Apple Hand Pies: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Are you craving a sweet treat that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than these delightful apple hand pies! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a simple yet satisfying dessert that's sure to impress. Forget store-bought pies – these individual hand pies are the perfect blend of homemade goodness and convenient portioning.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
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For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
Assembling the Hand Pies:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough.
- Fill the pies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut a small vent in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dot each pie with a small piece of butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serving Your Delicious Apple Hand Pies:
Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Perfect Apple Hand Pies:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties gives you a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overfill the pies: Overfilling can cause them to leak during baking.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Use a pastry brush: If you want a beautiful golden-brown crust, use a pastry brush to gently brush the tops of the hand pies with a little milk or egg wash before baking.
This recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With a little practice, you'll be whipping up batches of these delightful apple hand pies in no time! Remember to share your creations and tag us! #applehandpies #homemade #baking #fallbaking #easyrecipe