Catch the scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these scrumptious Apple Hand Pies. Picture the golden-brown crust hugging a warm, spiced apple filling that practically dances on your taste buds. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness; it’s like autumn’s embrace in dessert form.
These little delights aren’t just for fancy dinners; they’re perfect for picnics, movie nights, or even when you need a pick-me-up after a long day. I still remember the first time I made these hand pies for my family—they vanished faster than my dog can chase a squirrel! The joy on their faces was priceless; I knew I had found a winner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Apple Hand Pies are a breeze to whip up and require minimal ingredients
- Their delightful flavors will leave everyone craving more
- Each pie is visually appealing with its rustic charm and golden crust
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—perfect for any occasion!
I once served these hand pies at a family gathering and heard an enthusiastic chorus of “more please!” from my cousins.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your pie crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving that flaky crust we all love.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar in the dough enhances flavor and browning.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Cold Water: Chilled water helps maintain the cold temperature of your dough.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness; feel free to mix varieties!
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to your apple filling.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the flavor of the apples while preventing browning.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Milk): Gives your pies that beautiful golden color when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Form into a disk and chill for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: Peel and core apples before slicing them thinly. In a bowl, combine sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and mix well until coated.
Roll Out Your Dough : On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut circles about 4 inches wide.
Assemble the Hand Pies : Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork or your fingers to create crimped edges.
Bake to Perfection : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hand pies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush tops with egg wash for that golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool & Serve : Allow pies to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature—enjoy with ice cream or drizzled caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Now you have delicious Apple Hand Pies ready to impress friends and family alike! Remember that practice makes perfect; don’t worry if they don’t look as pretty on your first try—they’ll still taste divine!
You Must Know
- Apple hand pies are the perfect blend of flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling
- They make for a delightful dessert or snack that’s easy to enjoy on the go
- The aroma of baking apples will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing your filling while the dough chills. After assembling the pies, bake them until golden brown for the best texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warmth. You can also swap out apples for pears or peaches for a fruity twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispness, avoiding a soggy crust.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor
- Ensure your dough is chilled for easier handling and flakiness
- Avoid overfilling your hand pies to prevent bursting during baking
Baking these apple hand pies always brings me back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandma would whip up a batch every fall. The joy on my family’s faces was priceless!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for apple hand pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time and still tastes delicious when baked.
What types of apples are best for apple hand pies?
A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking filling?
Seal edges well with egg wash, and avoid overfilling to minimize leaks during baking.
Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings
Description
Indulge in these delightful Apple Hand Pies, featuring a flaky crust and spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt
- Cold Water
- Granny Smith Apples
- Cinnamon
- Lemon Juice
- Egg Wash (Egg and Milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add cold water gradually until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Peel and slice apples thinly. Combine with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl until well coated.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling on one half of each circle. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
