Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe (Easy Southern Mini Sweet Potato Pies) 🍠🥧
These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are filled with a rich, spiced sweet potato filling wrapped inside a flaky homemade pie crust and baked until golden brown. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, these portable mini sweet potato pies are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and year-round Southern dessert lovers.
If you love classic sweet potato pie, you'll love these handheld versions that are easy to serve and even easier to eat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect holiday dessert
Flaky homemade pie crust
Rich Southern sweet potato filling
Great for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Easy handheld treat
Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Pie Dough
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup ice water
For the Egg Wash
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry cutter
Cookie cutter or biscuit cutter
Wire cooling rack
How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl combine:
Mashed sweet potatoes
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Allspice
Vanilla extract
Melted butter
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dough
In a large bowl whisk together:
Flour
Salt
Sugar
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions.
Shape into disks.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll dough to approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles.
Step 5: Fill the Hand Pies
Place approximately 1 tablespoon of sweet potato filling in the center of each dough circle.
Brush edges with water.
Fold over to create a half-moon shape.
Seal edges using a fork.
Step 6: Add Egg Wash
Whisk together egg and water.
Brush the tops of each hand pie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Drizzle over cooled hand pies.
Serve and enjoy.
Expert Tips
Use roasted sweet potatoes for the richest flavor.
Chill the dough before rolling to prevent shrinking.
Do not overfill the hand pies.
Crimp the edges well to prevent leaking.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
Fried Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Fry instead of baking for a classic Southern-style hand pie.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Hand Pies
Add softened cream cheese to the filling.
Brown Butter Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Replace melted butter with browned butter for deeper flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Hand Pies
Skip the glaze and coat warm pies with cinnamon sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sweet Potato Hand Pies ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and refrigerate the unbaked hand pies up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes. Drain well before mashing.
Why are my hand pies leaking?
Too much filling or improperly sealed edges can cause leaks.
Can I freeze Sweet Potato Hand Pies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Sugar: 16g
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate
Homemade Eggnog
White Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Grinch Punch
Christmas Punch
Hot Apple Cider
More Holiday Dessert Recipes You'll Love
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Christmas Crack
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies
Food Safety Tips
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Store hand pies in an airtight container.
Reheat in the oven for the best texture.