Hand pies are a delightful, portable treat that can be filled with both sweet and savory ingredients. Achieving the perfect hand pie involves more than just the right filling. The shape, texture, and overall presentation also play crucial roles in making them irresistible. Here are some tips to help you create perfectly shaped hand pies every time.
1. Choose the Right Dough
The dough is the foundation of any good hand pie. Whether you’re using a store-bought pastry crust or making your own from scratch, ensure it’s both sturdy and pliable.
- Flakiness: A good hand pie dough should be flaky but not too delicate. It should hold up well when folded and crimped, preventing leakage during baking.
- Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough before rolling it out. Cold dough is easier to handle, helps to maintain the flakiness, and prevents shrinkage while baking.
- Butter or Lard: For optimal texture, use butter or lard in your dough. This creates a rich, flavorful crust. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use shortening or a plant-based butter substitute.
2. Roll the Dough Evenly
For evenly shaped hand pies, it’s important to roll the dough to the right thickness.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. If it’s too thick, the pies may turn out doughy and tough, and if it’s too thin, the filling might seep out during baking.
- Use a Rolling Pin: To ensure an even thickness, use a rolling pin, and consider rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This prevents the dough from sticking and gives you more control.
3. Perfectly Cut Dough Circles
Once the dough is rolled out, it’s time to cut it into circles.
- Use a Template: To create uniform hand pies, use a round template like a bowl or a cookie cutter. A 4-inch diameter is ideal for a good balance between size and ease of eating.
- Even Spacing: Make sure you space the dough circles evenly to maximize the number of pies you can cut. This will minimize waste and ensure consistency.
4. Don’t Overfill the Pies
One of the most common mistakes when making hand pies is overfilling them. While it’s tempting to add as much filling as possible, it can cause the dough to burst during baking.
- Leave Space for Sealing: For the dough to properly fold and seal, leave about 1/2-inch border around the edges of the dough circle. This will ensure there’s enough space to crimp the edges and keep the filling inside.
- Use a Tablespoon: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to measure your filling. A heaping tablespoon is usually the perfect amount for a 4-inch circle.
5. Seal the Edges Properly
A tight seal is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. To ensure your hand pies are perfectly sealed:
- Wet the Edges: Before folding the dough over the filling, dampen the edges with a small amount of water. This helps the dough stick together.
- Crimp the Edges: After folding the dough in half, press down on the edges with a fork to crimp and seal. This also adds a decorative touch. For extra security, you can also fold the edges over slightly to create a thicker seal.
6. Vent the Pies
Hand pies need a way for the steam to escape while baking, or else they may burst open unexpectedly.
- Create Small Slits: Use a sharp knife to create 2-3 small slits on the top of each pie. These slits allow the steam to escape without disrupting the structure of the pie.
- Alternative Venting: If you prefer a decorative look, you can also use a decorative pie cutter or stamp to create patterns that will allow steam to escape.
7. Egg Wash for Shine and Color
To give your hand pies a beautiful golden-brown finish, apply an egg wash before baking.
- Simple Egg Wash: Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk and brush it over the top of each pie. This gives the pies a shiny, golden finish when they come out of the oven.
- Optional: Sprinkle Sugar or Salt: For sweet hand pies, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking. For savory pies, consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an extra touch.
8. Bake at the Right Temperature
Baking temperature and time are key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the pies inside. A hot oven ensures that the dough cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a crisp, flaky crust.
- Bake at 375°F to 400°F: For golden, flaky hand pies, bake them at 375°F to 400°F. This range ensures the dough crisps up while the filling heats through without overcooking or burning.
- Bake Until Golden: Depending on the size of your pies, they may take 20 to 30 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on them, and once they are golden brown and the crust is firm to the touch, they are done.
9. Let the Pies Cool Slightly
Once your hand pies are out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: If you try to bite into a hot hand pie immediately after baking, the filling might spill out. Allow the pies to cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying them.
10. Experiment with Fillings
The filling options for hand pies are virtually endless. Depending on your preferences, you can create sweet or savory fillings.
- Sweet Fillings: For fruit-filled hand pies, use fresh or frozen fruit, combined with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Savory Fillings: For savory pies, try combinations like seasoned meats, cheese, and vegetables. Make sure to cook any raw ingredients before adding them to the pies to avoid soggy dough.
- Balance of Flavors: Whether sweet or savory, balance is key. Avoid overly liquid fillings that might leak out during baking.
11. Freeze for Later
Hand pies are great for making in bulk. Once you’ve assembled and sealed your hand pies, you can freeze them for future use.
- Freeze Before Baking: Place the unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Perfectly shaped hand pies are all about attention to detail. By using the right dough, cutting uniform shapes, properly sealing the edges, and baking them at the right temperature, you can create hand pies that are both delicious and visually appealing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and techniques to make your hand pies uniquely your own. With these tips, you’ll be able to impress your guests and indulge in the perfect hand pie every time.