Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Introduction
Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with sweet, spiced apple filling. These little pies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home. Making your own hand pies is easier than you might think, and the result is warm, delicious pastries that are sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade apple hand pies allows you to enjoy the freshness of baked goods right from your oven. By using quality ingredients, you can create a treat that is tastier than store-bought options. Plus, these hand pies are portable and fun to eat, making them a fantastic snack or dessert. You can also customize the filling to suit your taste!
How to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies
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
Directions:
- 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.
How to Serve Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies
Serve the apple hand pies warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. A dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate their appearance and taste.
How to Store Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies
To store leftover apple hand pies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For the best taste, reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Tips to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies
- Use chilled butter to ensure a flaky crust.
- Mix the dough as little as possible to keep it tender.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
- If you like a sweeter filling, adjust the sugar to your taste.
Variation
You can customize the filling by adding dried cranberries or raisins for an extra twist. For a different flavor, try adding caramel or nuts to the apple filling.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze apple hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked hand pies. After assembling them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What type of apples are best for hand pies?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices because they hold their shape well and balance sweetness with tartness.
3. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust makes it easy to whip up these hand pies in no time.
Enjoy making and sharing your delicious homemade apple hand pies!
