Sweet Texas Hand Pies
These delicious Sweet Texas Hand Pies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Baked to golden perfection, these portable pies can be filled with an array of fillings, from luscious fruit preserves and sweet jam to decadent pie fillings and creamy fruit butters. Ideal for picnics, parties, or as a cozy dessert at home, these hand pies are a crowd-pleaser. My son's favorite is Smucker's strawberry preserves, which brings a burst of sweetness in every bite. To simplify preparation, you can mix the dough using a food processor, but mixing by hand works just as well. Get ready to impress family and friends with these easy and flavorful pies that can be whipped up for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (Measured)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Sour cream (or plain yogurt)
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Milk
1/4 cup (Measured)
Butter, softened
1/4 cup (Softened)
Vegetable shortening
1/4 cup (Measured)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Measured)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Preserves (or jam, pie filling, fruit butter, etc.)
1 cup (Measuring required)
Confectioners' sugar
For sprinkling (For dusting)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse a couple of times to blend the dry ingredients.
2
Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk to the flour mixture. Pulse several times to mix until smooth.
3
Next, add the softened butter, vegetable shortening, sugar, and egg. Process the mixture until thoroughly blended, and it forms a cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and form each piece into a ball. Refrigerate the dough balls for about one hour until chilled.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6
On a floured countertop, roll each ball of chilled dough into a circle about 5 inches in diameter, using a floured rolling pin to prevent sticking.
7
Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of your preferred filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Lightly moisten the border with water to help seal the pie.
8
Fold the circle of dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely and prick the top a few times to allow steam to escape during baking.
9
Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
10
Once baked, allow the pies to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature. Just before serving, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar for a sweet touch.
11
Enjoy your delightful Sweet Texas Hand Pies with your favorite beverage!
Nutrition Information
2g
Protein
12mg
Sodium
13mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Texas Hand Pies?
Sweet Texas Hand Pies are portable, baked treats that can be filled with various sweet ingredients like fruit preserves, jams, or fruit butters.
How many pies does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 12 equal-sized hand pies.
Can I use a food processor for the dough?
Yes, you can use a food processor to combine the dry and wet ingredients until a cohesive ball forms.
Is it possible to mix the dough by hand?
Yes, mixing the dough by hand works just as well as using a food processor.
What are the recommended fillings for these pies?
You can use fruit preserves, sweet jam, pie fillings, or creamy fruit butters. Strawberry preserves are a popular choice.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough balls should be refrigerated for about one hour until they are thoroughly chilled.
At what temperature should I bake the hand pies?
The pies should be baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
How long is the baking time?
The hand pies take approximately 20 minutes to bake or until they are lightly golden brown.
What size should I roll the dough circles?
Each piece of dough should be rolled into a circle approximately 5 inches in diameter.
How much filling goes into each hand pie?
Each pie requires about 1 1/2 tablespoons of your preferred filling.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Use a floured countertop and a floured rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking.
What is the best way to seal the hand pies?
Lightly moisten the border with water, fold the dough over, and use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
Why should I prick the top of the dough?
Pricking the top with a fork allows steam to escape while the pies are baking.
Can I substitute sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein is in each pie?
Each hand pie provides about 2g of protein.
What is the sodium content?
There is approximately 12mg of sodium per serving.
How much cholesterol is in one hand pie?
One hand pie contains approximately 13mg of cholesterol.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended for even baking and easy cleanup.
When should I add the confectioners' sugar?
Sprinkle the confectioners' sugar on top of the pies just before serving.
How should the pies be cooled?
Allow the pies to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature.
Is the butter supposed to be cold or softened?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of softened butter.
Can I use vegetable shortening in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening for the dough.
Are these pies suitable for parties?
Yes, their portable nature makes them ideal for picnics, parties, and family gatherings.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The dough recipe uses 3/4 cup of sugar.
What liquids are used to bind the dough?
The dough uses a combination of milk, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, and one egg.
How thick should the border be when adding filling?
You should leave a 1/2-inch border around the edge of the dough circle to ensure a proper seal.
Can I use fruit butter instead of jam?
Yes, fruit butter is an excellent alternative filling for these hand pies.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a food processor and pulse to blend.