Apple Hand Pies

by

Enjoy the delightful taste of fall with these delicious Apple Hand Pies. Perfectly portable and bursting with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, they’re a treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. In a medium bowl, toss together the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter or a glass.
  6. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto each circle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
  7. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
  9. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving.

Variations:

  • Try adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cloves or ginger for a unique twist.

Serving Tips:

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
  • These hand pies are perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a grab-and-go snack.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:

  • While these hand pies are a delightful treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation as they are high in calories and sugar.

FAQs:

  • Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making my own? Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience.

Conclusion:

  • These Apple Hand Pies are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a portable, delicious treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!