Sweet potato hand pies are like little pockets of joy, each bite bursting with the warm, sweet flavors of fall. Imagine flaky pastry hugging a luscious filling that dances on your taste buds, creating a symphony of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a gathering, these delightful treats will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
- Can I freeze these hand pies?
- How do I know when my pies are done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I can still picture that Thanksgiving when I first made sweet potato hand pies. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing family members into the kitchen like moths to a flame. The excitement in the air was almost tangible, and as we bit into those golden pastries, laughter and compliments filled the room. It was an unforgettable moment, one I cherish every time I make these scrumptious pies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sweet potato hand pies are effortless to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- The sweet and spicy filling offers a delightful flavor profile that everyone loves
- Their golden-brown crust is visually appealing and begs to be shared with friends
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as dessert or a snack any time of day
I remember making these hand pies for my friends once; their faces lit up like kids in a candy store when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet filling that’s easy to mash.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for creating that tender, flaky crust everyone loves.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter to achieve that perfect flaky texture in your pie crust.
Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes while balancing spices.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth, giving your filling that cozy fall flavor.
Egg Wash: A simple mixture of egg and water gives your pies that beautiful golden finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Creating these hand pies is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for delicious results:
Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Start by peeling and chopping about two medium-sized sweet potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender, roughly 15 minutes should do the trick. Drain and mash until smooth.
Mix in Spices and Sugar: In a bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Taste it—if it makes you smile, you’re on the right track.
Make the Pie Dough: In another bowl, mix flour with cold cubed butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until it forms a dough ball—don’t overmix; we want flaky goodness here.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut circles using a large glass or cookie cutter—aim for about 4 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Pies: Place a spoonful of your sweet potato mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold over and seal with your fingers or fork; this step is crucial to keep all that goodness inside!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each pie with egg wash before baking them for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown—a kitchen timer is your best friend here!
Enjoy these delightful morsels warm from the oven or let them cool down if you’re feeling patient—though I won’t judge if you dive right in!
You Must Know
- Sweet Potato Hand Pies are not only delicious but also a great way to use leftover sweet potatoes
- The flaky crust paired with the sweet filling creates a delightful treat that everyone will love
- Plus, they’re perfect for snacks or dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting your sweet potatoes until tender, then let them cool before mashing. Prepare your pie crust while they cool to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice up the filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for an unexpected kick. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Sweet Potato Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warm for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a flakier crust and avoid overworking the dough
- Make sure your filling is cool before assembling to prevent sogginess
- Lastly, seal your pies well for a perfect bite every time!
There’s something magical about making these Sweet Potato Hand Pies; I once whipped them up for a family gathering, and the sight of my aunt sneaking a second one made my day!
FAQ
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
You can use pumpkin or butternut squash as tasty alternatives in hand pies.
Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, freeze uncooked hand pies; just bake them directly from frozen.
How do I know when my pies are done?
Look for golden-brown crusts and a fragrant aroma to indicate doneness.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Sweet Potato Hand Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 hand pies 1x
Description
Sweet potato hand pies are a delightful treat that encapsulate the flavors of fall in every bite. With a flaky crust enveloping a warm, sweet filling, these hand pies are perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they can be served as a snack or dessert, making them a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil until fork-tender (about 15 minutes), then drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix in spices: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour and cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until it forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll to about 1/8 inch thick and cut circles (4 inches in diameter).
- Assemble the pies: Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and seal edges.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





