Indulge in the essence of autumn with our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Hand Pies—an irresistible combination of velvety pumpkin filling and luscious cream cheese encased in a flaky, golden crust. These handheld delights encapsulate the warmth and flavors of fall in every bite.
Imagine a crisp fall morning, the scent of cinnamon-spiced pumpkin wafting through the kitchen as you craft these hand pies. Picture the joy on your family’s faces as they savor the first bite—a perfect blend of creamy pumpkin goodness and the tangy embrace of cream cheese.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cream Cheese Hand Pies:
- Autumnal Bliss: Embrace the spirit of fall with the rich, spiced pumpkin filling that encapsulates the essence of the season.
- Creamy Surprise: Each bite unfolds a delightful surprise—a creamy, velvety core of cream cheese that elevates the overall experience.
- Handheld Happiness: The convenience of a handheld pie makes it perfect for on-the-go enjoyment or a charming addition to your fall dessert spread.
Ingredients Notes For Pumpkin Cream Cheese Hand Pies:
- Pumpkin Puree: Opt for high-quality canned pumpkin puree or prepare your own for an authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy incorporation into the filling.
- Pie Crust: Use a quality store-bought crust or prepare a homemade one for that perfect flaky texture.
Recipe Steps:
- Pumpkin Filling: Combine pumpkin puree, sugar, and a medley of fall spices to create a luscious pumpkin filling.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Whip up a creamy cream cheese mixture that will be swirled into the pumpkin filling for a delightful contrast.
- Hand Pie Assembly: Cut out circles of pie crust, spoon a dollop of pumpkin filling with cream cheese onto each, and fold them into charming hand pies.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is set, creating a symphony of fall aromas in your kitchen.
Storage Options:
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be gently reheated in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin filling for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Spice Exploration: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cloves to tailor the filling to your spice preferences.
- Glaze Galore: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze over the cooled hand pies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Hand Pie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Pumpkin Filling:
- In a bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Cheese Filling:
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well incorporated. Set aside.
Hand Pie Dough:
- In a food processor, pulse together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, diced unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, kneading briefly until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembly:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter, cut out circles for the hand pies.
- Place a spoonful of the pumpkin filling in the center of half the circles, leaving a border around the edges.
- Dollop a spoonful of cream cheese filling over the pumpkin filling.
- Brush the edges of the circles with water and place another circle of dough over the filling, sealing the edges with a fork.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
