Pocketfuls of Autumn: Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies Recipe

[VISUAL: Close-up pear orchard golden light]

The crisp air bites playfully at your cheeks, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and damp earth. Sunlight filters through the branches of the pear trees, painting the orchard in hues of gold and russet. The air is thick with the sweet, slightly tart aroma of ripe pears, plump and heavy on the branches, practically begging to be picked. My favorite autumn memory is visiting this orchard with my family each year. We laugh, we pick, and we inevitably end up with more pears than we know what to do with.

These Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies are my answer to that beautiful abundance. They're a way to capture the magic of autumn, to bake those orchard memories into portable pockets of warmth and flavor, and to share them with the people I love. This recipe is a rustic, homemade treat featuring seasonal pears, warm spices, and a wholesome whole wheat crust—the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

[VISUAL: Hands holding a golden-brown hand pie]

If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying fall baking project that's also surprisingly simple, look no further. These spiced pear hand pies are destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

• Seasonal & Simple: This recipe showcases the best of fall's harvest. Seasonal cooking is at its finest here. We're using readily available pears (Bosc and Anjou are great!), complemented by pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Plus, the whole wheat crust adds a touch of rustic charm and wholesome goodness.
• Beginner-Friendly: Don't be intimidated by the idea of making hand pies from scratch! This recipe is easily adaptable for beginner bakers. The instructions are clear, and the dough is forgiving. This easy dessert will impress your friends without any complicated techniques.
• Cozy & Comforting: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly baked hand pie. The combination of sweet pears, warm ginger, and cinnamon creates a truly satisfying and cozy food experience – perfect for a chilly evening treat.
• Naturally Sweet: This recipe lets the natural sweetness of the pears shine through. It's a less sweet alternative to some other autumn desserts, allowing the delicate flavor of the fruit to be the star.
• Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are perfectly portioned and easy to transport, making them ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or a grab-and-go treat. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients List: From Pantry to Plate

[VISUAL: Arranged ingredients pear flour spices]

Here's what you'll need to create these delightful Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies. Remember, substitutions are welcome! Feel free to adapt this recipe to your dietary needs and preferences.

For the Crust:

• Whole wheat flour: 1 1/2 cups
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (can substitute with more whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor)
• Cold unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (cubed) (Dairy-free alternative: chilled coconut oil or vegan butter)
• Ice water: 6-8 tablespoons
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

For the Filling:

• Pears: 4 medium, peeled, cored, and diced (I recommend Bosc or Anjou pears)
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener)
• Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (helps prevent browning)
• All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon (helps thicken the filling)
• Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash, optional; can use milk or maple syrup instead)
• Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Better Homes and Harvests Pantry Staples: At Better Homes and Harvests, we consider flour (both all-purpose and whole wheat), sugar, common spices like cinnamon and ginger, butter, and salt to be essential pantry staples. We believe in building a well-stocked pantry for easy, from-scratch cooking.

Substitutions are Encouraged! Don't be afraid to experiment! For a gluten-free version, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with chilled coconut oil or vegan butter, and use plant-based milk or maple syrup for the egg wash.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Simple

[VISUAL: Various steps rolling dough filling shaping]

Let's get baking! Here's a detailed guide to making these Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies. The total time required for preparation and cooking is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chill time).

Part 1: Making the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.

2. Cut in the cold butter (or alternative fat) using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work quickly and efficiently until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This helps create a flaky crust.
   [VISUAL: close-up pastry blender cutting into butter flour]
   

3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together and forms a ball.

4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

   Tip: Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust.

Part 2: Preparing the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pears, brown sugar (or maple syrup), ground ginger, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour.
2. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined and the pears are evenly coated with the spices and sweetener.
   [VISUAL: bowl diced pears spices filling]
   

Part 3: Assembling the Hand Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Use a cookie cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to get as many circles as possible.
4. Place a generous spoonful of the pear filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
6. Brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg (or milk/maple syrup for a vegan option) and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if desired.
   [VISUAL: hands crimping edge half-moon shaped pie]
   

Part 4: Baking

1. Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly.
3. Let the hand pies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   Tip: If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the hand pies with a piece of foil during the last few minutes of baking.
   [VISUAL: golden-brown hand pies baking sheet oven]
   

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy the Flavors of Autumn

[VISUAL: Finished hand pie rustic plate beside apple cider]

These Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your enjoyment:

• Warm & Indulgent: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream.
• Cozy Beverage Pairing: Pair your hand pie with a warm mug of apple cider, spiced tea, or a creamy latte.
• Harvest Meal Dessert: Enjoy these hand pies as a delightful dessert after a hearty harvest meal featuring roasted vegetables, soups, or stews.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack a hand pie in a lunchbox for a special and comforting midday treat.
• Fall Gathering: Bring a batch of these hand pies to a fall potluck or gathering. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Embrace the Season and Share the Joy

[VISUAL: Group of people laughing eating hand pies outdoors]

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Spiced Pear & Ginger Hand Pies as much as I do. Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. Try adding different types of pears, like Comice or Bartlett, or adding other spices, like nutmeg or cardamom.

I invite you to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #BetterHomesHarvestHandPies. I can't wait to see your variations!

Seasonal cooking is about more than just following a recipe; it's about connecting with nature, celebrating the abundance of each season, and creating memories with the people we love. This autumn, may your kitchen be filled with the warm aromas of spices and the sweet scent of pears. Embrace the season, bake with joy, and share the simple pleasures of homemade goodness.

What are your favorite autumn baking traditions? Share them in the comments below!

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Check out our other apple recipes to make the most of the fall harvest!