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Apple Hand Pies: A Bite of Fall Magic

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There’s something magical about baking apple hand pies. The scent of warm, spiced apples and flaky pie crust fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home. As a beginner cook, mastering this recipe is a gateway to understanding the basics of dough preparation, handling fillings, and achieving golden-brown perfection. What makes apple hand pies special is their simplicity, portability, and the nostalgic warmth they evoke. These delightful pastries are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make these mini marvels.

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Apple Hand Pies: A Bite of Fall Magic

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🥧🍂 Wrap yourself in the flavors of fall with Apple Hand Pies! 🍎 Buttery crusts filled with cinnamon-kissed apples make these little treats irresistible. Perfectly portable and delightfully sweet, they’re a must-have for autumn gatherings or anytime cravings! 🍁

#FallFavorites 🍎 #HandPieHeaven 🥧 #CinnamonAndApples ✨ #GoldenCrusts 🌟 #BakingLove 🏠 #SweetAndSpiced 💕 #PerfectlyPortable 🍽️ #AppleSeason 🍂 #DessertJoy 😍 #HomemadeHappiness 🍬

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 8 hand pies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the dough.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness.
  • ¾ cup vegetable shortening (Crisco is preferred): Ensures a tender, flaky texture.
  • 4 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water: Helps bind the dough without making it sticky.

For the Filling

  • 2 large baking apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like notes.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling slightly.

For Topping

  • 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to create a golden crust.
  • 1 teaspoon water: Thins the egg wash for even application.
  • Sparkling sugar (optional): Adds a decorative and crunchy finish.

Instructions

Making the Crust

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This step evenly distributes the ingredients, ensuring a consistent dough.
  2. Cut in Shortening: Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky layers that make pie crust irresistible.
  3. Add Water Gradually: Stir in water a tablespoon at a time, using a fork to mix. Test the dough by squeezing a small amount in your hand—if it holds together without crumbling, it’s ready. Add more water if needed.
  4. Shape and Chill: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes, as this step makes the dough easier to roll and prevents shrinking during baking.

Preparing the Filling

  1. Dice the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and flour. The mixture should look evenly coated and slightly moist.

Assembling the Hand Pies

  1. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Reroll scraps to make additional circles.
  2. Add Filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Leave any excess liquid behind to prevent soggy pies.
  3. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut two small slits on top of each pie for ventilation.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush this mixture over the pies for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar if desired.

Baking

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while assembling the pies.
  2. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
  3. Cool: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. If desired, drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  1. Choosing Apples: Opt for baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well and offer a balanced flavor.
  2. Preventing Soggy Crusts: Avoid adding too much liquid from the filling to the pies. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
  3. Rolling Dough Evenly: Use a rolling pin with adjustable rings for uniform thickness.
  4. Testing Doneness: The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
  5. Troubleshooting:
    • If the crust cracks while folding, patch it with a small piece of dough and brush with water to seal.
    • If the pies brown too quickly, tent them with foil for the remaining bake time.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients and Preparation

One of the reasons apple hand pies are beginner-friendly is the straightforward ingredient list. You likely have most of the items in your pantry already, and any missing components can be easily sourced.

For the Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the dough.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness.
  • ¾ cup vegetable shortening (Crisco is preferred): Ensures a tender, flaky texture.
  • 4 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water: Helps bind the dough without making it sticky.

For the Filling

  • 2 large baking apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like notes.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling slightly.

For Topping

  • 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash to create a golden crust.
  • 1 teaspoon water: Thins the egg wash for even application.
  • Sparkling sugar (optional): Adds a decorative and crunchy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Crust

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This step evenly distributes the ingredients, ensuring a consistent dough.
  2. Cut in Shortening: Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky layers that make pie crust irresistible.
  3. Add Water Gradually: Stir in water a tablespoon at a time, using a fork to mix. Test the dough by squeezing a small amount in your hand—if it holds together without crumbling, it’s ready. Add more water if needed.
  4. Shape and Chill: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes, as this step makes the dough easier to roll and prevents shrinking during baking.

Preparing the Filling

  1. Dice the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and flour. The mixture should look evenly coated and slightly moist.

Assembling the Hand Pies

  1. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. Reroll scraps to make additional circles.
  2. Add Filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Leave any excess liquid behind to prevent soggy pies.
  3. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut two small slits on top of each pie for ventilation.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush this mixture over the pies for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar if desired.

Baking

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while assembling the pies.
  2. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
  3. Cool: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. If desired, drizzle with salted caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  1. Choosing Apples: Opt for baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well and offer a balanced flavor.
  2. Preventing Soggy Crusts: Avoid adding too much liquid from the filling to the pies. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
  3. Rolling Dough Evenly: Use a rolling pin with adjustable rings for uniform thickness.
  4. Testing Doneness: The pies are done when the crust is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
  5. Troubleshooting:
    • If the crust cracks while folding, patch it with a small piece of dough and brush with water to seal.
    • If the pies brown too quickly, tent them with foil for the remaining bake time.

Serving Suggestions

Apple hand pies are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate their flavor. Here are a few ideas:

  • Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the pies for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm pies with a scoop of ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
  • Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  1. Storing Leftovers: Place leftover pies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  2. Freezing Unbaked Pies: Assemble the pies, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
  3. Reheating: Warm pies in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Why Apple Hand Pies Are Perfect for Beginners

Apple hand pies are a fantastic recipe for anyone new to baking. The steps are simple, the ingredients are forgiving, and the results are impressive. Learning to make pie crust is a foundational skill that you can apply to other recipes, from quiches to tarts. Additionally, the hand pies’ individual portions make them a fun and approachable project, especially for families or small gatherings.

The satisfaction of creating something from scratch, coupled with the comfort of warm, spiced apples encased in a flaky crust, is a reward worth every effort. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let the magic of apple hand pies unfold in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your baking adventure in the comments—I’d love to hear how your pies turned out!

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