Print

Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe

Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

These Brown Sugar Pear Hand Pies with Vanilla Bean Glaze are delightful handheld desserts featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet, spiced pear filling thickened to perfection. The warm pies are finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a beautiful speckled shine and a hint of vanilla aroma. Perfect for brunch, gifting, or a cozy treat, they combine comforting fall flavors with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced (Bartlett or Anjou recommended)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon suggested)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Optional:

  • Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pear Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced pears, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture bubbles and thickens like caramel. Mash a few pear chunks if you want thicker filling. Spread the mixture on a plate to cool completely.
  2. Make the Dough: Pulse the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form with some visible chunks for flakiness. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough holds together when pinched but is not sticky.
  3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. This helps keep the butter cold and ensures a flaky crust.
  4. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles or rectangles using a cutter, bowl, or freehand. Place half the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Assemble the Pies: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled pear filling onto the center of each dough shape, leaving a ½ inch border. Brush the edges with water, fold the dough over the filling, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Poke two small steam vents on top to prevent bursting.
  6. Add Egg Wash: (Optional) Brush the pies with the egg wash to develop a shiny, golden crust during baking.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pies for 20-25 minutes until the crusts are golden brown. Keep an eye after 15 minutes, as ovens vary. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet to set.
  8. Make the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste together until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness.
  9. Glaze the Pies: Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies using a spoon or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner to create bakery-style lines. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the filling is completely cooled before filling the pies to prevent soggy dough or leakage.
  • Do not overfill pies; use about 1 tablespoon of filling per pie for the best seal and bake.
  • Keep the butter and water cold throughout dough preparation to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Unbaked pies can be frozen (before egg wash). Freeze on a tray then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
  • For a vegan version, use vegan butter and substitute the milk in the glaze with coconut milk; omit egg wash or use plant milk with maple syrup for glazing.
  • You can swap pears with apples, such as Honeycrisp, and add spices like ginger or cloves for a spiced chai twist.
  • Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: hand pies, pear dessert, brown sugar pie, vanilla glaze, flaky crust, fall dessert, handheld dessert, homemade pie, spiced pear

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/brown-sugar-pear-hand-pies-with-vanilla-bean-glaze-recipe/