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
