Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun, portable form. These hand pies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert at a gathering. With their flaky crust and warm apple filling, Apple Hand Pies stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.
• Endless Flavor: Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apples and warm spices in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a breakfast, brunch, or dessert option to suit any meal.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out the apples or adjust the spices to match your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With this recipe yielding 12 pies, they’re ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right tools will help you create perfectly crisp and flavorful hand pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Pastry cutter or knife
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: This tool helps you roll out the dough evenly for a perfect crust.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl is vital for mixing ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking during baking.

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

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and slicing the apples into thin pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference), cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make the Dough

If you’re using homemade pie crust or biscuit dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles about 5 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Fill the Pies

Place about a tablespoon of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold over the other half and press down gently around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for added security.

Step 4: Fry or Bake

For frying, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each hand pie until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes). For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once cooked, place your Apple Hand Pies on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy while warm!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, there are many creative options to elevate your meal.

For Breakfast

• With Coffee: Pair your hand pies with a rich cup of coffee for a delightful morning boost.
• Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a colorful and healthy addition.
• Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt can complement the sweetness of the pies and add creaminess.

For Dessert

• Ice Cream: Serve warm apple hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pies for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a classic finish.

For Brunch Gatherings

• Mimosas: Pair with mimosas for a festive brunch experience.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses to balance the sweetness of the pies.

How to Perfect Apple Hand Pies

Making perfect Apple Hand Pies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples provide better flavor and texture than older ones.
• Chill Your Dough: Keeping your pie crust cold before baking helps create flakiness.
• Don’t Overfill: Fill each pie generously but avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during cooking.
• Seal Edges Well: Press the edges firmly to seal in the filling and prevent leakage.
• Brush with Egg Wash: An egg wash gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked or fried.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds creaminess and contrasts beautifully with warm pies.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar offer an extra crunch alongside your hand pies.
3. Fresh Berries: A mix of berries adds freshness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the pies.
4. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunch and tang from coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the soft texture of hand pies.
5. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa makes for a cozy pairing, especially in colder weather.
6. Pecan Salad: A light salad with pecans offers nuttiness that complements the apple filling nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Hand Pies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here’s what to watch out for.

• Ignoring the apple type: Using the wrong apples can affect flavor and texture. Stick to tart varieties like Granny Smith or Macoun for best results.
• Overfilling the pies: Filling your hand pies too much can cause them to burst during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges can lead to leaks. Ensure you crimp the edges well with a fork or your fingers.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the filling cool before assembling helps maintain structure. Hot filling can make dough soggy and hard to handle.
• Using cold dough: Cold dough can be difficult to work with. Allow it to come closer to room temperature for easier handling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Apple Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked pies can also be frozen; wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but this may result in a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Apple Hand Pies that might help you perfect your recipe.

What apples are best for Apple Hand Pies?

Granny Smith and Macoun apples are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness which creates a flavorful filling.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using store-bought pie crust is convenient. Just follow package instructions, but ensure it’s well-thawed before use.

How do I prevent my Apple Hand Pies from leaking?

To avoid leaking, make sure you seal the edges properly and don’t overfill your pies with apple filling.

Can I make these Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time by freezing unbaked pies; just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

How do I know when my Apple Hand Pies are done?

The pies should be golden brown on the outside. A thermometer inserted into the filling should read at least 160°F (71°C).

Final Thoughts

Apple Hand Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. They make for a delightful dessert or breakfast treat, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the filling with spices or other fruits to suit your taste!