APPLE HAND PIES Recipe

APPLE HAND PIES Recipe: Sure, here’s a simple recipe for apple hand pies! Apple hand pies are delightful handheld treats that encapsulate the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, portable form. These mini-pies feature a flaky, buttery crust enveloping a sweet and spiced apple filling.

To make them, start by preparing a simple pie crust, then cook a flavorful filling by sautéing diced apples with sugar, spices, and a hint of lemon juice until tender. Once the crust and filling are ready, assemble the hand pies by placing a dollop of the apple mixture onto circles of dough, folding them over, sealing the edges, and baking until golden brown.

These hand pies offer the joy of apple pie in a smaller, individual serving size that’s perfect for snacks, desserts, or on-the-go indulgence. They’re versatile, easy to make, and sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every delicious bite.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 2-3 large 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 unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, if needed)

Additional:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just holds together when pinched.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Apple Filling:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender (about 10-12 minutes). If the mixture is too liquidy, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
3. Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each circle, leaving space around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a semi-circle shape, and press the edges together to seal.
5. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative seal. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
6. Place the assembled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
8. Use a sharp knife to make small slits on the tops of the pies to allow steam to escape while baking.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple hand pies!