Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch or a sweet dessert after dinner. These delightful pastries feature a flaky crust filled with homemade apple pie filling that bursts with flavor. With their charming size and delicious taste, Apple Hand Pies are ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these tasty treats in no time.
• Versatile Filling: Customize your apple filling with different spices or fruits to suit your taste or seasonal ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them warm at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert at gatherings and parties.
• Portable Treats: Their hand-held size makes them easy to take on the go, perfect for picnics, road trips, or lunchboxes.
• Delicious Aroma: As they bake, the sweet smell of apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Apple Hand Pies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to ensure perfectly shaped hand pies.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients without mess; it keeps your workspace organized.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking your pies evenly; ensures they turn golden brown.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash or butter on top of the pies for that beautiful golden finish.

Ingredients

Apple Hand Pies are made with homemade apple pie filling inside homemade pie crust or biscuit dough.

For the Apple Filling

• 5 medium/large apples (Granny Smith & Macoun)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crust

• Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and slicing the apples into thin pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference), cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.

Step 2: Make the Pie Dough

If you’re making homemade pie crust or biscuit dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles large enough to hold filling.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold one side over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp them with a fork for an extra touch.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter for golden color. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these pies offer versatility in serving options.

Serve Warm with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm apple hand pies creates a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dusting your hand pies with powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and enhances their presentation.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream complements the spices in the filling and adds a creamy texture.

Serve with Caramel Sauce

• Drizzling caramel sauce over your apple hand pies offers an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Serving alongside slices of fresh fruit like pears or berries can balance out the richness of the pastry.

How to Perfect Apple Hand Pies

Perfecting Apple Hand Pies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Use Crisp Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Macoun for a great texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your hand pies to prevent leaking during cooking.
• Seal Edges Well: Crimp or press the edges firmly to ensure they stay closed while baking or frying.
• Chill Dough Before Use: Allowing your dough to chill can make it easier to handle and result in flakier crusts.
• Brush with Egg Wash: An egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color and helps them crisp up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies pair well with several side dishes, enhancing their overall enjoyment. Here are some suggestions for what to serve alongside them:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The classic pairing offers a creamy complement to the warm, spiced filling.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
   Crispy tortilla chips tossed in cinnamon sugar add crunch and sweetness.
3. Fresh Greek Yogurt
   A small bowl of plain Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that balances flavors well.
4. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings freshness to your plate.
5. Hot Tea or Coffee
   A warm beverage enhances the cozy experience of enjoying apple hand pies.
6. Cheese Plate
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory touch that pairs nicely with sweet flavors.
7. Chai Latte
   The spiced notes of chai complement the cinnamon in the apple filling beautifully.
8. Warm Spiced Cider
   A cup of warm spiced cider creates a comforting fall-inspired experience when served alongside apple hand pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples work well for pies. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your filling to cool before adding it to the dough. This prevents soggy crusts and helps maintain shape.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the hand pies to burst during cooking. Stick to a tablespoon of filling per pie.
• Neglecting to seal edges properly: If edges aren’t sealed well, the filling will leak out. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp edges securely.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked or baked hand pies individually on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe bags; they last up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, but this may make crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, which helps maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Hand Pies that might help you out.

Can I use store-bought dough for Apple Hand Pies?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling out.

What types of apples are best for hand pies?

Granny Smith and Macoun apples are great choices as they provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I prevent my hand pies from getting soggy?

Ensure your apple filling is not overly wet by draining excess juice before using it in your pies.

Can I make these Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Yes! Consider adding spices like ginger or nutmeg, or mix in raisins or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Apple Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile treats perfect for breakfast or dessert. With options for customization, feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy warm, flaky goodness!

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Apple Hand Pies

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Apple Hand Pies are a delightful handheld pastry that captures the essence of homemade apple pie in a convenient, portable format. These flaky treats are filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a snack, they are easy to make and customizable to fit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, Apple Hand Pies are sure to impress at any gathering. With their charming size and delicious flavor, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 medium/large apples (Granny Smith & Macoun)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4–1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough

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Instructions

1. Prepare the apples by peeling and slicing them thinly. In a bowl, mix sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar (to taste), cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Roll out the pie dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into rounds.
3. Place a spoonful of apple filling in each round, fold to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush tops with melted butter.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg