Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a cozy treat perfect for chilly days. These hand-held pies combine flaky pie dough with a warm, spiced fruit filling for a delightful dessert that feels like a comforting hug.
Ingredients
- Pie dough
- Spiced fruit filling
- Sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the pie dough and cut into mitten-shaped pieces or desired shapes.
- Step 2: Place a spoonful of spiced fruit filling onto one piece of dough, then cover with another piece and seal the edges firmly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven until the dough is golden and flaky, usually about 20–25 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Try using different fruit fillings like apple cinnamon, cranberry, or pear with ginger for seasonal twists.
- Brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash before baking for a shiny finish.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the fruit filling.
Storage
Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie dough works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing taste.
What fruits work best for the spiced filling?
Apples, pears, cranberries, and mixed berries all pair wonderfully with warm spices in this filling.
PrintWinter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a cozy and festive treat perfect for the cold season. These hand-sized pies feature a flaky pie dough filled with a warm, spiced fruit mixture that combines sweet and tart flavors for a comforting dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 Mitten Pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Spiced Fruit Filling
- 3 cups mixed fruit (such as apples, pears, and cranberries), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Additional Ingredients
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Spiced Fruit Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped fruit with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated. Set aside to marinate.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a similarly sized round cutter to cut out pieces for the bottom of the pies.
- Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the spiced fruit filling onto each dough piece, leaving space around the edges. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut out matching shapes for the tops. Place a top dough piece over the filling, pressing edges firmly to seal.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush the tops with the egg wash. Sprinkle with a little sugar for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pies for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow pies to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful winter comfort treat.
Notes
- For added texture, try mixing in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the filling.
- You can substitute the fruit filling with pumpkin or sweet potato puree spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Ensure the dough and butter stay cold for the flakiest crust.
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Keywords: mitten pies, winter dessert, spiced fruit pies, flaky pie crust, handheld pies, cozy treats
