Easy Apple Hand Pies

$To make easy apple hand pies, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt - 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water - 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk These ingredients bring together the sweet and spicy flavors of apple pies. The apples provide a juicy filling, while the spices add warmth. The dough, made from flour and butter, gives a nice flaky texture. Using chilled butter is key for a tender crust! 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well. 2. Add the chilled butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. 3. Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough comes together. It should feel a bit sticky. 4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill them for at least 30 minutes. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, brown sugar, and lemon juice. 2. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the apples are tender but not mushy. 3. Once done, take the saucepan off the heat and let the filling cool. 1. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. 2. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are 4-5 inches in diameter. 3. Place a generous spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill. 4. Fold each circle in half, sealing the filling inside. Press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp them. 5. In a small bowl, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of milk. Brush the tops of the hand pies with this egg wash. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cut small slits in the top of each pie for steam to escape. This helps them bake evenly. 3. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. 4. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Chilled ingredients are key to great dough. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. If the butter warms, the dough may become tough. Always keep your butter and water cold. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until it forms a ball. Overmixing can lead to a dense crust. Remember, you want it tender and flaky. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp add a nice flavor. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, give a tasty contrast. You can mix both for a great blend of sweet and tart. Other great apples include Fuji and Braeburn. Each apple has its own taste and texture. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Dust your hand pies with powdered sugar for a fun touch. This adds sweetness and makes them look pretty. Serve them warm on a nice plate for guests. Pair your hand pies with ice cream or caramel sauce. Ice cream adds creaminess, while caramel brings a rich flavor. Both options elevate your dessert to the next level! {{image_4}} You can easily change up the taste of your apple hand pies. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding caramel or nuts: Mix in some caramel sauce or chopped nuts for a richer filling. The caramel adds sweetness. The nuts give a nice crunch. - Using different spices or herbs: Try adding allspice or cardamom for a warm twist. You can also add fresh herbs, like rosemary, for a unique flavor. If you want to try some different crust options, here are a few to consider: - Gluten-free crust options: You can use a gluten-free flour blend. This makes the recipe friendly for those with gluten needs. Just be sure to follow the blend's specific instructions. - Using store-bought puff pastry: If you’re short on time, puff pastry works well. Just roll it out and cut it into circles. This saves time and still tastes great. Mini hand pies are perfect for parties or snacks. Here’s how to make them: - Adjusting size for bite-sized treats: Use a smaller cookie cutter, about 2-3 inches in diameter. This gives you cute, snack-sized pies. - Baking times for smaller pies: Bake mini pies for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should turn golden brown just like the larger ones. To store leftover hand pies, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for up to three days. When storing, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Best practices for refrigeration: - Cool pies completely before sealing. - Keep in a cool, dry place. - Use a container that fits well to limit air exposure. You can freeze hand pies before or after baking. If freezing before baking, place the unbaked pies on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method helps keep the shape. If you prefer, you can freeze them after baking. Just ensure they are fully cooled first. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Thawing instructions for optimal taste: - For unbaked pies, bake straight from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time. - For baked pies, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To enjoy hand pies again, reheating is key. The best method is in the oven. This keeps the crust crisp and flaky. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Avoiding sogginess when reheating: - Use the oven instead of the microwave. - Place pies directly on the oven rack for better air circulation. - Check often to prevent overbaking. Homemade apple hand pies last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. To extend freshness, you can freeze them. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw and reheat. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap the dough discs in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use the dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out. The dough should be cold but not hard. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Both work well in this recipe. They will give your hand pies a different taste and texture. Coconut oil adds a hint of sweetness and a slight coconut flavor. Vegetable shortening will keep the crust flaky but less rich. Experiment with these options to find your favorite! You now know how to make delicious apple hand pies. We covered ingredients, from flour to apples, and went through step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting your dough and chose the best apple varieties. We also explored fun variations and storage tips to keep your pies fresh. Remember, these hand pies are great for sharing or enjoying alone. Whether you make them classic or try new flavors, homemade hand pies will always impress. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet & Spicy Apple Hand Pies! These easy-to-make treats combine tender apples with a hint of cinnamon and ginger, all enclosed in a flaky crust. Perfect for dessert or a cozy snack, this recipe is a must-try. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and impress your friends and family with these irresistible hand pies. #AppleRecipes #DessertRecipes #BakingFun #HandPies

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water

3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some small pea-sized pieces remaining.

Slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water once the dough just comes together; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Form the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the diced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the filling to cool.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a cookie cutter or an overturned glass to cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.

Spoon a generous dollop of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill to prevent leakage.

Gently fold each dough circle in half, enclosing the filling. Press the edges to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork or pinch them together with your fingers for a decorative touch.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish when baked.

Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting in the oven.

Bake the hand pies in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Once removed from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: Once cooled, lightly dust the hand pies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve warm on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant plate, and enhance the experience by pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream!