Sweet Potato Hand Pies Flavorful and Simple Recipe

May 27, 2025 by Taling

If you want a tasty treat that’s easy to make, sweet potato hand pies are perfect. They combine a warm, sweet filling with a crispy crust. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step to create these delightful pies. From selecting the best sweet potatoes to baking them to golden perfection, you’ll have all the tips you need. Let’s dive into this flavorful and simple recipe!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Sweet Potato Hand Pies

To make sweet potato hand pies, gather these main ingredients:

– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon maple syrup

– 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Pinch of salt

– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

These ingredients blend to create a sweet and spicy filling. The sweet potatoes give a creamy base, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth.

Additional Ingredients and Substitutions

You can switch out some ingredients if needed. For example, if you don’t have brown sugar, try using white sugar or coconut sugar. If you want a vegan option, skip the egg wash. You can use almond milk to brush the tops instead. Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or vanilla for extra flavor.

Tips for Selecting Quality Sweet Potatoes

Choosing the right sweet potatoes is key. Look for firm, smooth ones without any bruises. The skin should be bright and free of blemishes. I prefer medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. Smaller ones may dry out, while larger ones can be too starchy. When you find good ones, store them in a cool, dark place. Avoid the fridge, as it can change their taste.

For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Potato Hand Pies section!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sweet Potato Filling

Start by boiling the sweet potatoes. Peel and cube two medium sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and put them aside. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained sweet potatoes to the skillet. Mash them with a fork until they are smooth. Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Drizzle in one tablespoon of maple syrup. Mix everything well and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Hand Pies

Next, roll out the pie crusts. You can use store-bought or homemade crusts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles about 5 inches in diameter. Take each circle and place about one tablespoon of the sweet potato filling in the center. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies well. This step is very important to keep the filling inside. Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg. This gives them a golden finish when baked.

Baking the Hand Pies

Now it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The hand pies will turn golden brown when done. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Enjoy your warm, flaky hand pies! You can find the Full Recipe for all the steps.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Perfect Hand Pies

To make perfect sweet potato hand pies, start with fresh sweet potatoes. Look for firm, unblemished ones. Boil them until soft but not mushy. This keeps the texture just right. When mixing in spices, taste as you go. This helps you control the flavor. Use a fork to crimp the edges well. This seals the pies and keeps the filling inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the sweet potatoes. If they get too soft, the filling may become watery. Another error is not sealing the edges properly. This can lead to leaks during baking. Also, avoid skipping the egg wash. It gives the pies a lovely golden color. Lastly, don’t crowd the baking sheet. Give each pie space to expand and brown evenly.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. It brings a nice warmth without being too spicy. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Pecans or walnuts work great. For a twist, add a touch of vanilla extract to the filling. It adds depth and richness. Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a sweet finish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.

Variations

Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Different Spices

You can change the taste of your sweet potato hand pies by using other spices. Try adding ginger for a spicy kick. Cardamom brings warmth and depth, while cloves give a cozy flavor. Each spice adds a new layer of taste. Feel free to mix and match spices to suit your taste buds.

Adding Other Ingredients for Flavor

For extra flavor, consider mixing in ingredients like apples or raisins. These add sweetness and texture to your filling. You can also add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a nice crunch. Cream cheese can make the filling rich and creamy. Each addition creates a unique pie that is sure to impress.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

You can make your sweet potato hand pies gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pie crusts instead of regular ones. For a vegan option, skip the egg wash. Brush the pies with a bit of almond milk instead. You can also replace the maple syrup with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetener. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Hand Pies

To keep your sweet potato hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the pies to avoid sticking. Place them in the fridge if you plan to eat them in a few days. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days this way.

Freezing Instructions for Hand Pies

You can freeze sweet potato hand pies for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pies in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Taste

To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until warm and crisp. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose some crispiness. Enjoy your hand pies just like they were fresh out of the oven! For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Potato Hand Pies section.

FAQs

How do I make the dough from scratch?

To make dough from scratch, mix flour, salt, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like crumbs. Add ice water a little at a time until the dough sticks together. Do not knead too much; just shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. This will help your dough roll out easily.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use other potatoes. Russets and Yukon Golds work well. They offer a different taste and texture. However, they might need more seasoning since they are less sweet. Cook them the same way as sweet potatoes. Mash them up and mix in spices for flavor.

What can I serve with sweet potato hand pies?

Sweet potato hand pies pair well with many sides. Try a simple salad for freshness. You could also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds sweetness. These options enhance the pie’s flavors and make a full meal. For the full recipe, check the beginning of this article.

You learned how to make delicious sweet potato hand pies. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember to select quality sweet potatoes and avoid common mistakes. You can also try fun variations to change the flavor. Lastly, proper storage will keep your hand pies fresh. Use these insights to bake with confidence and enjoy tasty treats. Happy baking!

$To make sweet potato hand pies, gather these main ingredients: - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Pinch of salt - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting These ingredients blend to create a sweet and spicy filling. The sweet potatoes give a creamy base, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You can switch out some ingredients if needed. For example, if you don’t have brown sugar, try using white sugar or coconut sugar. If you want a vegan option, skip the egg wash. You can use almond milk to brush the tops instead. Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or vanilla for extra flavor. Choosing the right sweet potatoes is key. Look for firm, smooth ones without any bruises. The skin should be bright and free of blemishes. I prefer medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. Smaller ones may dry out, while larger ones can be too starchy. When you find good ones, store them in a cool, dark place. Avoid the fridge, as it can change their taste. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Potato Hand Pies section! Start by boiling the sweet potatoes. Peel and cube two medium sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and put them aside. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained sweet potatoes to the skillet. Mash them with a fork until they are smooth. Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Drizzle in one tablespoon of maple syrup. Mix everything well and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool. Next, roll out the pie crusts. You can use store-bought or homemade crusts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles about 5 inches in diameter. Take each circle and place about one tablespoon of the sweet potato filling in the center. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies well. This step is very important to keep the filling inside. Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg. This gives them a golden finish when baked. Now it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The hand pies will turn golden brown when done. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Enjoy your warm, flaky hand pies! You can find the Full Recipe for all the steps. To make perfect sweet potato hand pies, start with fresh sweet potatoes. Look for firm, unblemished ones. Boil them until soft but not mushy. This keeps the texture just right. When mixing in spices, taste as you go. This helps you control the flavor. Use a fork to crimp the edges well. This seals the pies and keeps the filling inside. One common mistake is overcooking the sweet potatoes. If they get too soft, the filling may become watery. Another error is not sealing the edges properly. This can lead to leaks during baking. Also, avoid skipping the egg wash. It gives the pies a lovely golden color. Lastly, don't crowd the baking sheet. Give each pie space to expand and brown evenly. To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. It brings a nice warmth without being too spicy. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Pecans or walnuts work great. For a twist, add a touch of vanilla extract to the filling. It adds depth and richness. Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a sweet finish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your sweet potato hand pies by using other spices. Try adding ginger for a spicy kick. Cardamom brings warmth and depth, while cloves give a cozy flavor. Each spice adds a new layer of taste. Feel free to mix and match spices to suit your taste buds. For extra flavor, consider mixing in ingredients like apples or raisins. These add sweetness and texture to your filling. You can also add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a nice crunch. Cream cheese can make the filling rich and creamy. Each addition creates a unique pie that is sure to impress. You can make your sweet potato hand pies gluten-free. Just use gluten-free pie crusts instead of regular ones. For a vegan option, skip the egg wash. Brush the pies with a bit of almond milk instead. You can also replace the maple syrup with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetener. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. To keep your sweet potato hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the pies to avoid sticking. Place them in the fridge if you plan to eat them in a few days. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days this way. You can freeze sweet potato hand pies for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pies in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until warm and crisp. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose some crispiness. Enjoy your hand pies just like they were fresh out of the oven! For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Potato Hand Pies section. To make dough from scratch, mix flour, salt, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like crumbs. Add ice water a little at a time until the dough sticks together. Do not knead too much; just shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. This will help your dough roll out easily. Yes, you can use other potatoes. Russets and Yukon Golds work well. They offer a different taste and texture. However, they might need more seasoning since they are less sweet. Cook them the same way as sweet potatoes. Mash them up and mix in spices for flavor. Sweet potato hand pies pair well with many sides. Try a simple salad for freshness. You could also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds sweetness. These options enhance the pie's flavors and make a full meal. For the full recipe, check the beginning of this article. You learned how to make delicious sweet potato hand pies. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember to select quality sweet potatoes and avoid common mistakes. You can also try fun variations to change the flavor. Lastly, proper storage will keep your hand pies fresh. Use these insights to bake with confidence and enjoy tasty treats. Happy baking!$