There’s something magical about the smell of warm apples mingling with cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: you take a bite of a golden-brown hand pie, the flaky crust giving way to a luscious filling that warms your heart and soul. Apple hand pies are not just desserts; they’re tiny hugs wrapped in pastry.
I remember the first time I made these delightful treats. It was a crisp autumn day, and the leaves outside danced their way down from the trees. My family gathered around as I pulled those golden beauties from the oven, each one puffed up like little pillows of joy. Now, every bite takes me back to that cozy kitchen filled with laughter and love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The flavor is an irresistible blend of sweet apples and warm spices
- Visually stunning with their golden crusts, these pies are sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough to adapt with different fruits or fillings based on your cravings!
The reactions from my friends were priceless when I served these at a party—they devoured them in seconds while trying not to look too greedy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the perfect flaky crust; be sure to measure accurately for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter; it helps achieve that dreamy flakiness in your crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance sweetness; don’t skimp on fresh fruit!
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth; feel free to sprinkle extra if you love that cozy flavor.
- Egg Wash (Egg + Milk): Gives a gorgeous golden color when baked; brush gently for an even shine.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and sugar together before cutting in cold butter until crumbly. It should resemble coarse crumbs for a tender crust.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps relax gluten and enhances flakiness.
Make Your Filling: While dough chills, peel and dice apples into small pieces. Toss them with sugar and cinnamon until well-coated—this mixture should smell heavenly!
Roll Out Your Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or glass—aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Add Filling & Seal: Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold over and seal edges by pressing with a fork—this step is also great stress relief!
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each pie with egg wash before baking for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
Enjoy these delightful little pockets of happiness straight from the oven or cooled down—either way will leave you craving more!
You Must Know
- These delicious apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combine sweetness with crunchy pastry
- The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will make everyone hungry
- Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy snack at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the filling while the dough rests, then roll out the pastry, fill, and bake. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling or substitute pears for a unique twist. Customize with spices like nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve flaky crusts, keep your butter cold when making dough
- Don’t overfill your pies, as this can lead to messy leaks while baking
- Always seal edges well to avoid any opening during baking
The first time I made apple hand pies, my friends devoured them within minutes! Their delighted faces and compliments reminded me why I love sharing my baking experiments with others.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for apple hand pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How long do apple hand pies last?
They stay fresh for about two days at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I freeze apple hand pies?
Yes, freeze them before baking. Thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Delicious Apple Hand Pies
Savor the warmth of homemade apple hand pies, featuring a flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion or a cozy treat at home!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- Cinnamon
- Egg Wash (Egg + Milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Peel and dice apples; toss with sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 4-5 inch circles.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon apple mixture onto one half of each circle, fold over, and seal with a fork.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush pies with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie (90g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
