Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a flaky crust. They are easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for snacks, desserts, or even breakfast. With a delicious filling and a golden-brown exterior, these hand pies are sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
Making apple hand pies allows you to enjoy a slice of autumn any time of the year. They are simple to prepare and are a great way to use fresh apples. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite spices or sweeteners. Sharing these pies with family and friends is a wonderful way to create happy memories.
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 5 medium/large apples (Granny Smith & Macoun)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough
Directions:
- Apple Pie Filling: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar (adjust based on your desired sweetness), lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Apple Hand Pies: While the filling is cooling, roll out your pie crust or biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a cup.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each circle. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Serve Apple Hand Pies
Serve apple hand pies warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Store Apple Hand Pies
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Apple Hand Pies
- Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
- Make sure to let the filling cool before putting it in the dough to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for added flavor.
Variation
You can customize the filling by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Alternatively, consider trying a different fruit filling, such as cherry or blueberry, for a fresh twist on these hand pies.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought pie crust?
- Yes, store-bought pie crust works great for making apple hand pies and can save you time.
- How do I reheat leftover hand pies?
- You can reheat hand pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Can these hand pies be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough a day ahead and assemble the pies just before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking and cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 5 medium/large apples (Granny Smith & Macoun) Peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For cooking the apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar For sweetness
- 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar Adjust based on desired sweetness
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice To enhance flavor
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg For spice
For the crust
- 1 batch homemade pie crust or biscuit dough You can also use store-bought
Instructions
Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the apples and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Assemble and Bake the Hand Pies
- While the filling is cooling, roll out your pie crust or biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a cup.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each circle.
- Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
