Irresistible Sweet Potato Hand Pies: A Southern Fall Favorite

Step into the heartwarming world of Southern baking with these incredible Sweet Potato Hand Pies. Crafted with a delightfully sweet and tender pie crust, often referred to as a “sweet dough,” and generously filled with sweet potatoes exquisitely spiced with the quintessential flavors of autumn, these handheld delights are pure comfort in every bite.

While sweet potatoes are a staple year-round in many Southern kitchens, these delectable hand pies truly shine during the cooler fall and winter months. Their warm, inviting flavors make them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply a delightful snack any time the craving strikes.

This cherished recipe draws its inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of the Louisiana bayou. My dear neighbor, Jane Theriot, shared captivating stories of the seasoned bakers from her community who perfected such pies over generations. Her invaluable feedback throughout the recipe development process ensured that this rendition perfectly captures the authentic taste and spirit of those beloved, old-fashioned hand pies.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Potato Hand Pie Recipe

These aren’t just any sweet potato pies; they are a celebration of flavor and tradition. Here’s why this recipe will become a treasured favorite:

• Generous Portions for Maximum Enjoyment: Each hand pie is substantial, making it a satisfying snack that can easily tide you over until your next meal. They’re perfect for packing in lunches or as a hearty dessert.
• An Unforgettable Dessert Experience: Elevate your indulgence by serving these warm sweet potato hand pies with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm pie and cool ice cream, along with the blend of sweet and spiced flavors, creates a truly heavenly treat for your taste buds.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: We’ve meticulously balanced the sweetness between the dough and the filling. The sweet pie crust provides a delicate base, allowing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, enhanced by classic fall spices, to shine through without being overwhelmingly sugary.
• Clever Use of Leftover Dough: Don’t let any precious dough go to waste! The off-cuts from shaping your pies can be transformed into delightful toaster oven cookies or “tea cookies.” A quick bake turns them into crispy, sweet little treats perfect for a coffee break.
• Comfort Food Redefined: There’s something inherently comforting about a hand pie. The individual serving size, the warm filling, and the flaky crust evoke a sense of nostalgia and homestyle goodness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they are a fall and winter staple, these hand pies are versatile enough for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a special homemade dessert. Their portability makes them ideal for on-the-go enjoyment.

Gather Your Groceries: Essential Ingredients for Delicious Hand Pies

Creating these delightful sweet potato hand pies requires a simple yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. We’ll be making a rich, sweet pie crust from scratch, which pairs beautifully with our spiced sweet potato filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sweet Pie Crust:

• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): 18 Tablespoons (2 sticks + 2 Tbsp). Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness, and room temperature butter creams beautifully for a tender crust.
• Powdered Sugar: 1½ Cups. This finer sugar blends seamlessly into the dough, contributing to its smooth texture and delicate sweetness.
• Large Eggs: 2 Each. Eggs bind the dough, add richness, and help achieve a golden-brown finish.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3½ Cups. The foundation of our dough, providing structure.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon. A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors in the crust.

For the Spiced Sweet Potato Filling:

• Sweet Potatoes: 3 Cups (cooked and mashed). Fresh sweet potatoes, cooked until tender, form the creamy base of our filling.
• Light Brown Sugar: ½ Cup. Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A classic addition that rounds out the sweet flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons. The signature spice of fall, bringing warmth and aroma.
• Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. Complements the cinnamon with its earthy, sweet notes.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the spices.

For precise quantities and detailed measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Walkthrough: Crafting Your Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Embark on the journey of creating these delicious sweet potato hand pies with this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. We’ll start with the dough, move on to the flavorful filling, and then assemble and bake our golden treasures. Each step is designed to ensure a perfect, homemade result.

This section provides an overview of the key recipe steps. For more granular details, expert tips, and precise timings, be sure to consult the full recipe card at the conclusion of this article.

Part 1: Preparing the Sweet Pie Crust

Part 2: Assembling and Baking Your Hand Pies

Pro Tip: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize any leftover sweet potato casserole you might have from a holiday meal. Simply adjust the sugar and spice levels to your taste, or use it as is for a quick and easy filling! You can also adapt this dough to make other fruit-filled hand pies, similar to classic apple pies or seasonal pumpkin hand pies.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking sheet with the hand pies into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is warmed through. The sweet dough will naturally brown nicely, so an egg wash isn’t necessary.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas for Creative Hand Pies

While the classic sweet potato hand pie is perfect as is, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or to experiment with new flavor profiles. Here are some delightful variations and substitution ideas:

• A Touch of Maple Syrup: For an added layer of autumnal sweetness, drizzle a splash of pure maple syrup into your sweet potato mixture. It pairs wonderfully with the existing spices.
• Creamy Tang with Sour Cream: Stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt into the sweet potato filling. This introduces a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness and adds a lovely creaminess.
• Exotic Chai Spice Blend: For an adventurous twist, consider replacing some of the cinnamon and nutmeg with a chai spice blend. This will infuse your pies with warm, aromatic notes of cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
• Simplify with Store-Bought Dough: If time is of the essence, feel free to use a good quality store-bought pie crust or puff pastry. While the homemade sweet dough offers a unique flavor, pre-made options can significantly cut down on prep time. Just make sure to choose a brand that bakes up flaky and golden.
• Richness with Dark Brown Sugar: Swap out the light brown sugar for dark brown sugar in the filling. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, offering a deeper, richer flavor and a slightly more moist texture.
• Spice It Up Further: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of allspice to the sweet potato filling for an even more complex spice profile.
• Orange Zest Brightness: For a bright, citrusy note that complements sweet potatoes beautifully, mix in the zest of half an orange to your filling.
• Miniature Hand Pies: Instead of large pies, use a smaller cookie cutter (3-4 inches) to create bite-sized hand pies. Adjust baking time accordingly (likely 15-20 minutes). These are perfect for entertaining!
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the sweet potato filling for added texture and a nutty flavor.

Explore More Sweet Potato Delights You’ll Adore

If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic recipes featuring this versatile and delicious root vegetable:

• Sweet Potato Fritter Recipe

Storing Your Sweet Potato Hand Pies for Freshness

Proper storage ensures your delicious hand pies remain fresh and enjoyable. Here’s how to store any leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Once the pies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel (to absorb any moisture) at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, transfer the cooled pies to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These hand pies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated pies, simply warm them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help crisp up the crust again.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions

These tasty hand pies are absolutely excellent when served warm, especially with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The warm, spiced filling alongside the cool creaminess is a match made in dessert heaven.

• The Importance of Room Temperature Butter: For the sweet dough, ensure your butter is genuinely at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a tender, uniform dough texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten, leading to a tough, less tender crust.
• Chilling is Key: The refrigeration step for the dough isn’t just a suggestion; it’s vital. It helps the butter solidify, making the dough easier to handle and roll, and contributes to a flakier final product.
• Cooking Sweet Potatoes: As mentioned, I opted for microwaving my sweet potatoes (wrapped in plastic wrap for about 6 minutes each) to save time and keep the kitchen cool. However, baking or boiling them until fork-tender are also excellent methods. Just ensure they are thoroughly cooked and mashed smoothly for the best filling texture.
• Crimping for Sealing and Aesthetics: Using a fork to crimp the edges not only seals the pies effectively to prevent filling from leaking but also adds a beautiful, traditional finishing touch.
• Serving Pairings: Beyond ice cream, these hand pies are wonderful with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They can also be dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Sweet Potato Hand Pie Queries Answered

If you’ve tried this Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe or any other fantastic recipe on my site, please let me know in the comment section below how it turned out for you. We genuinely love hearing from our readers and value your feedback!

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Sweet Potato Hand Pies