If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that brings together the flavors of fall in a fun, hand-held delight, you’ve got to try this Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. These little pockets of pumpkin goodness are crispy on the outside and rich with spiced pumpkin filling on the inside, all perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar that adds just the right amount of sparkle. Whether for a cozy family gathering, an autumn party, or a simple indulgence on a chilly day, these hand pies are sure to become a favorite go-to dessert that effortlessly blends tradition and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe lies in how simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully. Each element plays a special role: the pie crust provides a flaky, buttery canvas; the pumpkin pie filling delivers that signature creamy, spiced warmth; the cinnamon sugar adds a sweet crunch; and the frying oil ensures a golden, irresistible crisp.
- Pie crust: Use either a homemade batch or store-bought dough for flaky, buttery pockets that hold the filling perfectly.
- Pumpkin pie filling: This can be homemade or store-bought; it brings that classic autumn spice blend and smooth texture.
- Canola or vegetable oil: Ideal for frying because they withstand high heat and don’t overpower flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Used to make the cinnamon sugar coating, adding a delightful sweetness and crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar to enhance the warm, spicy notes complementing the pumpkin filling.
How to Make Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crusts
Start by rolling out your pie crust to a thin ⅛-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. With a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. From a homemade batch, you’ll typically get 26 to 28 rounds—which means plenty of little pies to enjoy or share!
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Pies
Place a generous heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling in the center of each dough circle. Then fold the dough over to create a neat half-moon shape. Moisten the edges with a bit of water to help seal them, and press the edges firmly with a fork for that charming, classic crimped look that also keeps the filling inside during frying.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of granulated sugar with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This cinnamon sugar will create the delicious, sweet coating that perfectly complements the warm spices inside the pies.
Step 4: Fry the Hand Pies
Heat 2 to 3 inches of your chosen frying oil in a medium pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place 2 or 3 hand pies into the hot oil at a time. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined cooling rack to drain any excess oil, keeping an eye on the oil’s temperature between batches to maintain consistent heat.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
While the pies are still warm, dip them generously into the cinnamon sugar mixture. This final step adds that sweet, crunchy exterior that melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the pumpkin filling. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a show-stopping autumn treat!
How to Serve Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle these pies with a dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to amplify the flavors and make every bite memorable. A dollop of whipped cream alongside brings a light, creamy balance to the sweet, fried crust and rich filling.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or a rich latte, complementing the spices in the pumpkin filling. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add some refreshing tang and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the hand pies in a neat circle on a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and garnished with fresh sage or cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal display. For a party, offer a variety of dipping sauces such as melted chocolate, maple glaze, or vanilla cream to delight guests with options beyond the classic coating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the fried hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain that crispy texture without sogginess seeping in from the air.
Freezing
You can freeze the hand pies before frying! Just assemble and flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving to keep that wonderful fried crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use premade pumpkin pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! Premade pumpkin pie filling works perfectly in the Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe and saves you some prep time without sacrificing flavor.
What oil is best for frying these hand pies?
Canola or vegetable oil is ideal since they have high smoke points and neutral flavor, allowing the pumpkin and cinnamon to shine.
Can I bake the hand pies instead of frying?
While you could bake them for a lighter version, frying gives these hand pies their signature crispy texture and rich flavor that baking can’t quite replicate.
How do I prevent the pies from bursting while frying?
Make sure to seal the edges well using water and crimping with a fork. Also, keep the oil at a steady 375°F to cook evenly without bursting.
Are these hand pies suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes! You can freeze them before frying and fry from frozen, or freeze fully cooked pies and reheat in the oven to preserve taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into these Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe, you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a seasonal staple. They bring all the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice in a crispy, hand-held form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas, and your taste buds will thank you with every bite!
Print
Fried Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 26 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Hand Pies are a delightful autumn treat featuring a flaky pie crust filled with sweet and spiced pumpkin pie filling. Fried to a golden brown perfection and coated in cinnamon sugar, they offer a tender, flavorful bite perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy snacks.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 batch homemade pie crust recipe or 2 boxes store-bought pie crusts
Filling
- 2 cups pumpkin pie filling (homemade or store-bought)
For Frying
- Canola or vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill pot with 2-3 inches of oil)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Crusts: Roll out the pie crust(s) to â…›-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Expect to get about 26-28 rounds from a homemade batch, fewer if using store-bought crusts.
- Fill and Shape: Place 1 heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling in the center of each crust circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Moisten the edges with water and crimp them firmly with a fork to fully seal the pies.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Set aside for coating later.
- Fry Hand Pies: Heat 2-3 inches of canola or vegetable oil in a medium pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slide in 2-3 hand pies at a time and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a rich golden brown. Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined cooling rack to drain excess oil. Keep an eye on the oil temperature between batches to maintain 375°F.
- Coat and Serve: While still warm, dip each fried hand pie into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Serve the pies warm or allow them to cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays at 375°F for even cooking and to prevent greasy pies.
- You can use either homemade or store-bought pumpkin pie filling based on preference or convenience.
- For a crisper crust, make sure to roll out the dough evenly to â…› inch thickness.
- Handle pies gently when frying to avoid breaking the crust seal.
- These pies can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
