Malted Milk Chocolate Hand Pies

Malted Milk Chocolate Hand Pies are a delightful combination of flaky, buttery pastry and a rich, creamy chocolate filling infused with malted milk powder. These charming, handheld treats are finished with a glossy icing and a speckled cocoa dusting for an elegant café-style look. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a beautiful dessert for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky and Buttery Pastry – A homemade crust that bakes to golden perfection.
• Rich, Creamy Chocolate Filling – The malted milk powder enhances the chocolate with a nostalgic, deep flavor.
• Aesthetic and Instagram-Worthy – The speckled icing makes these hand pies look as good as they taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, afternoon snacks, or gifting.
• Customizable – Can be made with different chocolates or fillings for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup malted milk powder
• ¾ cup milk chocolate, melted
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Cocoa powder (for speckled effect)

Directions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

5. In a small bowl, combine the malted milk powder, melted milk chocolate, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Hand Pies

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
8. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
9. Place a small spoonful of the chocolate filling onto half of the dough circles.
10. Cover each filled piece with another dough circle and press the edges together. Use a fork to seal.
11. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let the pies cool completely before decorating.

Decorate

13. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Add food coloring if desired.
14. Dip the cooled pies into the icing, letting the excess drip off.
15. Lightly dust with cocoa powder using a fine sieve for a speckled effect.
16. Let the icing set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 10-12 hand pies
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Version – Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Nutty Twist – Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the filling.
• Fruit-Infused – Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam for a fruity contrast.
• Vegan Alternative – Use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based butter, and coconut cream for the filling.
• Mini Hand Pies – Make bite-sized versions for a party-friendly treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed hand pies for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh the pastry.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.

How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?

Make sure the edges are well-sealed and avoid overfilling. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork.

What type of chocolate works best for the filling?

Milk chocolate provides a sweet, creamy flavor, but dark or semi-sweet chocolate also works well.

Can I make these hand pies without a rolling pin?

Yes! You can press the dough flat using a heavy-bottomed glass or your hands.

Why is my pastry dough too crumbly?

If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pie dough or puff pastry.

How can I make the icing set faster?

Place the glazed pies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.

Can I add espresso powder to the filling?

Yes! A teaspoon of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to achieve the speckled effect?

Lightly dust cocoa powder over the wet icing using a small sieve or a clean brush.

Do these pies work as a gift or party dessert?

Absolutely! They are perfect for brunch, parties, or as a beautifully packaged edible gift.

Conclusion

Malted Milk Chocolate Hand Pies are the perfect combination of rich, creamy filling and buttery, flaky pastry. The malted chocolate adds a nostalgic depth of flavor, while the speckled icing makes them visually stunning. Whether you’re making them for a brunch aesthetic, a café-inspired treat, or a fun baking project, these hand pies are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a delicious snack anytime!