Apple Hand Pies: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples. Apple hand pies are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and nostalgia wrapped up in a convenient little package. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet evening snack, these hand pies are sure to please.
So, ready to ignite some kitchen magic? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this apple hand pie recipe stand out? Firstly, it’s incredibly simple. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip these up with little fuss. The combination of tart and sweet apples, combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon, creates a flavor explosion that leaves your taste buds singing. Plus, they’re portable! You can take them anywhere, making them the perfect dessert for gatherings or road trips.
And let’s not forget about the delightful crunch of the pastry! Each bite is a harmonious blend of crispy crust and juicy filling, making it the perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these scrumptious apple hand pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Pastry:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Apple Filling:
– 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– ½ cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For Assembly:
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Extra sugar for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create your delightful apple hand pies:
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, peel, core, and dice the apples. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the apples. Set aside for about 10 minutes to let the juices mix.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter, a glass, or a knife to cut out circles, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
4. Fill the Pies
Place a generous tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
5. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the filled hand pies on the prepared sheet.
6. Add the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies. This will give them a lovely, golden color as they bake. Sprinkle extra sugar on top for a sweet crunch.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
8. Cool & Enjoy
Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving. You can enjoy them warm, or at room temperature!
Serving and Storage Tips
These apple hand pies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
- Serving: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked or baked hand pies in a single layer, then transfer to a ziplock bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, mix different types of apples. A combination of tart and sweet varieties will add depth to the filling.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky texture. If you’re short on time, you can chill it for as little as 30 minutes.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a flavor twist.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch, after baking, brush the pies with a mixture of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a sweet glaze.
- Try Different Fillings: The beauty of hand pies is their versatility. You can substitute apples with other fruits like peaches, berries, or even savory fillings like cheese and meat.
Conclusion
Creating apple hand pies is not just about making a delicious dessert; it’s an experience to be shared. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around. These hand pies are not just perfect for any occasion—they’re a testament to the joys of baking and the love of good food. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful treats!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
2. Can these be made vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce as an egg replacement for the wash.
3. How do I know when the hand pies are done?
They should be golden brown and flaky. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil.
4. Can I bake these from frozen?
Yes! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you are baking them straight from the freezer.
5. What’s the best way to reheat hand pies?
For the best texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the flaky crust.
Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in homemade Apple Hand Pies! These flaky pastries are stuffed with sweet, spiced apples—perfect for a cozy treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- While the dough chills, peel, core, and dice the apples. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the apples and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
- Place a generous tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the filled hand pies on the prepared sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies. Sprinkle extra sugar on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- hour chilling: 1
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g