Sweet holiday hand pies are the kind of delightful pastries that make your taste buds sing and your heart dance. Imagine flaky, buttery crusts enveloping warm, spiced fillings bursting with the essence of the season. perfect holiday treat These little pockets of joy are perfect for cozy gatherings, family celebrations, or even a quiet night in with your favorite holiday movie.
Growing up, hand pies were a staple at our holiday gatherings, filling the air with sweet aromas that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I remember sneaking into the kitchen to snag one before they made their grand entrance on the dessert table. delicious dessert alternatives They were always gone in a flash! Now, it’s my turn to whip up this treat that brings back those cherished memories while creating new ones.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These sweet holiday hand pies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress friends without breaking a sweat. The heavenly flavor combination will have everyone asking for seconds. Their charming appearance brings festive cheer to any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as delightful leftovers for breakfast! [/info_box]
I once made these sweet holiday hand pies for a family gathering, and my cousins declared them “magical,” which is pretty high praise from a bunch of sugar fiends! healthy sweet snacks.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is your pie’s foundation; opt for unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
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Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s cold; this will create that flaky texture we all love.
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Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances both the crust and filling.
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Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors; don’t skip it!
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Ice Water: Keep it super cold; this helps in achieving that perfect flaky crust.
For the Filling:
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Your Favorite Fruit Filling: Whether apple, cherry, or pumpkin—choose what makes your heart sing.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice for that warm holiday flavor.
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Nuts (optional): Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth—go nuts if you want!
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Egg Wash (optional): An egg mixed with water gives your hand pies a golden finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: Start by whisking together flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs—think sandcastles at the beach but way more delicious!
Add Water and Chill: Gradually mix in ice water until dough forms. Don’t overmix! Divide into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, flour your surface generously and roll out each disk into a thin layer. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness—thinner than your favorite pair of jeans post-holiday feasting!
Cut Out Shapes and Fill: Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut circles from the dough. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle and fold over—like tucking your kids into bed but much tastier!
Sewing Up Your Pies: Crimp edges with a fork or pinch them shut like you’re sealing top-secret documents. Brush with egg wash if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown—your kitchen will smell divine!
Enjoy these delightful sweet holiday hand pies warm out of the oven or let them cool completely before storing them away (if you can resist!). They bring comfort not just through taste but also through memories—they’re essentially edible hugs! For more inspiration, check out this crispy ham and cheese pastries recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Creating sweet holiday hand pies is not just about taste; it’s about the joy they bring. These delightful pastries fill your kitchen with warmth and mouthwatering aromas, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or cozy nights in. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your filling first; while it cools, you can roll out the dough. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents messes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with fillings like chocolate, cranberry, or even savory options! Adding a personal flair makes each pie unique and special.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly flaky pastry, chill the dough before rolling it out. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking. Brush tops with egg wash for that golden finish. [/info_box]
Sharing sweet holiday hand pies with my family brings back memories of laughter and warmth around the table, creating lasting traditions.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pastry dough for sweet holiday hand pies?
Yes, using store-bought dough can save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What are some great filling ideas for these hand pies?
You can try fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even nuts mixed with spices for variety.
How do I know when my sweet holiday hand pies are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust; they typically take 20-25 minutes at 375°F.
Sweet Holiday Hand Pies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Sweet holiday hand pies are delightful pastries that wrap warm, spiced fillings in flaky, buttery crusts. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy movie nights, these treats evoke cherished memories and create new traditions. With their charming appearance and heavenly flavors, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike—right from the oven or as leftovers for breakfast!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6–8 tbsp ice water (super cold)
- 1 cup fruit filling (e.g., apple, cherry)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: Chopped nuts (1/4 cup), egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually mix in ice water until a dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll each disk on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter.
- Spoon filling onto one half of each circle and fold over the other half. Crimp edges to seal securely.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hand pies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
