If you crave something charmingly seasonal, delightfully flaky, and packed with cozy autumn flavors, the Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is your new best friend. These little handheld wonders boast a perfectly spiced pumpkin cream cheese filling wrapped in tender, buttery pie dough, creating a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just looking to bring a little homemade joy to your afternoon snack time, these hand pies deliver autumn magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing creamy richness, warm spices, and flaky pastry.
- 2 sheets pie dough (store-bought): Convenient and flaky, this saves time while providing the perfect crust for your hand pies.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Pure pumpkin puree offers natural sweetness and vibrant color without added sugars.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the pumpkin flavor.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that fills every bite with classic fall warmth.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the overall depth of flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Helps the pies develop a golden, glossy crust you’ll want to snap photos of.
- 2 tablespoons white sugar: Combined with cinnamon, this topping adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled atop for extra spice and inviting aroma.
How to Make Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is beautifully combined and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your hand pies—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Preparing your baking sheet early helps you move smoothly through the assembly steps.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Pie Dough Shapes
Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking, then use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out an even number of shapes. This step is fun and sets the festive mood—don’t worry about perfection, rustic charm works wonderfully here.
Step 4: Fill the Pies
Arrange half of the pumpkin cutouts on the baking sheet. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin cream cheese filling onto the center of each, making sure to leave a border to seal the pies properly. This filling is creamy and flavorful but a little goes a long way.
Step 5: Seal Your Hand Pies
Lightly brush the edges of each filled dough shape with water to act as glue. Place the remaining dough cutouts on top, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal all the deliciousness inside. Use a knife to score gentle pumpkin ridges on the pie tops for that extra festive detail.
Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar
Whisk your egg and brush it over the tops of the pies to help them develop a shiny, golden crust. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this over the pies, giving a sweet, textural crunch that elevates every bite.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your pies for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly puffed. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of irresistible, signaling that your Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow your hand pies to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This step lets the filling set so it won’t spill out when you take a bite, plus it’s a perfect time to prepare your favorite beverage to enjoy alongside.
How to Serve Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can transform these hand pies into something truly show-stopping. Toasted chopped pecans or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon also add a delightful crunch and visually appealing finish.
Side Dishes
Serve your hand pies alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy latte for a cozy, autumnal treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully, especially if you want to turn these into an indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the hand pies on a rustic wooden board or scatter them on a festive holiday platter surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves. Wrapping each pie in a colorful napkin or placing them in small pastry boxes can make them perfect for gifting or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten hand pies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from becoming soggy and preserves the creamy filling’s freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these pies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When properly wrapped, they’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked taste, warm the pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soft and chewy instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies with homemade pie dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough offers a wonderful flaky texture and can add an extra layer of flavor if you infuse it with spices or a touch of sugar. The store-bought dough is simply a time-saver and works perfectly well too.
Is it okay to use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling already contains added spices and sweeteners, which could affect the balance of flavors in the filling for these hand pies.
Can these pie be made vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based pie dough. Swap the egg wash for a brush of almond milk mixed with a touch of maple syrup to help browning.
What’s the best way to prevent the pies from leaking during baking?
Make sure to leave a good border around the filling and seal the edges well using water and a fork. Chilling the pies briefly before baking can also help the dough firm up and hold the filling better.
Are these hand pies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled pies on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe — they’re comforting, festive, and absolutely delicious all wrapped into one neat package. If you haven’t tried making hand pies before, this recipe is a wonderful place to start. I promise, once you do, your kitchen will be filled with warm aromas and you’ll have a new favorite autumn treat on repeat.
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Pumpkin Hand Pies with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Pumpkin Hand Pies filled with a luscious pumpkin cream cheese mixture. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon sugar topping, these handheld treats are baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal seasonal dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 sheets pie dough (store-bought)
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well combined, then set aside.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut dough shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough sheets. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut an even number of pumpkin shapes as the base and top of the pies.
- Fill the dough: Place half of the pumpkin-shaped cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin cream cheese filling onto the center of each, leaving a border around the edges to allow sealing.
- Seal the pies: Lightly moisten the edges of the filled dough with water. Top with the remaining pumpkin cutouts and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Use a knife to score the tops lightly, creating pumpkin ridges for a decorative touch.
- Apply egg wash and sprinkle sugar: Whisk the egg and brush it evenly over the tops of the pies to promote a golden color during baking. In a small bowl, combine white sugar and ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture generously over the pies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff slightly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute the pie dough with homemade dough if preferred.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling texture.
- Do not overfill the pies to prevent leaking during baking.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- These pies warm up well in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
