Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Homemade apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for dessert or a snack, these hand pies are easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon be able to whip up these delicious bites in no time.

Why Make This Recipe

Making apple hand pies at home is a rewarding experience. You have control over the ingredients, and you can customize the filling to suit your taste. Plus, the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen is irresistible! These hand pies are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or when you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.

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

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. While the dough chills, peel, core, and dice the apples.
6. 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.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
8. Cut out circles, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
9. Place a generous tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
10. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
12. Place the filled hand pies on the prepared sheet.
13. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies. Sprinkle extra sugar on top.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Serve these apple hand pies warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them a great addition to any gathering or picnic.

How to Store Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. You can also freeze unbaked hand pies; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies

• Ensure your butter is very cold for a flakier crust.
• Don’t overfill the pies, or they may burst during baking.
• Feel free to mix different types of apples for varied flavors.
• If you like a sweeter pie, add a bit more sugar to the apple filling.

Variations

You can experiment with different fruits like berries or peaches for a twist on the classic apple filling. Adding nuts or raisins to the apple mixture can introduce new textures and flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
   Yes, using store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver! Just follow the same steps for filling and baking.

2. How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?
   The hand pies should be golden brown on top. You can also check to make sure the inside is hot and bubbly.

3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the apple filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to fill the dough.

Enjoy your homemade apple hand pies, and share them with family and friends for a sweet kick to any occasion!