Coconut Hand Pies

Coconut hand pies are the perfect portable dessert, combining a flaky, buttery crust with a sweet, creamy coconut filling. These delightful pastries are golden and crisp on the outside, while the inside is rich, velvety, and packed with tropical flavor. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, each bite is an indulgent experience.

These mini hand pies are great for snacking, parties, or on-the-go treats. Unlike traditional pies, they require no slicing or serving dishes—just grab and enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze well, making them a convenient dessert option. Whether you’re a coconut lover or just looking for a unique twist on classic hand pies, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Coconut Hand Pies

• Crispy, Buttery Crust – Flaky and golden, the crust pairs perfectly with the rich coconut filling.

• Creamy Coconut Filling – A luscious, lightly sweetened coconut filling makes every bite heavenly.

• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make these pies a breeze to bake.

• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for dessert tables, lunchboxes, or afternoon tea.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – These pies store and freeze well, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Yield: 8 hand pies

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients for Coconut Hand Pies

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Coconut Filling:

• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

• ½ cup coconut milk

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling

In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the shredded coconut and cornstarch, cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out circles or rectangles using a biscuit cutter or a glass.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pies

Place a spoonful of the coconut filling onto half of the dough cutouts, leaving space around the edges. Place another piece of dough on top and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash, then sprinkle with sugar for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Ingredient Background

Shredded Coconut

Shredded coconut is the star ingredient of these hand pies, bringing a natural sweetness and chewy texture to the filling. Derived from dried coconut meat, it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and a light tropical flavor. Sweetened shredded coconut enhances the dessert’s richness, while unsweetened coconut provides a more natural taste.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk adds a creamy, silky texture to the filling, helping bind the shredded coconut while infusing the mixture with deep coconut flavor. Made by blending coconut meat with water, it’s naturally dairy-free and rich in healthy fats, giving these pies a smooth and luscious consistency.

Pie Dough (Flour and Butter)

The crust of these hand pies is made from a simple combination of flour, butter, and water. Butter is essential for creating flakiness and richness, while flour provides structure and crispness. The chilling process allows the gluten to relax, ensuring a tender, buttery bite with each hand pie.

Technique Tips for Coconut Hand Pies

Creating the perfect coconut hand pie is all about balancing texture, filling, and baking techniques.

The first key to success is keeping the dough cold. Cold butter ensures a flaky, delicate crust. When rolling out the dough, avoid overworking it, as this can lead to tough, dense pastry. If the dough becomes too warm, chill it again before continuing.

Next, the coconut filling consistency is important. Cooking the coconut milk with cornstarch helps thicken the mixture, preventing it from becoming too runny. A properly thickened filling ensures that the hand pies won’t leak during baking. If the filling seems too loose, allow it to cool longer to firm up before assembling.

Lastly, using an egg wash is crucial for achieving a golden, crisp crust. Brushing the tops with an egg and milk mixture creates a shiny, slightly crunchy finish, making the pies visually appealing and adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Coconut hand pies can be customized in creative ways to make them even more visually stunning and enjoyable.

One way to elevate their presentation is to drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Dark or white chocolate pairs beautifully with coconut and adds a luxurious touch. You can also dip half of each pie in chocolate for an elegant two-tone effect.

For a festive version, sprinkle the tops with toasted coconut before baking. This creates a slight crunch and enhances the natural coconut flavor. You can also add a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Another way to serve them is to plate them with fresh fruit and whipped cream. A side of mango slices or berries complements the tropical flavors, while a dollop of coconut whipped cream adds an airy, creamy finish.

Freezing and Storing Coconut Hand Pies

These hand pies store and freeze well, making them ideal for meal prepping or preparing in advance.

For short-term storage, allow the pies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.

To freeze unbaked hand pies, assemble them as directed but skip the egg wash. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight bag or container. When ready to bake, apply the egg wash and bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

If freezing baked hand pies, let them cool first, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes for a freshly baked texture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

For a lighter version of these coconut hand pies, a few simple swaps can help reduce calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.

Instead of all-butter dough, try using Greek yogurt or coconut oil to replace half of the butter. This modification still provides a flaky crust while cutting down on saturated fat.

For a reduced sugar filling, opt for unsweetened shredded coconut and use maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar. You can also enhance sweetness with a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon, which add depth without needing extra sugar.

To increase fiber and nutrition, use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap provides extra fiber and nutrients, making the pies a bit more wholesome while still tasting indulgent.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Coconut hand pies are a versatile dessert that fits beautifully into various occasions.

For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve these pies alongside fresh tropical fruit and coconut milk lattes. The crisp, buttery pastry pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut and fruity flavors, creating an elegant and light dessert spread.

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, arrange these pies on a dessert platter with other mini pastries. Serving them with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot chocolate enhances the cozy, indulgent feel of the season.

For a casual family snack, pair these pies with vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, flaky pastry with cold, creamy ice cream creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Yes! Store-bought pie dough works well if you’re short on time, but homemade dough provides better flavor and texture.

2. Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded coconut?

Yes, but make sure to finely grate the coconut so it blends well into the filling. You may also need to adjust the sweetness since fresh coconut is less sweet than shredded varieties.

3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure the edges are sealed properly using a fork and avoid overfilling the pies. A small egg wash around the edges before sealing can also help.

4. Can I make these hand pies dairy-free?

Yes! Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free coconut milk instead of regular milk for an entirely dairy-free version.

5. What’s the best way to reheat hand pies?

Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

6. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes! Puff pastry creates an extra-light, flaky texture, but it will bake faster, so check them around 15-18 minutes instead of 25 minutes.

7. Can I add chocolate to the filling?

Absolutely! Mixing in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips adds a delicious contrast to the coconut filling.

8. Do these pies need to be refrigerated?

If consuming within 2 days, they can be stored at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.

9. Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, checking for golden brown tops.

10. What other flavors pair well with coconut?

Mango, pineapple, lime, chocolate, and cinnamon all complement the rich, tropical coconut flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

Coconut hand pies are a delicious, portable, and satisfying dessert that bring together flaky pastry and creamy coconut filling in the perfect bite-sized treat. With their easy preparation, versatility, and ability to store well, they’re ideal for parties, family gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Whether enjoyed on their own, paired with fresh fruit, or served with a scoop of ice cream, these pies are guaranteed to impress. Try making a batch today and experience the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and coconut-filled goodness!