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Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies
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Apple Hand Pies are delightful handheld pastries bursting with tender apples spiced perfectly with cinnamon. Ideal for cozy autumn treats, these flaky pies are easy to make, perfectly portioned, and great for sharing or enjoying solo. Their warm, comforting flavors and simple preparation make them a seasonal favorite suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • Store-bought or homemade pie crust (enough for pies, approx. 1 package or 2 crusts)

Apple Filling

  • 3 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon optional spices (nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of ginger or cloves)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Other

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces for even cooking. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and optional spices to evenly coat the fruit and prevent browning.
  2. Roll out the pie crust: On a floured surface, roll the pie crust dough into a thin sheet. Use a round or square cutter to cut uniform shapes which will serve as the bases for the hand pies.
  3. Assemble the pies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling at the center of each dough piece. Add a small pat of butter on top of the filling to keep it moist. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg wash. Cover with another piece of dough and seal the edges firmly by pressing with a fork.
  4. Bake to golden perfection: Arrange the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with more egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the pies are puffed up and golden brown.
  5. Cool and enjoy: Transfer the baked pies to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the filling set and prevents burns, ensuring a warm and melty center with every bite.

Notes

  • Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to hold shape and add brightness without excessive sweetness.
  • Do not overfill the pies to avoid difficulty sealing and potential leaks during baking.
  • Keep pie crust dough chilled until assembly to maintain flakiness and handle easily.
  • Use egg wash generously to add color and help edges stick securely.
  • Allow pies to cool properly before serving to prevent messy fillings and enhance flavor.
  • Optional variations include vegan substitutions with coconut oil and dairy-free crust, gluten-free crust options, adding spices like ginger or cloves, incorporating nuts such as walnuts or pecans, and serving with caramel drizzle.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to one week.
  • Freeze assembled pies individually wrapped for up to two months; bake directly from frozen adding extra baking time if needed.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp crust; microwaving is faster but softens crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple hand pies, fall dessert, handheld pies, apple cinnamon pastry, autumn treats, easy apple dessert

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/apple-hand-pies/