If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances flaky, buttery crusts with mouthwatering fillings, you’ve come to the right place. The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe is a brilliant combination of simplicity and flavor that transforms humble ingredients into handheld pockets of joy. Whether you crave the comforting warmth of spiced apples or the savory richness of beef and cheddar, these hand pies are easy to make, portable, and absolutely irresistible. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for gatherings, packed lunches, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics because the best dishes are made with quality, straightforward ingredients that work together perfectly. Each one is carefully chosen to give you that tender, flaky crust and filling bursting with flavor and richness.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base for the crust, essential for that perfect hand pie structure.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that enhances the crust’s golden color and subtle flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fine salt: Salt balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the dough.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter creates the flaky layers that make these hand pies spectacular.
- 1/3 cup cold sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tenderness and moisture to the pastry for a soft crumb.
- 5–7 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, crucial for flakiness.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional): A secret weapon that subtly tenderizes the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Sweet filling ingredients (choose one): Fresh apples, mixed berries, or peaches paired with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch for thick, luscious fruit fillings.
- Savory filling ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and sharp cheddar combine for a hearty and flavorful option.
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash): Gives the crust a glossy, inviting golden finish.
- Coarse sugar or flaky sea salt for sprinkling: Adds the finishing touch, perfectly complementing sweet or savory pies.
How to Make The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by whisking together your flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles little peas—that patchy butter in the flour is exactly what creates flaky layers. Stir in sour cream and vinegar to add richness and tenderness. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. Handling the dough as little as possible keeps that coveted flakiness intact.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them into the fridge for at least an hour. This step is non-negotiable for a flaky crust; cold dough promises the best texture come baking time.
Step 3: Prepare Your Filling
For sweet pies, simmer the diced fruit with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Make sure the filling is completely cool before filling the dough to avoid sogginess. For savory pies, sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef with smoked paprika and seasoning. Stir in tomato paste and water, simmer until thick, then fold in shredded cheddar once cooled.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll one dough disc out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter, or a wide mug, to cut out circles. Gather scraps, chill briefly, and reroll as needed. Repeat with the second disc to get your hand pie bases ready to fill.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Place 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill or you risk leakages. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the dough over to form half-moons, then press gently to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a charming look and a secure seal. Don’t forget to cut small steam vents on top so your pies bake evenly.
Step 6: Chill and Bake
Transfer your hand pies to parchment-lined baking sheets and chill for 15 minutes to help them keep their shape. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Brush the pies with egg wash, sprinkle coarse sugar if making sweet pies, or flaky sea salt for savory ones. Bake for 18-24 minutes, turning the trays halfway through, until golden brown and irresistible. Let them cool comfortably so the fillings set perfectly.
How to Serve The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate your hand pies from delicious to dazzling. For sweet versions, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce pairs beautifully with the fruit fillings. Savory pies can be garnished with fresh herbs like chopped chives or a dollop of sour cream to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
Hand pies shine alongside fresh, crisp salads or a bowl of hearty soup, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. For savory pies, consider a tangy coleslaw or roasted vegetables, while sweet pies make an excellent companion to creamy vanilla ice cream or whipping cream for dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not surprise your guests by serving these hand pies on a rustic wooden board, nestled on a bed of fresh greens? You can also pack them individually in parchment paper tied with twine—perfect for picnics or packed lunches. Layer a few sweet pies with mini jars of honey or lemon curd on a brunch table for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that might be optimistic), store your hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered maintains their delightful texture without drying out the crust or filling.
Freezing
To enjoy these hand pies later, freeze them before baking. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat your hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore that crispy crust and warm filling. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made a day in advance and kept wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This actually helps enhance the flavor and texture as it rests. Just bring it back to a cool temperature before rolling out.
What are some good fillings besides the ones listed?
The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe is very versatile. You can try fillings like spinach and feta, curried vegetables, or even chocolate and nut butters for sweet fans. Just ensure fillings aren’t too wet to prevent soggy crusts.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Cooking your fillings until thickened and cooling them completely before filling the dough is key to preventing leaks. Also, don’t overfill and make sure the edges are well sealed with egg wash and fork crimping.
Can I use frozen fruit for the sweet fillings?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess juice from frozen fruit before cooking the filling to avoid watery pies. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit for best results.
Why is the dough chilled multiple times?
Chilling the dough first firms up the butter for flakiness, and chilling the assembled pies helps them maintain their shape during baking. It might seem like extra work, but the flaky, tender results are worth every minute.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a golden, flaky hand pie with a perfectly balanced sweet or savory filling inside. I hope this recipe for The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and bake these delightful treats at home. Once you experience the magic of homemade hand pies, I bet they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine!
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The Best Hand Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Flaky Pastries Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert and Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious homemade hand pies offer a perfect portable snack or dessert. With flaky buttery crusts filled with sweet fruit mixtures like apple-cinnamon, mixed berry, or peach-ginger, or savory fillings like beef and cheddar, these pies are versatile and crowd-pleasers. Made from scratch with a tender dough that is chilled for flakiness, and baked to golden perfection, these hand pies are great for lunchboxes, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/3 cup cold sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 5–7 tablespoons ice water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, helps tenderness)
Apple-Cinnamon Filling
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Mixed Berry Filling
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Peach-Ginger Filling
- 2 cups diced peaches
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Beef and Cheddar Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Finishing
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (sweet pies)
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (savory pies)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until small pea-sized pieces remain. Stir in the sour cream and apple cider vinegar if using. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together when pinched.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill. Chilling produces a flaky crust.
- Prepare sweet fillings: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine your chosen fruit filling ingredients (fruit, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt). Cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let cool completely to prevent leaks during baking.
- Prepare savory filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; cook until beef is browned. Stir in tomato paste and water, simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, let cool, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep workspace: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean countertop and rolling pin for rolling out dough.
- Roll out dough: Take one chilled dough disc and roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4 to 5-inch round cutter (or a wide mug/bowl) to cut circles. Gather dough scraps, re-chill, and reroll as needed. Repeat with the second dough disc.
- Fill hand pies: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the center of each dough round. Avoid overfilling to ensure a good seal. Brush the edges around the filling with the egg wash.
- Seal and crimp edges: Fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to tighten the seal. Cut 2 to 3 small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Chill pies before baking: Transfer the assembled hand pies to the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat oven and finish prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash again. Sprinkle coarse sugar over sweet pies or flaky sea salt over savory pies.
- Bake the pies: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 24 minutes, rotating the baking trays halfway through, until the crusts are deep golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and cool the pies on wire racks for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow fillings to set.
Notes
- Chilling the dough and pies ensures a flaky crust and helps maintain shape during baking.
- Don’t overfill the pies to avoid leaking during baking.
- Using sour cream or Greek yogurt in dough adds tenderness and richness.
- The small slits on top of the pies prevent filling from bubbling out.
- For best results, use fresh or properly thawed frozen fruit for sweet fillings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheated.
