Pocket-Sized Autumn Joy: Homemade Pear & Ginger Hand Pies

The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with color, and there’s a certain magic in the air as autumn unfolds. It’s a time for gathering, for sharing, and for giving thanks for the bounty of the harvest. One of my favorite ways to express that gratitude is by creating something special in the kitchen, something made with love and shared with friends and family. This year, I'm embracing the abundance of pears by turning them into these delightful Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies. There's something so satisfying about gifting a warm, homemade treat, and these little pies are just perfect for that. Forget a fussy full-sized pie; these hand pies are rustic, charming, and bursting with warm, comforting spices. Perfect for a cool autumn day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies are more than just a delicious dessert; they're a celebration of the season! If you have pear trees bursting with fruit, this is the perfect way to use up some of your harvest. Even if you don’t, they are a great way to enjoy the seasonal fruit available at the local farmer's market! They're wonderfully portable and easy to share, making them ideal for potlucks, picnics, or simply gifting to a neighbor. Plus, they're a less intimidating alternative to making a full-sized pie – perfect for beginner bakers. The addition of ginger provides a warm and spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pears. Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these hand pies are a must-bake this autumn! And the best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy those Fall flavours year-round!

Ingredients List

These pocket-sized pies come together with basic ingredients, allowing you to create a special treat without having to run to a specialty store!

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6-8 Tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 medium pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tbsp milk or water
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Feel free to get creative with your substitutions! Brown sugar can be used in place of white for a richer, more molasses-like flavor. You could also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or cloves. And if you're short on time, don't hesitate to use a pre-made pie crust, though I highly recommend making your own for the best flavor and texture. As always, I try to source organic ingredients whenever possible, as it makes a big difference in the taste and quality of the final product.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These instructions will break down the pie making process into easy steps!

5.1 Making the Pie Crust

A good pie crust is the foundation of any delicious hand pie. Here’s how to make one from scratch:

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work quickly to keep the butter as cold as possible. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough just comes together. Don't overmix! It should be slightly shaggy.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust.

![mixing pie dough using pastry cutter]

5.2 Preparing the Pear Filling

The spiced pear filling is what gives these hand pies their signature flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pears, sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Mix gently to combine, ensuring that all the pears are evenly coated with the spices.
3. Taste and adjust the spices as needed. If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, add a bit more ground ginger.

![pears spices mixing bowl close-up]

5.3 Assembling the Hand Pies

Now for the fun part!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
3. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles or squares, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
4. Place a spoonful of the pear filling in the center of each circle or square.
5. Fold over the dough to form a half-moon or triangle shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Cut a few slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.

![filling hand pies dough cutting]

5.4 Baking the Hand Pies

Almost there!

1. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
2. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
5. Let the hand pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This will prevent you from burning your tongue on the hot filling.

![golden-brown hand pies baking oven]

Serving Suggestions

These Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies can be enjoyed in so many ways! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat. They're also delicious with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. They pair beautifully with other fall flavors like maple and walnuts. And of course, they make a thoughtful and heartwarming homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or loved ones.

Embrace the Season

There's nothing quite like the joy of seasonal cooking, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create something special. These Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies are a simple yet delicious way to celebrate the bounty of autumn. I encourage you to experiment with different fruits and spices to create your own unique variations. Perhaps you'd like to try adding cranberries or walnuts to the filling, or using a different spice like cardamom or cloves. Remember, the recipe is just a starting point – feel free to let your creativity shine!

Seasonal ingredients vary from region to region, so I would love to hear what you would use for hand pies in your area. What fruits and spices are abundant in your part of the world this autumn? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Better Homes and Harvests newsletter for more seasonal recipes and homesteading inspiration! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for daily updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our sustainable living journey. And if you make these Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies, be sure to share your creations using #BetterHomesHarvest or #SeasonalCooking!

What is your favourite flavour combination of hand pies? Share them in the comments.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the warmth and aroma of autumn!

Disclaimer: This recipe contains estimated nutritional information. Actual values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and serving sizes. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.