitterness of coffee or tea.
  3. Drizzled with Extra Maple Glaze: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle additional maple glaze over the top just before serving. This not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a glossy finish that makes the pies even more tempting.
  4. As a Breakfast Pastry: Enjoy these hand pies as a special breakfast treat, perhaps alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt. Their rich, comforting flavors make them a perfect start to a crisp autumn day.
  5. Decorated with Autumnal Toppings: For a festive touch, garnish the hand pies with a sprinkle of crushed pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings add a bit of crunch and extra flavor, making the pies even more enjoyable.
  6. As a Party Dessert: Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are great for serving at fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dinner. Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter or a tiered dessert stand for an attractive presentation that will impress your guests.

Tips

  • If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust.
  • To avoid soggy bottoms, make sure to chill the pies before baking.
  • The hand pies can be frozen before baking and baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations:

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful treat, but there are several ways you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

  1. Apple-Pumpkin Hand Pies: Mix finely chopped apples with the pumpkin filling for a twist that combines the flavors of pumpkin and apple pie. The apples add a nice texture and a bit of tartness to balance the sweet pumpkin.
  2. Spiced Pecan Filling: Add chopped pecans to the pumpkin filling for a nutty crunch. You can also mix in a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to enhance the autumn flavors even more.
  3. Cream Cheese Filling: For a creamier version, add a layer of sweetened cream cheese to the hand pies before adding the pumpkin filling. The cream cheese pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust. This way, even those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these delicious hand pies.
  5. Maple Pecan Glaze: Enhance the glaze by adding finely chopped pecans to the maple syrup mixture before drizzling it over the pies. The added texture and flavor make these hand pies even more irresistible.
  6. Vegan Version: Replace the butter in the pie crust with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for binding. The glaze can be made with maple syrup and a plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
  7. Pumpkin Spice Latte Pies: Incorporate some coffee or espresso powder into the pumpkin filling to create a pumpkin spice latte flavor. This variation is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy the rich, warm flavors of a PSL.
  8. Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tops of the hand pies after glazing them with the maple syrup. Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven!

These variations allow you to get creative with your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies, ensuring that there’s a version for every palate and occasion.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time for the dough)
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 320 kcal per hand pie
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make these hand pies in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie filling?

You can use store-bought pumpkin pie filling, but be mindful that it may be sweeter than the homemade version. Adjust the sugar in the filling accordingly.

3. How do I store leftover hand pies?

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

4. What other fillings can I use?

You can substitute the pumpkin filling with apple, pecan, or sweet potato fillings for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I use a different glaze?

Certainly! A simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze would also complement these hand pies beautifully.

Conclusion

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are more than just a dessert; they are a true celebration of autumn’s most beloved flavors. The combination of a perfectly spiced pumpkin filling and the sweet, rich maple glaze creates a harmony of taste that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Each bite offers a delicate balance of flaky, buttery crust and creamy pumpkin goodness, enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

These hand pies are a wonderful way to embrace the season’s bounty, making them an excellent choice for gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a treat to enjoy with your loved ones. Their portable size adds convenience, allowing you to bring a touch of autumn wherever you go. Moreover, the addition of maple glaze not only elevates the flavor but also gives these hand pies a beautiful, glossy finish, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

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