Apple Hand Pies Recipe
why make this recipe
Apple Hand Pies are a delightful and portable treat that bring the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie into a handy, individual serving. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple dessert at home. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and flaky crust makes them an irresistible snack. Plus, they are easy to make and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
how to make Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients :
2 tablespoons butter
2 large green apples - peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons brown sugar
0.25 cup white sugar
0.25 teaspoon salt
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, or to taste
1 teaspoon water, or more if needed
1 pound prepared pie dough, cut into 4 pieces
1 egg
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon white sugar, or as needed
Directions :
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; let butter brown to a light golden color and smell toasted, about 1 minute. Stir apples into hot butter; sprinkle with 1/4 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cook and stir the apple mixture until apples are softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in cinnamon and water; continue cooking until apples are soft and sticky, 1 to 2 more minutes. Spread apple filling onto a plate to cool.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Form a dough piece into a ball, place it on a floured work surface, and roll it into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
Spoon 1/3 to 1/2 cup of apple filling in the center.
Fold the dough over the filling, leaving about 1 inch of dough on the bottom side visible below the top side. Gently press the dough closed around the filling, using your fingertips.
Fold the overhanging bottom part of the dough up over the top edge, working your way around the crust, and pinch the overhang tightly to the top part of the crust.
Crimp the edge tightly closed. Pinch a little bit of dough with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and use your index finger on the other hand to push a small notch into the pinched dough. Continue pinching and notching all the way around until the crust is tightly crimped together. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Transfer pies onto the prepared baking sheet.
Whisk egg with milk in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg mixture and sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon of white sugar. Cut 3 small vent holes in the top of each pie.
Bake in the preheated oven until pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
how to serve Apple Hand Pies
Apple Hand Pies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
how to store Apple Hand Pies
Store leftover Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
tips to make Apple Hand Pies
- Use tart green apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Adjust sugar and cinnamon according to your taste preferences.
- Let the apple filling cool before adding it to the dough to avoid a soggy crust.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for added flavor.
variation
You can customize these hand pies with different fruits such as berries, peaches, or cherries. You could also add a sprinkle of nuts or raisins for some extra texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, using store-bought pie crust can save time and still give you delicious hand pies.
How can I tell when the hand pies are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top, and you should see the filling bubbling through the vents.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the pies.
Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; let butter brown to a light golden color and smell toasted, about 1 minute.
- Stir apples into hot butter; sprinkle with 1/4 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cook and stir the apple mixture until apples are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in cinnamon and water; continue cooking until apples are soft and sticky, 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Spread apple filling onto a plate to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Form a dough piece into a ball, place it on a floured work surface, and roll it into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
- Spoon 1/3 to 1/2 cup of apple filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over the filling, leaving about 1 inch of dough on the bottom side visible below the top side. Gently press the dough closed around the filling, using your fingertips.
- Fold the overhanging bottom part of the dough up over the top edge, working your way around the crust, and pinch the overhang tightly to the top part of the crust.
- Crimp the edge tightly closed. Pinch a little bit of dough with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and use your index finger on the other hand to push a small notch into the pinched dough. Continue pinching and notching all the way around until the crust is tightly crimped together.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Transfer pies onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk egg with milk in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg mixture and sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon of white sugar. Cut 3 small vent holes in the top of each pie.
- Bake in the preheated oven until pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.