Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Why Make This Recipe

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy, sweet taste of Nutella with the flaky texture of puff pastry. Perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion, these hand pies are not only fun to make but also a crowd-pleaser. They are easy to prepare, especially with the use of ready-made puff pastry, and they can be customized to fit any dietary preference, making them suitable for vegans and those following a gluten-free diet. The adorable "mummy" appearance adds an element of creativity that children and adults alike will enjoy.

How to Make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Making Nutella Mummy Hand Pies is simple and can be completed in just a few steps. Follow the instructions closely to create delicious and spooky treats.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of ready-roll puff pastry (vegan & gluten-free)
• 6 tablespoons of Vegan Nutella
• 2 medium-sized bananas
• 3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk (for the ‘egg wash’)
• 2 tablespoons of caster/granulated sugar
• 1 packet of dairy-free white chocolate buttons
• 2 tablespoons of icing sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

Method:

1. Preheat your oven. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (or 400°F) to prepare for baking the pies.

2. Prepare the pastry. On a clean and lightly floured surface, lay out your two sheets of ready-roll puff pastry. Gently roll out the pastry if needed, making sure to keep its thickness even.

3. Cut the pastry. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheets into rectangles, roughly 4 inches by 6 inches. You should be able to get about 8 rectangles from the two sheets.

4. Fill with Nutella. Take four of the pastry rectangles and spread about 1.5 tablespoons of Vegan Nutella in the center of each rectangle. Leave a border of about half an inch around the edges.

5. Add banana slices. Slice the bananas into thin rounds and place a few slices on top of the Nutella for extra flavor and natural sweetness.

6. Seal the pies. Place another pastry rectangle on top of the filled ones to create a sandwich. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal them well. To ensure a perfect seal, you can also use a fork to crimp the edges.

7. Egg wash. In a small bowl, mix the dairy-free milk with a fork. Use this as an ‘egg wash’ by brushing it gently on top of each pie. This will give them a golden, shiny appearance once baked.

8. Sprinkle sugar. Next, sprinkle the caster or granulated sugar over the top of each pie to add a little sweetness and crunch.

9. Make the mummy strips. With any leftover pastry, create thin strips to place over the top of the hand pies to resemble mummy bandages. Cut the pastry into thin strips and arrange them in a crisscross pattern over each pie.

10. Bake the pies. Place the hand pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

11. Cool and decorate. Once the pies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. While they cool, melt the dairy-free white chocolate buttons in a microwave or over a double boiler.

12. Draw eyes. Dip a toothpick or a small piping bag into the melted chocolate and use it to create two dots on each mummy pie to form eyes.

13. Dust with icing sugar. Finally, dust with icing sugar for an extra touch before serving.

Googly Eyes:

When decorating, if you prefer, you can skip the melted chocolate and simply use small candy eyes that are also dairy-free. Place them right after taking the pies out of the oven while they are still warm, and they will slightly melt and stick to the pastry.

How to Serve Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies can be served warm or at room temperature. For best presentation:

• Display on a platter. Arrange them on a spooky-themed platter with some artificial cobwebs or Halloween decorations to make your serving even more festive.
• Serve with a side of fruit. Pair them with seasonal fruits like strawberries or oranges for a pop of color and freshness.
• Offer dipping sauces. Consider offering a small dish of warm dairy-free chocolate sauce or a fruit dip for additional flavor.

How to Store Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

If you have any leftover Nutella Mummy Hand Pies (which is rarely the case!), you can store them properly to enjoy later:

• Room temperature: Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for a short period outside the fridge.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them for longer, consider placing them in the fridge in an airtight container. However, the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked, assembled pies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, and you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

• Choosing the right puff pastry: Ensure that you use a high-quality ready-roll puff pastry that fits your dietary preferences (vegan and gluten-free, if needed) for best results.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can use peanut butter, almond chocolate spread, or even try savory fillings if you’d like.
• Be creative with decorations: Use other candy pieces or chocolate drizzle to give your mummies even more character.
• Use a sharp knife for cutting: A sharp knife will make cleaner cuts in the pastry, resulting in a more professional-looking pie.

Variation

If you would like to explore variations of the Nutella Mummy Hand Pies, consider these ideas:

• Pumpkin spice version: Mix a little pumpkin puree with the Nutella for a fall-inspired filling that adds a unique flavor.
• Berry fillings: Use a mix of berries and a hint of Nutella to create a fruity pie.
• Chocolate chip version: Instead of Nutella, fill the pies with dairy-free chocolate chips for a chocolate overload.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the pies ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready for a delicious treat.

2. Are these pies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love these hand pies, especially because of their fun and spooky appearance. They’re a great way to involve children in baking.

3. What can I use instead of bananas?
If you want to replace bananas, you could try using thin slices of strawberries or even caramelized apples for a different flavor.

4. How do I ensure the pastry does not get soggy?
Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling the pastries. The sugar sprinkle on top helps with a crunchy texture as well.

5. Are these hand pies gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free puff pastry, these hand pies can be a delicious treat for those avoiding gluten.

6. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C (350°F), and adjust the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes. Check them closely to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are a delightful and festive treat that everyone will enjoy. These simple recipes offer vast possibilities for creativity, making them perfect for occasions where presentation is key. Whether for Halloween or any other time of year, these adorable hand pies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

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