Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies

Do you ever crave something sweet but don’t want to deal with a big dessert? I’ve got the perfect solution for you—Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies! These little pockets of joy are like portable chocolate heaven. Imagine buttery, flaky pastry crusts filled with rich, melty chocolate—each bite is pure bliss. They’re perfect for a quick treat, snack, or even an easy dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your go-to for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies

Here’s why these hand pies are about to become your new favorite treat:

• Conveniently Portable: They’re like the handheld dessert of your dreams. Take them with you on the go, serve them at parties, or enjoy them during a cozy night in. No forks or plates needed—just grab and enjoy!
• So Easy to Make: These are way easier than they look. With just a few ingredients, you can have these golden, flaky pies ready to enjoy in no time.
• Rich Chocolate Filling: The chocolate filling is the star here—it’s creamy, dreamy, and will melt in your mouth. Plus, the combination of warm, gooey chocolate and crispy pastry is irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual treat for the family or a fun addition to a party, these hand pies are a crowd-pleaser. They’re also great for making ahead and enjoying later.
• Customizable: You can switch things up and fill these hand pies with your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white), or even add extras like peanut butter, caramel, or marshmallows for a fun twist.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful hand pies:

Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the secret to the perfect flaky crust. You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time, but it will still taste like you made it from scratch!

Chocolate Chips: The gooey filling of these pies is made from smooth, melty chocolate. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your preference.

Egg: You’ll need an egg to make an egg wash, which will give the hand pies that perfect golden, shiny finish when baked.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the filling even more delicious.

Sugar: For sprinkling on top of the hand pies for an extra bit of sweetness and a nice crunch.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these mouthwatering hand pies in the oven!

1. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, it usually comes in squares or rectangles, so you can cut them into smaller squares, about 3-4 inches in size.

2. Fill the Pastry: In the center of each pastry square, place a spoonful of chocolate chips (or chocolate of your choice). Don’t overfill, or they might leak during baking!

3. Seal the Pies: Fold the pastry square over the chocolate to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal them. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to avoid chocolate oozing out while baking.

4. Egg Wash: Whisk an egg and brush a thin layer of the egg wash over the top of each hand pie. This will give them that gorgeous, golden, crispy finish when they bake.

5. Bake: Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each hand pie for a touch of sweetness and bake until golden brown and puffed up—about 15 minutes or until they are nice and crispy.

6. Cool and Enjoy: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long!) before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, so the chocolate is perfectly gooey.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies

These little handheld pies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to make them extra special:

• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the top of each hand pie with powdered sugar before serving.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s absolutely irresistible.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Hot Cocoa: These hand pies pair perfectly with a hot drink, making them a great treat for brunch, an afternoon snack, or dessert.
• With Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries or fruit on the side to balance out the richness of the chocolate.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make these hand pies even better:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate filling is key, so use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor. You can even use chopped chocolate bars instead of chips for a more decadent filling.
• Keep an Eye on Baking: Puff pastry can go from golden to overly brown quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on the pies while they bake to avoid burning.
• Add Some Spice: If you like a little spice, sprinkle some cinnamon, chili powder, or even a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for an interesting flavor contrast.
• Make a Batch for Later: These hand pies freeze well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore that crispy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different fillings for these hand pies?
A1: Absolutely! You can use peanut butter, caramel, Nutella, or even marshmallows to switch up the filling. Just be sure to adjust the amount of filling so it doesn’t overflow.

Q2: Can I make these without puff pastry?
A2: Yes! You can use pie dough or even phyllo dough, though the texture will be different. Puff pastry gives the hand pies a wonderfully flaky and buttery texture.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for longer.

Q4: Can I freeze these hand pies before baking?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the assembled hand pies before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pastry dough?
A5: Yes, you can use shortcrust pastry or even biscuit dough, though the result will be a little different in texture. Puff pastry gives the hand pies a nice, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Q6: Can I make these hand pies bigger?
A6: Of course! You can use larger pieces of dough and adjust the baking time. Just make sure to bake them a little longer until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Q7: How can I make the chocolate filling more decadent?
A7: Try adding a bit of heavy cream to the chocolate to make it richer and creamier, almost like a ganache.

Q8: Can I make these ahead of time?
A8: Yes! You can prepare and assemble the hand pies ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them. Bake them right before serving for the freshest taste.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A9: Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry again. You can also microwave them, but the pastry won’t be as crispy.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A10: Yes! Chopped nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts would add a great crunch and flavor contrast to the chocolate filling.

Conclusion

These Chocolate-Filled Hand Pies are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry and rich, gooey chocolate. They’re so easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings in the best possible way. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. So go ahead—grab some puff pastry and chocolate, and get ready to bake up a little slice of heaven!

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