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Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Homemade sweet potato hand pies with a creamy filling and a flaky crust, offering comfort and nostalgia in every bite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 26 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Pie Crust
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Sweet Potato Filling
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes (mashed) Opt for organic sweet potatoes for better flavor.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed Adds depth and moisture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Use freshly ground for the best taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Use freshly ground for the best taste.
For Frying
  • Canola oil (enough for frying) Use vegetable, peanut, or sunflower oil as alternatives.
For the Glaze
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 6-9 tablespoons whole milk (as needed) Adjust to reach desired glaze consistency.

Method
 

Preparation of Sweet Potato Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, add mashed sweet potatoes. Stir in the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors mingle, about 10 minutes while you prepare the crust.
Making the Crust
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter to cut the crust.
  3. Place 1 tablespoon of sweet potato filling in the center of each round.
  4. Fold each mini pie crust into a half-moon shape. Use water to wet the edges to help seal the crust.
  5. Crimp the edges with a fork and set aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Frying (or Baking/Air Frying)
  1. **Fry**: In a medium pot, add 2-3 inches of oil and bring to 375°F. Carefully add 2-3 hand pies at a time, frying for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
  2. **Oven**: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the assembled hand pies for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. **Air Fryer**: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place hand pies in a single layer, spray tops with cooking spray, and air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glazing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 6 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk if needed, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
  2. While the hand pies are still warm, generously coat each one with the glaze, letting it drizzle beautifully over the edges.

Notes

For best results, keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning. You can also prepare the filling and crust a day in advance and store separately in the fridge.