Sweet Potato Hand Pies

$- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon melted butter - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 package of store-bought pie crusts (2 crusts) - Pinch of salt Sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe. They are sweet and creamy. When cooked, they become soft and easy to mash. Brown sugar adds more sweetness and a nice depth of flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give a warm, cozy taste to the filling. The melted butter makes it rich, while vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth. The pie crusts provide the perfect outer layer, holding all that goodness inside. - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting An egg wash gives the pies a shiny, golden finish. It makes them look extra tasty. Powdered sugar is a fun touch for serving. It adds a sweet, pretty look to the pies. - Mixing bowl - Pot for boiling - Baking sheet To make these hand pies, you need a few tools. A mixing bowl is great for combining your filling. A pot for boiling is needed to cook the sweet potatoes until soft. Finally, a baking sheet helps to bake the pies evenly. These tools are simple but key to making your sweet potato hand pies a success. For the full recipe, check out the details shared earlier. 1. Cook the sweet potatoes: Start by placing the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender. After that, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly. 2. Mash and combine with ingredients: Once cooled, mash the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl until they are smooth. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined, then set the filling aside to cool. 1. Roll out the pie crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. If you buy pre-rolled crusts, just unroll them and get ready to cut. 2. Cut into circles: Use a pastry cutter or a bowl to cut each crust into circles that are about 5-6 inches in diameter. 3. Fill and seal: Place a spoonful of the sweet potato filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill them. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, sealing the pies well. 1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. 2. Apply egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash. This gives them a lovely golden color when baked. 3. Bake until golden brown: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color to know they are done. These sweet potato hand pies are simple yet scrumptious. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Using refrigerated pie crust makes this recipe quick and easy. You can find these in most stores. They save you time and effort. If you want to roll out dough, do it on a floured surface. Keep it thin, about 1/8 inch thick. This helps the crust bake evenly. Adjust the sweetness of the filling to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. You can also play with spices. Try adding ginger for warmth or cloves for depth. These small changes can make your pies unique. One common mistake is overfilling the pies. This can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Use just a spoonful of filling for each pie. Another mistake is not sealing the edges properly. Crimp them well with a fork. This keeps the filling inside and helps the pies hold their shape. {{image_2}} You can make your sweet potato hand pies even better! Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, give a nice crunch. Chocolate chips add a sweet surprise that pairs well with sweet potatoes. You could also experiment with spices. A dash of ginger or cardamom can change the taste completely. Each addition creates a new flavor, so mix and match as you like! If you want to change the crust, puff pastry works great. It gives a flaky, buttery texture that everyone loves. Just roll it out and cut it like the pie crust. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts at the store. They are easy to use and taste good too. Both options will keep your hand pies delicious! You can make sweet potato hand pies savory by adding ingredients like cheese or cooked meat. Try mixing in some cooked bacon or feta cheese for a tasty twist. Ingredients like onions or herbs can also help balance the flavors. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a nice touch. This way, your hand pies can be a snack or a meal. Store your sweet potato hand pies at room temperature for one day. Place them in a cool, dry spot. If you need to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. In the fridge, they last for about three to four days. Just cover them with plastic wrap or a container to keep them fresh. You can freeze hand pies before or after baking. To freeze them before baking, place the unbaked pies on a tray. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. If you bake them first, let them cool completely. Then, store them in a freezer bag. For thawing, take the pies out of the freezer. Place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, you can thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. To reheat, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crisp. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-8 minutes. Avoid using the microwave. It makes the crust soggy, and we don’t want that! Yes, you can prepare sweet potato hand pies in advance. To do this, follow these steps: - Make the filling: Cook and mash the sweet potatoes as directed in the Full Recipe. Mix in the sugar and spices. - Chill the filling: Let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. - Prepare the crust: You can roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles a day ahead. Keep them covered to avoid drying out. - Assemble before baking: You can fill and seal the pies just before you plan to bake them. This keeps them fresh and flaky. Sweet potato hand pies are tasty on their own, but you can enhance the meal with sides or sauces. Here are some great ideas: - Dipping sauces: Serve with a honey dip or maple syrup for a sweet touch. - Salads: A fresh green salad pairs nicely. Try spinach or arugula with a light vinaigrette. - Soups: A warm bowl of soup, like butternut squash or tomato, can be a perfect side. You can tell when the hand pies are ready by looking for these signs: - Golden color: The tops should be a nice golden brown. - Firm texture: Gently press the edges. If they feel firm and not soft, they are likely done. - Aroma: The smell of baked sweet potatoes and spices should fill your kitchen, making your mouth water. In this blog post, I shared how to make sweet potato hand pies from scratch. We covered the main ingredients, essential tools, and step-by-step instructions. I also provided tips to perfect the crust and avoid common mistakes. You can customize these pies with various flavors and storage tips. Experiment with your own additions for a fun twist. Enjoy your sweet potato hand pies, and remember, practice will make perfect!$

Indulge in the delightful flavor of Sweet Potato Hand Pies with this easy recipe! These mini pastries filled with sweet, spiced potato goodness are perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. Discover how to make them from scratch with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Get ready to impress your family and friends! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 package of store-bought pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Pinch of salt

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain well and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and set aside to cool.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll Out Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. If the crusts are pre-rolled, you can simply unroll them. Cut each crust into circles about 5-6 inches in diameter, using a pastry cutter or a bowl as a guide.

Fill the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of sweet potato filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill them.

Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and use a fork to crimp the edges and seal them tightly.

Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.

Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 hand pies