Introduction:
Savor the delightful flavors of Homemade Apple Hand Pies, where tender diced apples, sweet cinnamon, and a flaky pastry shell come together to create a portable, comforting treat. These hand pies are perfect for picnics, lunchbox treats, or a cozy dessert, offering a taste of homemade goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Portable and Convenient: Enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a handheld form, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking.
- Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and apples combine to create a delicious treat with minimal effort.
- Versatile Treat: Serve warm or at room temperature, these hand pies are versatile enough for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, optional, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water to the flour-butter mixture, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to gently knead the dough to form a cohesive ball. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
Assembling and Baking the Hand Pies:
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place the circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared apple filling onto the center of each dough circle.
- Top and Seal: Roll out the second portion of dough and cut additional circles. Place these circles over the apple filling, pressing the edges gently to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with beaten egg wash. This helps to create a golden brown crust when baked. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops of the pies for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Place the assembled hand pies in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore crispness.
Enjoy these Homemade Apple Hand Pies warm or at room temperature, and savor the homemade goodness in every delicious bite!