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Apple Hand Pies
Apple hand pies are a delightful dessert made with sweet, spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Ready in about one hour, this recipe yields 8 perfect-sized pastries that are ideal for snacking or serving at gatherings. Each bite offers a balance of warm cinnamon and tart apples wrapped in golden, crisp dough.
I first fell in love with these when experimenting with ways to recreate the flavors of a Southern-style apple pie in a handheld form—something I could easily share at a picnic. There’s a simple joy in crafting these charming pastries, and they never fail to bring smiles.
Table of Contents
- Why is Apple Hand Pies so popular?
- What ingredients do you need for Apple Hand Pies?
- How do you make Apple Hand Pies step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Hand Pies
- What should you pair Apple Hand Pies with?
- How can you store and reheat Apple Hand Pies?
- What are some expert tips for making Apple Hand Pies?
Why is Apple Hand Pies so popular?
Apple hand pies are popular because they’re portable, easy to make, and pack the irresistible flavors of apple pie into a compact treat. Their flaky crust and warmly spiced filling make them a favorite for dessert or snacking.
Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or social gatherings—no forks or plates required! These pies take less time to prepare than a full-sized apple pie but deliver the same comforting flavors. You can adjust the dough cutter to make smaller or larger pies to suit your preference. Apples pair well with other spices or even caramel, making the recipe adaptable to different tastes.
What ingredients do you need for Apple Hand Pies?
The ingredients for Apple Hand Pies include pantry staples and fresh apples, ensuring a straightforward and flavorful recipe. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
The cold butter ensures a flaky crust—don’t skip chilling the dough. Meanwhile, the mix of sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, classic flavor for the filling that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the apples.
How do you make Apple Hand Pies step by step?
The process for making Apple Hand Pies is straightforward, involving mixing, rolling, filling, and baking. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1 — Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar together. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend until it forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Step 2 — Make the apple filling
In another bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are coated evenly and set aside.
Step 3 — Preheat your oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4 — Roll and shape the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a 4-inch round cutter to create circles. Gather leftover scraps and re-roll as needed to maximize your dough.
Step 5 — Fill and seal
Place one tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon and seal the edges with a fork. Crimp to secure the filling and prevent mess during baking.
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Step 6 — Add the egg wash
Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg mixed with milk for a glossy finish. Use a knife or skewer to cut small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
Step 7 — Bake
Place the prepared pies on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Hand Pies
Can I freeze Apple Hand Pies?
Yes, you can freeze Apple Hand Pies before or after baking. Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 2 months.
How thin should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled to approximately 1/8 inch thick to ensure a flaky yet sturdy crust for your pies.
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What’s the best apple variety for the filling?
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and ability to hold their texture during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to roll it out.
What should you pair Apple Hand Pies with?
Apple hand pies are versatile and pair well with many sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas:
Serve warm pies with a scoop of ice cream for a classic combination of hot and cold. A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch to the warm flavors of the pie. The spices in chai complement the cinnamon and apple perfectly. Drizzling caramel over the pies enhances their sweetness with a luxurious touch.
How can you store and reheat Apple Hand Pies?
Store Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
What are some expert tips for making Apple Hand Pies?
Here are a few expert tips to simplify the process and improve the results:
Cold butter and water are essential for a flaky crust. Chill your utensils if your kitchen is warm. Ensure the apple mixture isn’t too runny to avoid a soggy crust. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely—it prevents leaks and gives the pies a charming finish.
Apple Hand Pies
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- oven
- plastic wrap
- Rolling Pin
- fork
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar together.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Repeat with the second disk of dough and remaining filling.
- Brush each hand pie with the egg wash (beaten egg mixed with milk) and cut a small slit on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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