Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand-held treats perfect for cozying up during chilly days. With a sweet filling wrapped in flaky pie dough, these pies bring warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
- Pie dough
- Sweet filling (such as fruit preserves or cinnamon sugar)
- Butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the pie dough and cut into mitten-shaped pieces.
- Step 2: Place a spoonful of sweet filling onto one dough piece, then cover with another piece, sealing the edges carefully.
- Step 3: Brush the pies with melted butter to help them brown beautifully.
- Step 4: Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Use different fillings like apple cinnamon, cherry, or pumpkin to vary the flavor.
- Brush with an egg wash instead of butter for a shinier, golden crust.
- Add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
Storage
Store leftover mitten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pies and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This helps save time on the day you want to serve them.
What kind of sweet filling works best?
Fruit preserves, cinnamon sugar mixtures, or even sweet cream cheese make excellent fillings. Choose one that is not too runny to prevent soggy dough.
PrintWinter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are charming seasonal treats featuring buttery pie dough filled with a sweet filling, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive holiday moments. These hand-shaped pies bake to a golden perfection, combining a flaky crust with a luscious, sweet center that warms the soul.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 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 cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Sweet Filling
- 1 cup mixed fruit preserves or jam (such as apple, apricot, or berry)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the fruit preserves, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well combined to create a flavorful sweet filling.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a template and knife, cut out an even number of shapes (double the amount needed as each pie consists of two dough pieces).
- Fill the Pies: Place a small spoonful of the sweet filling onto the center of half the dough mittens, leaving edges clear for sealing. Brush the edges with a little water, then place the remaining dough shapes on top. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pies, crimping with a fork if desired.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush the tops of the pies with melted butter to help them turn golden brown while baking.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled mittens on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the comforting flaky crust paired with the sweet, spiced filling.
Notes
- You can substitute the fruit preserves with fresh fruit cooked down with sugar and spices for a fresher filling.
- For a decorative touch, brush the pies with egg wash instead of butter to give a glossy finish.
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
- Be careful not to overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Keywords: winter pies, mitten pies, sweet pie filling, holiday dessert, hand pies
