Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of delicious Apple Hand Pies! These sweet, flaky treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings for a tasty dessert or a quick snack. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown pastry filled with spiced apples that melt in your mouth – pure bliss!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventures, this Apple Hand Pies recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The combination of buttery crust and sweet apple filling is a match made in dessert heaven.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Apple Hand Pies!

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating these delectable treats, share some pro tips for perfecting your pies, and answer some common questions to ensure your baking experience is a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to adore this Apple Hand Pies recipe. Here are a few highlights:

– Portable and convenient for on-the-go snacking

– Perfect individual portions for portion control

– Versatile – enjoy them warm or at room temperature

– A great way to use up seasonal apples

– Kid-friendly and fun to make with the whole family

– Can be customized with different spices or toppings

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

– 1/2 cup ice water

– 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Additional sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a round cutter. Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one half of each circle, leaving a border.

6. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and brush each pie with the beaten egg wash.

7. Sprinkle the pies with sugar and make a few small slits on the top for steam to escape.

8. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Hand Pies are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with a few serving suggestions:

– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

– Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat

– Pair with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy dessert experience

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations and substitutions to try:

– Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a unique twist

– Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture

– Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a flavor boost

Pro Tips for Success

For the best results when making Apple Hand Pies, keep these pro tips in mind:

– Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky crust

– Don’t overfill the pies to prevent leaking during baking

– Brush the pies with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish

– Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on hot filling

FAQ

Q: Can I make the hand pies ahead of time and freeze them?

A: Yes, you can assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

A: While homemade crust is always best, you can certainly use store-bought pie dough for convenience. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.

Q: How long do the hand pies stay fresh?

A: These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Q: Can I make mini hand pies instead of regular-sized ones?

A: Absolutely! Simply use a smaller cutter to create mini hand pies and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of making delicious Apple Hand Pies. With a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and a sprinkle of sugar on top, these hand pies are a true delight for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or sweet treat, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Apple Hand Pies. Happy baking!