Hand held pumpkin pies also known as pumpkin empanadas

Hand held pumpkin pies, also known as pumpkin empanadas are a great treat any time of year, but especially in the fall when we crave pumpkin flavored desserts. You can make them in the traditional half moon shape, or to get more into the season you can use a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to make pumpkin shaped hand held pies. These delicious little pies are super simple to make. Join us to learn how.

Ingredients:

Ingredients:
dough:
2 sticks butter
1/2 package cream cheese
2 1/2 cups flour

egg wash:
white from one egg

filling:
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the butter and cream cheese and mix together.
2. Once butter and cream cheese are mixed add the flour and mix together. Once mixed together remove and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Separate the egg white and yolk from one egg. Using a fork beat the egg white until it is smooth and runny. Set aside until ready to use.
4. In a mixing bowl combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Mix together and then set aside until ready to use.
5. remove dough from refrigerator and make a ball the size of a golf ball. Roll the ball flat to 1/8 of an inch thickness with a rolling pin.
6. Using a cookie cutter or lid cut the dough into a circle, or use a cookie cutter to shape as a pumpkin. Place cut dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Place a table spoon of pumpkin onto the dough.
8. Using your finger you can place egg wash around the edge of your dough. If you are using a dough cut into a circle you can fold over the dough onto itself so that it forms a 1/2 circle. If using dough cut into a pumpkin you will need to place another piece of dough cut as a pumpkin on top of the first piece.
9. Using a fork press around the edges of the dough to seal it up.
10. Place egg wash over the dough. Optional step is to add cinnamon sugar on top of dough.
11. Repeat steps 5 through 10 until all the dough is used up.
12. Place cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Enjoy!