There’s something enchanting about hand pies. Imagine flaky pastry encasing a delicious filling that bursts with flavor at the first bite. The crispiness, combined with the savory or sweet surprise within, creates a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a party treat, hand pies recipes are your ticket to culinary happiness.

These little pockets of joy have an uncanny ability to evoke fond memories. Picture yourself huddled around the kitchen table with friends or family, eagerly awaiting the first taste of those golden-brown delights fresh out of the oven. Perfect for any occasion, hand pies inspire laughter and satisfaction with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hand pies are convenient and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Their burst of flavors can transport you anywhere from savory to sweet!
- Visually appealing, they are sure to impress at gatherings or potlucks
- Plus, they are versatile enough to suit any palate with endless filling options!
I remember the first time I made hand pies; my kids couldn’t get enough of them! They were gone before I could even take a proper photo.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that light and flaky pastry; sift it for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key; it helps achieve that perfect flaky texture in the crust.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Ice Water: Use cold water to help bind the dough together without melting the butter.
Your Choice of Filling: Be creative! From savory meats to sweet fruits, use what you love.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until combined but do not overwork the dough.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures it becomes easier to roll out later while keeping that delightful flakiness intact.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (or glass) to cut circles for individual hand pies.
Add Your Filling: Place your chosen filling in the center of each circle—about one tablespoon should do. Keep it centered to avoid spills when sealing.
Seal and Crimp Edges: Fold each circle over and pinch edges together tightly. For extra flair (and security), crimp edges with a fork or pinch decoratively with your fingers.
Bake Your Hand Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Now sit back and enjoy as your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas that will make everyone wonder what magic is happening inside!
With these steps outlined clearly, you’re ready to embark on your hand pie adventure! They promise not just deliciousness but also memories that will linger long after the last bite is gone. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Hand pies recipes are versatile and perfect for any occasion
- Customize fillings based on personal preferences or leftovers
- The flaky crust combined with savory or sweet fillings creates a delightful treat that everyone loves
- Perfect for lunches, snacks, or even dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your filling first while you chill the dough. Roll out the dough, fill it up, and bake until golden brown for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap meats, vegetables, or cheeses based on what’s in your fridge. You can even add different spices to make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for optimal crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For flaky crusts, ensure all ingredients are cold before mixing
- Don’t overfill your hand pies; it leads to messy edges
- Always vent the tops to release steam and prevent sogginess
I remember the first time I made hand pies; I accidentally launched one across the kitchen during a particularly enthusiastic fold! The laughter that followed made every bite taste better.
FAQ
What is the best way to seal hand pies?
Crimp the edges with a fork after moistening them with water to create a good seal.
Can I freeze hand pies before baking?
Yes! Freeze unbaked hand pies, then bake from frozen when ready for a fresh treat.
How long do cooked hand pies last?
Cooked hand pies can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer freshness.

Hand Pies
Hand pies are delightful pockets of flaky pastry filled with your choice of sweet or savory goodness. Perfect for any occasion—be it a snack, appetizer, or dessert—these handheld treats are easy to make and sure to impress. With endless filling possibilities, every bite brings a burst of flavor that evokes warm memories and laughter.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup filling of choice (meat, fruit, or vegetables)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into circles.
- Add Filling: Place about one tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
- Seal Pies: Fold dough over filling and pinch edges tightly; crimp with a fork if desired.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (100g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg