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
Scale
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.
