Description
Warm, flaky Pumpkin Cream Cheese Hand Pies invite autumn comfort into your kitchen. Spiced filling nestled in buttery pastry creates an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll crave with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pies Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 pinch salt
Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Chill butter and cut into small cubes, then combine with flour and salt in a food processor, pulsing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually drizzle ice water into the mixture, processing until dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow gluten to relax and butter to firm.
- Whip cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth, then gently fold in pumpkin puree and warm spices until fully incorporated.
- Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness, cutting into 3-inch rounds using a circular cutter.
- Place a small dollop of pumpkin cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough round, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold dough over filling to create half-moon shapes, pressing edges with a fork to seal completely and prevent leaking.
- Whisk egg and brush each hand pie’s surface, then sprinkle with turbinado sugar and additional cinnamon.
- Arrange hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, rotating the pan midway for even browning.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
Notes
- Chill butter and dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust that melts in your mouth.
- Use cold ingredients like ice water and refrigerated cream cheese to maintain the perfect texture and prevent tough dough.
- Prevent soggy bottoms by placing hand pies on a preheated baking sheet and avoiding overfilling with cream cheese mixture.
- Create gluten-free or vegan variations by substituting flour with almond or gluten-free blend and using coconut cream cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg