Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

You guys, these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are just too good to miss! The flaky crust and sweet maple glaze make each bite pure fall heaven. It’s like pumpkin pie, but handheld!

I’ve made these pies for family gatherings and they disappear so fast. The pumpkin filling is cozy and warm, and the maple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re like little bites of joy.

If you love fall flavors, you’ll wanna make a batch right now. Trust me, once you try one, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and maple is the epitome of fall comfort. The warm spices and sweet glaze make these hand pies perfect for the season.
• Portable and Fun: These little hand pies are the ideal on-the-go snack or dessert. They’re easy to hold, making them perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or holiday parties.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the filling in advance, and then assemble and bake the pies whenever you’re ready. They’re also freezer-friendly!
• Maple Glaze: The maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth of flavor, elevating these hand pies to something truly special.
• Perfect for Baking Beginners: If you’re new to baking, these hand pies are simple and easy to put together! They don’t require a lot of advanced techniques, making them a great choice for novice bakers.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious hand pies:

• Rolling Pin: To roll out the pie crust into thin sheets.
• Cutting Tool: A round cookie cutter or the top of a drinking glass to cut the pie dough into circles.
• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet for baking the hand pies in the oven.
• Pastry Brush: To brush the egg white wash over the pies for a golden, glossy finish.
• Whisk: For making the maple glaze and mixing the pumpkin filling.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in gathering the ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for these sweet and savory hand pies:

For the Pumpkin Filling:

• Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree: This is the base of your filling. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.
• Brown Sugar (packed): This gives the filling a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

For the Pie Crust:

• Refrigerated Pie Crust (with 2 crusts) or Homemade Pie Crust: You can opt for store-bought refrigerated pie crust to save time, or if you have the time and energy, make a homemade version.
• Egg White: This is used to brush the crusts for a beautiful, shiny golden finish.

For the Maple Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, sweet consistency.
• Milk: Thin out the glaze to the desired consistency for drizzling.
• Maple Extract: The secret ingredient that infuses the glaze with that delicious, authentic maple flavor.

Variations for Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Use Store-Bought Pumpkin Filling: If you’re really pressed for time, feel free to use pre-made pumpkin pie filling instead of making your own. Just note that you might need to adjust the amount of sugar since pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened.
• Substitute Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple extract, you can substitute with real maple syrup, but reduce the amount of milk to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
• Add Pecans or Walnuts: For a little crunch and extra fall flavor, consider adding some finely chopped nuts to the pumpkin filling.
• Swap the Pie Crust: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry for a different texture.
• Use Coconut Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce refined sugar, coconut sugar is a great alternative to brown sugar in the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the unsweetened pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together until smooth and well-combined. The sugar should dissolve into the pumpkin puree, creating a rich and flavorful filling. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the pie crust.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought pie crust, you’ll want to unroll both crusts and gently smooth out any wrinkles. Using a round cookie cutter (or the top of a glass), cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie, so be sure to cut out an even number.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies

Place one circle of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin filling into the center of each dough circle, leaving a little room around the edges for sealing. Take another pie crust circle and place it over the top of the filled dough. Gently press the edges together to seal the pie, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

4. Add the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with a tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie. This will give the crust a beautiful, golden sheen when baked.

5. Bake the Hand Pies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly out of the sides. The pies should have a flaky, crisp texture and a warm, gooey center. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the pies are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a little more powdered sugar.

7. Glaze the Hand Pies

Once the hand pies have cooled slightly, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top of each pie. The glaze will harden slightly as it sets, creating a perfect finish to your hand pies.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

These hand pies are perfect as a fall snack, breakfast treat, or dessert. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• As a Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: These hand pies make a great addition to your fall breakfast spread, served alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.
• At Holiday Gatherings: Serve these hand pies at Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any other fall celebration for a sweet, portable treat that guests will love.
• With a Hot Drink: Pair these hand pies with a warm apple cider or spiced latte for the ultimate cozy experience.

Storing Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are so delicious that they may not last long, but if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how you can store and enjoy them later:

How to Store Hand Pies

• Room Temperature: Once the hand pies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crust may lose some of its crispness, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezing Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies

• Unbaked Hand Pies: If you want to prep these pies in advance, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked hand pies. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the frozen pies as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Baked Hand Pies: You can also freeze the fully baked hand pies. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies FAQs

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! These hand pies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the pies right before baking or freeze them for later use.

How do I make the crust from scratch?

Making homemade pie crust is simple! You’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

To make the crust:

1. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes before using.

Can I use real maple syrup in the glaze?

Absolutely! If you want to use real maple syrup instead of maple extract for the glaze, just reduce the amount of milk slightly to keep the glaze thick enough to drizzle. Real maple syrup adds an authentic, rich flavor to the glaze.

Can I make these hand pies without the glaze?

Sure! If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip the maple glaze and enjoy the hand pies with just the pumpkin filling and the flaky crust. They’re still delicious without it!

Are these hand pies gluten-free?

To make these hand pies gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to adjust that part of the recipe.

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies: Nutrition Info

These hand pies are a rich and indulgent treat, so here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for each hand pie (based on a recipe yielding 12 pies):

Nutrient	Per Hand Pie
Calories	250-300 kcal
Total Fat	15-18g
Saturated Fat	6-8g
Carbohydrates	30-35g
Sugars	18-20g
Fiber	1-2g
Protein	2-3g
Sodium	90-120mg
Cholesterol	35-45mg

Please note that the values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s something magical about these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies. They’re warm, comforting, and just sweet enough without being overwhelming. The flaky crust contrasts perfectly with the smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, and the maple glaze adds the finishing touch that makes every bite feel like fall.

Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something cozy and sweet, these hand pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re super easy to make, even for beginners, and are perfect for those who love the flavors of fall.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies come out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Use Chilled Pie Crust

• If you’re using store-bought pie crust, make sure it’s chilled before working with it. This helps prevent the crust from becoming too soft and difficult to handle. If you’re making your own dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

2. Don’t Overfill the Pies

• When adding the pumpkin filling, be careful not to overfill the dough circles. If you add too much, it can cause the pies to burst open while baking. A spoonful or two of filling should be sufficient for each pie.

3. Seal the Edges Well

• For the best results, press the edges of the pie dough together firmly to create a good seal. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only adds a decorative touch but also ensures that the pies stay sealed during baking.

4. Allow the Pies to Cool Before Glazing

• Let your hand pies cool for a few minutes before drizzling on the maple glaze. If they’re too hot, the glaze may melt into the crust instead of setting beautifully on top.

5. Experiment with Spices

• If you like a more pronounced spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the filling. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for an extra kick!

6. Make Sure the Glaze is the Right Consistency

• When making the glaze, start with the suggested amount of milk, but if it’s too thick to drizzle, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time. You want the glaze to be smooth and just thin enough to drip over the top of the pies.

7. Reheat Leftovers for Maximum Enjoyment

• If you have leftovers (which is rare!), reheat the hand pies in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to revive the crispy, flaky texture of the crust. Avoid microwaving them, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.

Why These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies Are Perfect for Fall

There’s something undeniably special about fall-inspired desserts. The flavors of pumpkin, maple, and warm spices just scream cozy, comfort food. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or just for yourself, these hand pies will transport you to a world of fall magic. The flaky crust and sweet maple glaze combined with the rich pumpkin filling create the ultimate treat that captures the essence of the season.

These hand pies are versatile enough to serve at various occasions—whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a Thanksgiving spread, or a weekend breakfast with a hot cup of coffee. They’re easy to make, portable, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Conclusion

So, if you’re craving a fall treat that’s easy to make but packs all the flavors you love about the season, these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Hand Pies are the answer. They’re warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them as an indulgent treat for yourself, these hand pies will surely become a fall favorite.

And, as always, don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! Baking should be an enjoyable experience, and there’s no better way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon than filling your home with the irresistible scent of these homemade hand pies. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these sweet, spiced, and maple-glazed delights!