These Homemade Pumpkin Hand Pies are soft, flaky, and filled with a warm, spiced pumpkin mixture that tastes like autumn in every bite. With a buttery, crisp crust and a naturally sweetened pumpkin filling made with coconut sugar and aromatic spices, these pies make the perfect snack, dessert, or breakfast treat. Whether you’re preparing a seasonal dessert table or craving something cozy with your coffee, these mini pies are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Home bakers who love cozy fall desserts
- Pumpkin spice fans looking for a lighter, naturally sweetened treat
- Anyone who wants a beginner-friendly pastry recipe
- People who love portable desserts
- Parents wanting a fun baking project with kids
If you enjoy pumpkin flavors and warm spices wrapped in buttery pastry, this recipe is for you.
Why It’s Great
- Naturally Sweetened: Uses coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- Homemade Dough: Flaky, buttery, and easy to work with.
- Perfect Texture: Thickened pumpkin filling that never leaks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough and filling can be prepped ahead.
- Versatile: Great for baking, freezing, gifting, or lunchbox treats.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (homemade or canned)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Dough
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (225g)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (200g)
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (226g)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tbsp milk
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, whisked
- Sugar for sprinkling
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Instructions
1. Make the Pumpkin Filling
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, vanilla, salt, and all spices.
- Cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and darkens to a caramelized color.
- Let the filling cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, and salt.
- Add cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Cut into rectangles, circles, or desired shapes.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of cooled pumpkin filling to each piece.
- Top with another piece of dough and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake
- Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Storage
- Room Temperature: 2 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked pies for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes
FAQ
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
Yes! Replace cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
Can I make the dough with only all-purpose flour?
Absolutely. Substitute the whole wheat flour with the same amount of all-purpose flour.
Can I use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes—brown sugar works perfectly and will give a similar deep caramel flavor.
Will canned pumpkin work?
Yes. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Conclusion
These Homemade Pumpkin Hand Pies are a warm, comforting treat perfect for fall or any time you crave cozy flavors. With a buttery crust and naturally sweetened pumpkin filling, they’re easy, delicious, and freezer-friendly. Serve them for holidays, breakfasts, snacks, or desserts—they’re guaranteed to impress!
