There’s a special kind of joy that comes from biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced pears. These Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Glaze wrap tender, diced fruit in a buttery crust that practically melts on your tongue. The interplay of brown sugar’s deep caramel notes, a whisper of cinnamon warmth, and the natural sweetness of ripe pears creates a comforting dance of flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Each hand pie is perfectly sized for on-the-go snacking or a delightful finish to a fall meal, making them a must-have for any autumn gathering.
I still remember the first time I made these pies for a friend’s book club—by the end of the evening, they had vanished faster than you can say “just one more.” Truly beginner–friendly, this dessert requires only pantry staples, a trusty baking sheet, and a dash of enthusiasm. In about 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have golden pockets of delight decorated with a luscious vanilla glaze. With just 10 minutes of rest time, you’ll be able to enjoy these treats warm or at room temperature, each one clocking in at roughly 210 calories. Whether you’re searching for an easy pastry to impress at a potluck or craving a simple fall dessert to share, these hand pies are ready to become your new favorite baked treats.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BROWN SUGAR PEAR HAND PIES WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Before we dive into the fun of rolling, filling, and baking, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring these hand pies to life. Each ingredient plays a special role, from creating the perfect fill to adding that irresistible crunch in every bite.
- Pears
Diced, ripe pears provide the natural sweetness and tender texture at the heart of these pies. When mixed with sugar and spices, they release just enough juice to create a juicy filling without turning soggy.
- Brown Sugar
This unrefined sugar lends a caramel-like depth that complements the pear’s milder sweetness. It also helps thicken the filling and encourages a lovely golden hue.
- Cornstarch
A reliable thickener, cornstarch keeps the pear juices in check, ensuring a filling that’s rich and cohesive rather than runny.
- Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the flavor profile, creating that quintessential fall dessert vibe.
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts
Pre-made pie dough is a lifesaver for beginners, delivering consistent flakiness and buttery layers without the fuss of making pastry from scratch.
- Egg
Used as an egg wash, the beaten egg helps to seal the edges of the hand pies and develops a beautiful golden-brown finish in the oven.
- Milk
A splash of milk in the egg wash ensures a smooth consistency and adds extra richness to the crust.
- Powdered Sugar
This superfine sugar is the backbone of the silky vanilla glaze, dissolving easily and offering just the right level of sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter
When melted into the glaze, butter adds a lush, creamy mouthfeel and enhances the overall richness.
- Vanilla Extract
A little vanilla amplifies sweetness and rounds out the glaze with a fragrant, floral nuance.
- Heavy Cream or Milk
Used to thin the glaze to a velvety, pourable consistency, cream or milk ensures the glaze drapes elegantly over each pie.
HOW TO MAKE BROWN SUGAR PEAR HAND PIES WITH VANILLA GLAZE
These hand pies are straightforward to assemble and bake, making them perfect for beginner bakers. Follow these steps to achieve golden-brown pastries with a juicy, spiced pear center and a drizzled vanilla glaze.
1. Preheat and prepare your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Combine the filling in a medium mixing bowl by stirring together the diced pears, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix until the pears are fully coated and the sugar begins to dissolve, forming a thick, spoonable mixture.
3. Roll and cut the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 3–4-inch round cutter or the rim of a glass, press down to cut out as many circles as possible, re-rolling scraps as needed.
4. Assemble the pies by placing a heaping tablespoon of pear filling in the center of half your dough circles. Keep the filling mounded gently to maintain structure during baking.
5. Make the egg wash by whisking together the beaten egg and milk in a small bowl. Use this mixture to brush the edges of the dough circles, which helps the pies seal properly.
6. Seal each hand pie by topping a filled circle with a second circle of dough. Press the edges together firmly with the tines of a fork to create a decorative, airtight seal.
7. Prep for baking by arranging the hand pies on the parchment-lined sheet. Brush the tops with any remaining egg wash, then cut a small slit or poke a few holes in each top to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake the hand pies for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles up enticingly through the vents.
9. Whisk the glaze while the pies bake. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and enough cream or milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. Glaze and serve once the pies come out of the oven. Let them cool just enough that the glaze doesn’t melt away entirely, then drizzle generously. Serve these treats warm for maximum gooeyness or at room temperature for easy grabbing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BROWN SUGAR PEAR HAND PIES WITH VANILLA GLAZE
When it comes to showcasing these delectable hand pies, presentation and pairing ideas can take your dessert table from cozy to unforgettable. With a few creative touches, you can tailor each serving to suit any occasion—whether it’s a casual coffee break or an elegant fall gathering.
- Pair with ice cream
Serve a warm hand pie alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold creates a dreamy sensation, while the creamy vanilla complements the pear’s sweetness.
- Dust with extra cinnamon sugar
For an extra layer of flavor, mix a bit of cinnamon and granulated sugar and lightly sprinkle over the glazed tops. This simple finish adds sparkle and warms the spice notes.
- Plate with whipped cream and berries
Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries such as raspberries or blackberries. The bright fruit cuts through the sweetness and adds visual appeal.
- Serve family style
Arrange several hand pies on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand. Offer small bowls of extra glaze and fruit preserves so guests can customize their treat just the way they like it.
HOW TO STORE BROWN SUGAR PEAR HAND PIES WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Keeping your hand pies fresh and flavorful doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you bake in advance or want to save leftovers for later indulgence, these storage tips will help maintain that signature flaky crust and juicy filling for as long as possible.
- Room-temperature storage
If you plan to enjoy the pies within a day, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Insert parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve crispiness.
- Refrigeration
For up to two days, store the hand pies in the refrigerator. Use a shallow, airtight container and allow them to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation that can soften the crust.
- Freezing for longer
To keep pies for up to one month, freeze them individually on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating tips
Warm refrigerated or thawed pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores flakiness and reactivates the gooey filling—avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
CONCLUSION
From the first time you whisk together the diced pears and spices to the moment you drizzle silky vanilla glaze across the golden tops, these Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Glaze deliver a comforting, flavorful experience that’s hard to beat. We’ve covered everything from choosing the ripest fruit to sealing the perfect crust, all the way through storage tips to keep your baked treats at their best. This beginner-friendly recipe shines whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon pick-me-up or looking to impress at a fall gathering. Don’t forget that each pie is about 210 calories of pure autumnal delight, ready in just over an hour including rest time—making them an ideal addition to breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later reference, so it’s always on hand whenever you’ve got a craving for something sweet, spiced, and utterly irresistible. You can also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions. If you give these hand pies a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out—drop a comment, share your tips, or ask for help if you hit a snag. Happy baking!
Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Glaze
Description
Warm, spiced pear filling encased in buttery pastry, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Each bite brings comfort and joy, making these hand pies a must-try!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir until the pears are well-coated and the mixture is combined.
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Unroll the pie crusts onto a floured surface and use a round cutter or the rim of a glass (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out as many circles as possible.
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Place a heaping tablespoon of the pear mixture in the center of half of the pastry circles.
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In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg and milk. Brush the edges of the pastry circles with the egg wash.
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Top each filled circle with another pastry circle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
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Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and cut a small slit or poke holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
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While the pies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and enough cream or milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
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Once the pies are baked, allow them to cool slightly and then drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
- These hand pies are a great on-the-go dessert and perfect for fall gatherings.
- You can substitute pears with apples or mixed berries for a variation.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- The dough scraps can be re-rolled to make additional pies or to decorate the tops with leaf or lattice designs.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat slightly before serving for best taste.
