The delightful aroma of freshly fried Sweet Potato Hand Pies fills the air, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent in the kitchen. Each bite reveals a crispy, golden crust that encases a warm, spiced sweet potato filling—reminding us of childhood treats and oven-baked comforts. Sweet Potato Hand Pies are not just food; they’re stories wrapped in loveliness, perfect for snacking or special occasions.
As you sink your teeth into these little treasures, you’ll experience the joyful sweetness that’s comforting and satisfying, just like the best hugs from your Grandma. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or simply needing a treat to brighten your day, these hand pies promise to deliver an explosion of flavor and nostalgia, transporting you to happy places with every delicious bite.
Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Hand Pies
- This incredible Sweet Potato Hand Pies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Potato Hand Pies:
2 cups (240 g) mashed sweet potatoes – Freshly steamed sweet potatoes bring out the best flavor and natural sweetness in the filling.
¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed – This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with that delightful caramelization.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Just a pinch adds an earthy depth to the filling, making each bite taste like a warm hug.
1 homemade pie crust recipe, or 2 boxes store-bought – Feel free to go with homemade for extra love, or grab store-bought for convenience.
Canola oil – Used for frying the hand pies until they’re perfectly crispy and golden brown.
3 cups (375 g) confectioners’ sugar – Essential for creating a sweet glaze that gives the hand pies a lovely finish.
6-9 tablespoons whole milk – Adjust the amount to get that perfect consistency for your glaze, whether you prefer it thick or pourable.
How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Sweet Potato Hand Pies:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended, then set aside to let the flavors mingle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out 4-5 inch circles of dough that will form the base of your hand pies.
Step 3: Fill Each Hand Pie
Take each round of dough and place about 1 tablespoon of the sweet potato filling in the center. Make sure not to overfill them, or they may burst during frying!
Step 4: Seal the Pastries
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a little water to moisten the edges before crimping them together with a fork, ensuring a tight seal to keep that delicious filling inside.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
In a medium pot, heat 2-3 inches of canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. Carefully place 2-3 hand pies in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 6 tablespoons of whole milk. Keep adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a pourable consistency that you love.
Once your hand pies are warm and crispy, generously coat each one with the glaze, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for an extra special touch as you prepare to enjoy this delectable treat.
Serve these Sweet Potato Hand Pies warm, and watch as your friends and family devour them in delight! Perfect for after dinner dessert or as a sweet snack anytime the cravings hit. Happy baking!
You Must Know About Sweet Potato Hand Pies
- This showstopping Sweet Potato Hand Pies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Sweet Potato Hand Pies Cooking Process
Start by preparing the sweet potato filling while the pie crusts chill in the refrigerator. This way, you can assemble and fry your hand pies efficiently, ensuring they are warm and crispy when served.
Add Your Touch to Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Feel free to get creative by adding spices like ginger or cloves for extra warmth. You can also switch out the light brown sugar for maple syrup or honey if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating Sweet Potato Hand Pies
To preserve their crunch, store cooled hand pies in an airtight container. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that freshly fried feeling.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Sweet Potato Hand Pies
- This professional-quality Sweet Potato Hand Pies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Making these hand pies always brings back the memory of my niece’s birthday party when her giggles echoed in the kitchen after her first bite. It reminded me how food can create happiness and lasting memories.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Hand Pies
What are Sweet Potato Hand Pies?
Sweet Potato Hand Pies are delightful, pastry treats filled with a sweet and spiced mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They offer a wonderful combination of flaky crust and sweet filling, all perfectly fried to a golden brown. Ideal for snacking, they can be served warm, drizzled with a creamy glaze, and enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a unique finger food at gatherings.
How can I make Sweet Potato Hand Pies from scratch?
To make Sweet Potato Hand Pies from scratch, start with homemade pie crust or use store-bought options for convenience. Prepare a filling using mashed sweet potatoes mixed with brown sugar and spices. Roll the dough, cut it into circles, fill them with the sweet potato mixture, and seal the edges before frying until golden brown. It’s an easy process that delivers delicious results with a little love and patience!
Can I bake Sweet Potato Hand Pies instead of frying them?
Yes, you can definitely bake Sweet Potato Hand Pies if you’re looking for a lighter option. Once you’ve assembled and sealed the pies, preheat your oven to 375°F and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash for a golden finish, then bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Baking gives them a slightly different texture, but they’re equally delicious!
What can I serve with Sweet Potato Hand Pies?
Sweet Potato Hand Pies are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated with some accompaniments. Consider serving them with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of nuts can add an extra flavor dimension, while a fresh fruit compote can refresh and brighten the dish. Pairing these hand pies with a warm beverage like spiced chai or apple cider makes for a cozy treat!
Conclusion for Sweet Potato Hand Pies
In conclusion, Sweet Potato Hand Pies are a delightful combination of flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling that everyone can enjoy. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also offers plenty of room for creative variations. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these hand pies make for a perfect snack or dessert, ideal for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to these scrumptious bites of comfort.
Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- To a medium bowl, add mashed sweet potatoes. Stir in the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to ⅛-inch thick. Use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter to cut the crust.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sweet potato filling to each round.
- Fold each mini pie crust into a half-moon shape. Use water to wet the edges to help seal each crust. Crimp with a fork and set aside.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, add 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 375°F.
- Place 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown (2-3 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 6 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
- While the hand pies are still warm, coat each with the glaze.
