Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies featuring flaky pie crusts enveloping a luscious semi-sweet chocolate filling. Perfect as a decadent snack or dessert, these hand pies combine a buttery golden crust with a rich creamy chocolate center, lightly sweetened and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 package (2 sheets) Refrigerated Pie Crusts (or homemade if preferred)
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or chopped chocolate)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Topping
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Cut the Dough Circles: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut the dough into circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, yielding 8-10 pieces from the two sheets.
- Prepare the Chocolate Filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the heavy cream in short bursts, stirring between each to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Flavor and Sweeten: Stir the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate. If desired, add the powdered sugar to sweeten the filling further and mix until the texture is smooth.
- Fill the Dough Circles: Spoon a small amount of the chocolate filling onto the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill to prevent leakage.
- Fold and Seal: Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly.
- Crimp Edges: Use a fork to press along the edges, sealing the hand pies securely and giving them a decorative finish.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Add Topping: Lightly sprinkle the tops of the hand pies with granulated sugar for a sweet, golden crust finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the melty chocolate inside.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade pie crusts if preferred for a fresher taste.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate and cream alternatives.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate filling for extra flavor.
- Hand pies are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
