Easy Apple Hand Pies

There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of baked apples wafting through the house. I remember the first time I had a warm apple hand pie; I was just a child, perched on a countertop in my grandmother’s kitchen. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of sugar, she would whip up these delightful pastries, their flaky crusts giving way to a sweet, spiced filling—each bite was a gentle hug. Those memories have stuck with me through the years and inspired me to recreate those comforting hand pies today.

If you’re looking to infuse your kitchen with a sweet nostalgia that’s oh-so simple to make, these Easy Apple Hand Pies are just what you need! They’re perfect for an after-school snack, a dessert for dinner guests, or even a tasty breakfast treat on-the-go. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create these delectable bites of happiness together!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Active Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total Duration: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
• Portion Size: Serves about 8 hand pies
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 210 calories
• Protein: 2g per serving
• Carbs: 30g per serving
• Fats: 10g per serving
• Fiber: 2g per serving
• Sugars: 10g per serving
• Sodium: 150mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Hand Pies

These hand pies are the epitome of comfort food. With a buttery, flaky crust and a warm, comforting apple filling, they’re sure to please anyone who takes a bite. They’re also extremely versatile—feel free to mix in any fruits or spices you love. And the best part? They’re quick to whip up and can be made in advance, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s journey through each step of crafting these little parcels of joy. We’ll turn humble ingredients into something beautifully delicious that will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons cold water
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Method:

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. This will be the base of your hand pies.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that signature flaky texture in the crust.

Step 3: Sweeten the Dough

Stir in the sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the crust that complements the apple filling perfectly.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. We want it damp, but not sticky!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to achieving a flaky texture.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high temperature will help our hand pies get wonderfully golden.

Step 7: Prepare the Apple Filling

In another bowl, mix the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This is where the magic happens; the warm spices mixed with fresh apples create a comforting filling.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, roll out on a floured surface and cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).

Step 9: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on one half of each circle.

Step 10: Seal Them Up

Fold over the dough and seal the edges with a fork, creating a charming crimped edge that adds to their appeal.

Step 11: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops with a beaten egg; this will give your hand pies a lovely golden sheen when baked.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 13: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites while they’re warm!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These apple hand pies are fantastic on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special treat, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a side of warm custard.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked hand pies; wrap them well and they’ll keep for about 2 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the preheated oven for a few extra minutes!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

1. Make sure your butter is cold—this helps create a flaky crust.
2. Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for the dough’s texture.
3. If you find the dough too crumbly, add a tiny bit more cold water—just enough to hold it together.
4. Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great together!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Try mixing in cranberries, pears, or even nuts. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture. You can also drizzle the finished hand pies with chocolate for a decadent touch.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
   A: Absolutely! Store-bought crust can save time. Just roll it out and follow the assembly steps.

2. Q: What if my apples turn brown while I’m preparing the filling?
   A: Toss them with lemon juice as you prep the rest of your ingredients to keep them fresh.

3. Q: How can I make these gluten-free?
   A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, preferably with a binding agent like xanthan gum.

4. Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
   A: If your dough becomes too sticky, add small amounts of flour until it’s manageable.

5. Q: Can I bake these without an egg wash?
   A: Yes, you can skip the egg wash for a vegan option. Your hand pies will still bake up beautifully!

Wrapping Up

These Easy Apple Hand Pies are not just a recipe; they’re a journey back to comforting family moments and the joy of sharing good food. Whether you’re making them for yourself, a gathering, or just to indulge in some homemade goodness, they’re bound to bring a smile to your face. So roll up those sleeves and let’s make some memories in the kitchen together! Happy baking!

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