Pumpkin Hand Pies

Step 1

Heat the water and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter has melted. Add in the sugar, salt, and flour. Remove from heat and stir with a wooden spoon until a wet and oily dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat all filling ingredients together until smooth.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the egg and water to make an egg wash.

Step 5

On a lightly-floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes.

Step 6

In half of the pumpkin shapes, cut 3 vertical slits or triangle “eyes” for decorative effect. These will become the tops of the pies.

Step 7

Place 2 tablespoons filling onto each bottom pumpkin shape, leaving a border around the edge. Use more or less filling depending on the size of your pumpkin shapes, being careful not to overfill. Lightly brush the border with the egg wash. Place the top over each bottom, pressing the edges to seal the filling inside.

Step 8

Make ahead: At this point, the unbaked pies can be covered and refrigerated for 1 day. They can also be frozen and baked straight from the freezer, adding about 3 minutes to the baking time.

Step 9

Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.