Irresistible Apple Hand Pies: A Cozy Delight Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked apples wafting through your home, inviting you to snuggle up with a warm, flaky apple hand pie. Picture this: golden-brown pastry, bursting with sweet and tangy apple filling, and a dusting of cinnamon that tickles your senses. These delightful little pockets of joy are perfect for cozy nights in or as a charming dessert at gatherings.

Every time I make apple hand pies, I’m transported back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing scent of her famous pies. These treats were our family’s secret weapon against gloomy days—each bite bursting with nostalgia and warmth. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a chilly movie night, these pies are an irresistible addition to any occasion. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience!

Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your flaky crust; opt for unbleached flour for the best results.
• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for a flakier crust; cut it into small cubes before mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness in both the crust and filling enhances the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: This aromatic spice adds warmth and depth to the sweet apple filling.
• Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp for a balanced filling.
• Lemon Juice: A splash helps prevent apples from browning while adding brightness to the filling.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of egg and water gives your pies that golden finish when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add cold butter cubes and mix until you get a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand. Gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While your dough is chilling, peel, core, and slice your apples into small pieces. In a bowl, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove your dough from the fridge and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface until it’s about an eighth-inch thick. Use a round cutter (or even a cup) to cut circles—about four inches in diameter.

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

Place a spoonful of apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill; nobody likes an explosion during baking! Fold over the other half of the dough circle to create a pocket, then press down on the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 5: Preheat & Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your assembled hand pies on it, brush each pie with egg wash for that shiny finish, and sprinkle extra sugar on top if desired.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling slightly from those lovely apples inside. Allow them to cool just enough not to burn your mouth (because we all know how hard it is to resist warm pie) before serving them warm or at room temperature.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful apple hand pies as they remind you of family gatherings filled with laughter!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your apples while your dough chills in the fridge. Once your filling is ready, roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Fill each circle with apples, seal them tight, and bake until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth. You can even drizzle some caramel sauce on top after baking for that gourmet touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover apple hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.

I remember the first time I made these apple hand pies; my kitchen smelled like an autumn orchard, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them!

FAQs :

What are Apple Hand Pies?

Apple hand pies are delightful, portable pastries filled with spiced apple filling, often encased in a flaky pastry crust. They resemble mini turnovers and make for a perfect snack or dessert. The filling typically includes fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a hint of nutmeg. These hand-held treats can be baked or fried, offering a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet interior.

How do you make Apple Hand Pies?

To make apple hand pies, start by preparing the dough using flour, butter, and salt. Roll it out and cut it into circles. For the filling, peel and chop apples, then mix them with sugar and spices. Place a spoonful of this mixture on one half of each dough circle, fold over, and seal the edges. Bake until golden brown or fry for an extra crispy texture. Serve warm with ice cream for added indulgence.

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

Yes, you can use store-bought pastry to save time when making apple hand pies. Frozen puff pastry or pie crusts work well as convenient alternatives to homemade dough. Simply thaw the pastry according to package instructions before rolling it out and cutting your desired shapes. Halloween charcuterie board ideas This method allows you to enjoy delicious apple hand pies without the extra effort of making the dough from scratch.

How long do Apple Hand Pies last?

Apple hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for about a week. For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked hand pies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven for best results when you’re ready to enjoy these tasty treats again.

Conclusion for Apple Hand Pies :

Apple hand pies are a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavor of baked apples in a convenient form. With their flaky crust and sweet filling, they make an excellent snack or dessert option for any occasion. Whether you choose to make your own pastry or opt for store-bought alternatives, these delightful treats are sure to impress family and friends alike. pumpkin cheesecake cookies homemade poisoned apple cider delicious apple cider cheesecake Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable experience! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Irish Apple Cake recipe.

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Apple Hand Pies

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Apple hand pies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort, featuring a delicate, flaky crust enveloping a warm, spiced apple filling. These delightful pastries are ideal for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. With their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste, they are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 medium apples (peeled and diced, about 3 cups)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: Toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Roll Out Dough: Divide chilled dough into two parts and roll each to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles (about 4 inches).
4. Assemble Pies: Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle sugar on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie (85g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: - For varied flavor, use a mix of sweet Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith apples. - Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an indulgent twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven.