Homemade Apple Hand Pies: A Perfect Cozy Treat
Some desserts are so delicious, they feel like a warm hug. These Homemade Apple Hand Pies are the perfect example. They bring together a flaky, buttery homemade crust and a warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all in a convenient, easy-to-eat hand pie. This is a nostalgic, classic dessert that is perfect for a cozy weekend treat, a special family gathering, or just a fun baking project. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your home is a treat in itself!
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and these hand pies do that beautifully. What I love most is the satisfaction of making a flaky pie crust from scratch. The process is simple, and the reward is a delicious, buttery crust that is far superior to anything you can buy at a store. The apple filling is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the hint of cinnamon and lemon juice elevates it to a new level. The best part? Their hand-held format makes them a fun and easy-to-eat treat for everyone.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 221 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6−8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3−4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugar. Honeycrisp apples are also a fantastic choice, as they are both sweet and firm. You can use any firm apple you love, such as Gala or Fuji.
- Pie Crust: Using cold butter and ice water is crucial for a flaky crust. The cold butter creates steam pockets as it bakes, which is what gives the crust its flaky texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon is a classic pairing for apples. You can also add other warm spices like a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger.
- Topping: An egg wash is what gives the pies a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish. The extra sprinkle of sugar on top adds a sweet, crunchy texture. You can also make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch is a crucial ingredient for the apple filling. It helps to thicken the juices from the apples, preventing the filling from becoming too runny and leaking out of the pies.
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Do not overwork the dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a large rectangle. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 8 squares.
- Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one side of each square. Fold the other side of the dough over the filling to create a rectangle. Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
- Egg Wash and Topping: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20−25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter: Using cold butter and ice water is the key to a flaky pie crust.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough, hard crust. Mix just until a dough forms.
- Seal the Edges: Make sure you use a fork to press and seal the edges of the hand pies. This is a crucial step that prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use a Fork: Piercing the top of the hand pies with a fork will allow steam to escape, which prevents the pies from bursting.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These apple hand pies are delicious on their own. For a truly decadent treat, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk would also be a perfect accompaniment.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
These are an indulgent and delicious dessert. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the pie crust, butter, and sugar. While they are a decadent treat, they are a wonderfully satisfying dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun baking project.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of these hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a fresher taste, you can also store them in the refrigerator. To get that flaky, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture back, you can pop a hand pie in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. They also freeze beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Apple Hand Pies recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!
Homemade Apple Hand Pies: A Flaky and Delicious Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out rounds of dough using a 4-inch cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each round.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash made from beaten egg and milk.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
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