Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of apple pie into a handheld version. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these little pockets of goodness are easy to make and can be enjoyed on various occasions. Using fresh apples and a buttery crust, Apple Hand Pies are sure to impress with their sweet filling and crispy exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: These hand pies are straightforward to make, even for novice bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of Granny Smith and Macoun apples creates a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or cold for breakfast; they fit any meal!
• Homemade Goodness: With homemade filling and crust, you control the ingredients for a healthier treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 pies, making them ideal for gatherings and parties.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures your dough is evenly rolled out for consistent baking.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining your ingredients without any mess.
• Knife: Use it for chopping apples quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

Apple Hand Pies are made with homemade apple pie filling inside homemade pie crust or biscuit dough.

For the Filling

• 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

For the Crust

• Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by peeling and coring the apples. Then, chop them into small pieces. In a pan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar (to taste), lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your homemade pie crust or biscuit dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles; aim for about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Fill the Pies

Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill! Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges.

Step 4: Frying the Pies

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place a few hand pies in at a time. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about 2 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow your Apple Hand Pies to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for sharing with friends and family!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these little pockets of goodness will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the hand pies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness and enhances the sweet apple filling, making for an indulgent dessert.

Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar

• Dusting the hand pies with powdered sugar gives them a lovely finish and makes them look extra special.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side for a light and airy touch.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these pies alongside your favorite coffee or tea to create a cozy snack or dessert experience.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include Apple Hand Pies in your brunch spread alongside other pastries, fruits, and savory options for variety.

How to Perfect Apple Hand Pies

To make sure your Apple Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh apples like Granny Smith or Macoun to ensure a crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• Chill the Dough: Keeping the pie dough chilled before rolling helps maintain its structure during frying or baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the hand pies; this can cause them to burst open while cooking.
• Seal Well: Make sure to crimp the edges tightly to prevent any delicious filling from leaking out.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t become overly browned or burnt.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste; adding ginger or allspice can bring new flavors to your hand pies.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that complements the warm spices in the hand pies beautifully.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pies.
3. Caramel Dip
   Serve with a side of caramel dip for those who love an extra layer of sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter
   Include sharp cheeses like cheddar for a delightful contrast to the sweet filling.
5. Yogurt Parfait
   A yogurt parfait can add creaminess and probiotics to your meal, making it more wholesome.
6. Mixed Nuts
   Crunchy mixed nuts provide texture that pairs nicely with the soft hand pies.
7. Herbal Tea
   A soothing herbal tea can complement the flavors without overpowering them.
8. Chocolate Sauce
   For chocolate lovers, a small dish of chocolate sauce makes for an enticing dip option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Hand Pies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your pies turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples work well for pie filling. To avoid disappointment, choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Macoun that hold their shape and flavor when cooked.
• Overfilling the pies: It may be tempting to add extra filling, but overfilling can cause the pies to burst during cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for best results.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip chilling your dough, it may become too soft and difficult to handle. Always chill your dough before rolling it out for easier shaping.
• Not sealing properly: A poor seal can lead to leaking filling. Make sure to crimp the edges securely with a fork or pinch them together before frying or baking.
• Not adjusting cooking times: Different ovens and stoves vary in heat. Keep an eye on your Apple Hand Pies while they cook and adjust times as needed for perfect golden brown results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple Hand Pies

• Place cooled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen Apple Hand Pies can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place one pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds. Check and continue heating in 10-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pie and cover with a lid, reheating for about 5 minutes per side until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pie crust for Apple Hand Pies?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. Just follow the same instructions for assembling your hand pies!

How can I customize my Apple Hand Pies?

Feel free to add spices like ginger or cloves for extra flavor. You can also mix in raisins or nuts for added texture.

What are some good dip options for fried apple hand pies?

Serve your Apple Hand Pies with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them before cooking. Just remember to bake straight from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Apple Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or even a snack! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite fruits or spices. Try this recipe today and experience the delightful flavors of homemade goodness!

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Apple Hand Pies

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Apple Hand Pies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfectly encapsulating the comforting essence of apple pie in a portable format. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat after dinner, these mini pastries are filled with a luscious mixture of Granny Smith and Macoun apples, enhanced by warm spices. With their flaky, buttery crust and irresistible filling, Apple Hand Pies are not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own. The recipe yields 12 hand pies, making it an excellent choice for parties or family get-togethers. Indulge in this easy-to-follow recipe and impress your loved ones with these homemade delights.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling by peeling and chopping apples. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, add apples, sugars, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until slightly softened.
2. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles (4 inches in diameter).
3. Place a spoonful of apple filling on each circle and fold over to seal.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry each pie until golden brown on both sides (about 2 minutes per side).
5. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Use fresh apples for optimal flavor. Chill the dough before rolling to maintain its structure. Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for added depth.