Sweet Potato Stuffed Hand Pies are a delicious, portable dessert that combines the rich, earthy flavor of sweet potatoes with a hint of warm spices. These hand pies feature a sweet potato filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for fall, they can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or a holiday treat.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (to mix with the egg)

For the Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel, dice, and boil the sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash them until smooth.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and heavy cream or milk. Stir until fully incorporated.
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into circles, using a cookie cutter or a cup.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sweet potato filling onto the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough circles in half over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pies.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash.
Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
(Optional) To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the hand pies once they have cooled slightly.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 hand pies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the sweet potato filling for added texture and flavor.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your preference. For a warmer flavor, try adding ground ginger or cloves.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts or make your own gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg wash with a dairy-free alternative, such as a plant-based milk or a maple syrup wash.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These hand pies can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To bake, remove from the freezer and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.

10 FAQs

Can I use sweet potato puree instead of fresh sweet potatoes? Yes, you can use canned or homemade sweet potato puree. Just make sure to adjust the consistency by adding a bit of milk or cream if it’s too thick.
Can I use a different type of crust? You can substitute the pie crust with puff pastry or even biscuit dough for a flakier texture.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Be sure to seal the edges of the hand pies tightly with a fork to prevent leakage during baking.
Can I bake these in advance? Yes, you can prepare the hand pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pie crusts or a homemade gluten-free dough.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk for a lighter filling.
Do I need to use the glaze? The glaze is optional but adds a sweet finish to the pies. You can also leave it out if you prefer them without.
How do I know when the hand pies are done baking? The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. If you’re unsure, you can also check by cutting one open.
Can I make these with mashed pumpkin instead of sweet potato? Yes, you can use mashed pumpkin as a substitute. The flavor will change, but the texture and concept are similar.
Can I fry these instead of baking? Yes, frying will give the hand pies a crispier texture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and drain on paper towels.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Stuffed Hand Pies are a comforting and delicious treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall and winter months. With their buttery, flaky crust and rich, spiced filling, these hand pies are sure to impress. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, they’re a fun and easy recipe to make. You can also customize them to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy these golden, crispy hand pies with or without the optional glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!