Baked Pecan Hand Pies

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Oh, my lovely food friends! Gather around as I reminisce about my first encounter with baked pecan hand pies, those delightful little treasures that whisk me back to sweet moments spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The air was always rich with the warm, nutty aroma of toasted pecans mingling with notes of cinnamon and freshly baked pie crust—truly a cozy paradise! I remember how she would pull them from the oven, tiny golden moons, their flaky exteriors hiding a gooey, sweet interior just waiting to be savored.

These hand pies haven’t just earned a special place in my heart because of their taste—they come with a sprinkle of nostalgia and a whole lot of love. Imagine biting into one of these little gems: a crisp outer layer cradling the velvety pecan filling that dances with sweetness from maple syrup and hints of spice. Trust me, they’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful dessert at a gathering with friends. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making these darling little hand pies in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy as Pie: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an accessible recipe for everyone.
• Quick Bake Time: From prepping to baking, you can whip these up in no time—great for when unexpected guests pop by!
• Flavorful Satisfaction: The combination of pecans, maple syrup, and cinnamon delivers a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: These charming treats are sure to impress, whether at a holiday gathering or a casual get-together.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them warm, drizzled with icing, or even cold—perfect for any time of day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
  Nuts about nuts? Pecan pieces provide a gorgeous crunch and earthy flavor that makes these hand pies stand out!

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
  This adds a lovely depth of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor—just what your filling needs!

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
  A buttery goodness that enhances the richness of the filling—always use unsalted butter for the best taste!

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
  Give your pies a sweet, warm personality—pure maple syrup is the way to go for that cozy flavor!

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  A sprinkle of spice brings everything together—cinnamon is the heart of homey flavors!

• 1 package pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  Store-bought keeps it simple, but homemade can be a lovely bonding experience in the kitchen!

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
  For that beautiful golden glaze—trust me, it’s worth it!

• Powdered sugar (for icing)
  The finishing touch! A drizzle of icing will make your pies look like little works of art.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The anticipation of delicious baked goods sets the whole mood!

2. Make the filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped pecans, brown sugar, softened butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Whisk until everything is well mixed and gets a little cozy. Imagine the nutty aroma!

3. Roll out the pie crusts

Gently roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface, cutting them into 4-5 inch circles. Love those flaky layers!

4. Add the filling

Carefully place a spoonful of the pecan mixture onto one half of each circle; keep it about a tablespoon for perfect portioning.

5. Seal the edges

Fold over the other half of the pie crust and seal the edges with a fork, giving them that charming, homemade look!

6. Brush with egg wash

Brush the tops with a beaten egg; this is what makes them shine and glisten when they come out of the oven!

7. Bake

Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!

8. Cool and icing

Let your baked hand pies cool on a wire rack, then drizzle with powdered sugar icing for that sweet little finish!

Pro Tips for Success

• Chill Your Dough: If you use homemade crust, chill it for a bit before rolling to make it easier to handle.
• Don’t Overfill: Less is more! Too much filling can make sealing tricky—or lead to a messy explosion in the oven.
• Mind the Oven: Keep an eye on your pies during the last few minutes of baking—they can go from golden to brown in the blink of an eye!

Flavor Variations

• Nut Swaps: Swap half the pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist!
• Holiday Spice: Add a touch of nutmeg or clove for that extra festive flair.
• Chocolate Lovers: Toss in some mini chocolate chips for an irresistible sweet surprise!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these lovely hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Pair with a steaming cup of spiced chai or rich coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble your hand pies before baking for a last-minute treat! Keep baked pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

If you have any hand pies left, consider crumbling them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast or brunch topping, or serve them with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce for dessert!

Freezing

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap them in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these hand pies is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a skillet for a quick reheat—just warm them on low heat until they’re cozy again!

FAQs

Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a delicious twist!

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s completely vegetarian! Substitute the egg wash with a brush of milk or plant-based milk if needed.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust, and they’ll still be delightful!

How do I make the icing?
Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth!

Final Thoughts

Oh, my friends, I hope you revel in the joy of making these baked pecan hand pies! There’s something so heartwarming about curling up with a warm pastry, each bite rich in flavor and wrapped in love. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging in a cozy night in, they’re sure to bring a smile. So roll up those sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s whip up a batch together! Happy baking, and remember to savor each moment in the kitchen—it’s where the magic happens! 💕