These adorable apple hand pies are like mini hugs of flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling! Perfect for a quick treat or a cozy dessert.
Honestly, who can resist picking one up and taking a bite? I love how easy they are to share—unless I eat them all first! 🤭 Grab a few and enjoy with some ice cream or coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour gives the crust its structure. For gluten-free options, try a gluten-free flour blend; just ensure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Unsalted butter: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust! If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut oil (solid form) or vegan butter. Both work well in creating a tasty crust.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites, as they balance sweetness and tartness. You can substitute with Fuji or Braeburn apples, depending on what you like best or have on hand.
Ground spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor of the apples. Feel free to switch the nutmeg with allspice or omit it if you prefer a more straightforward cinnamon taste.
How Can I Make a Perfect Pie Dough?
Getting the pie dough right is key for flaky and tender hand pies. Start by keeping everything cold—this helps the butter create those desirable layers. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Mix flour and salt first, then add the cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut in the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently just until the dough holds together—don’t overwork it!
- Chill the shaped dough in plastic wrap for at least an hour. This allows the gluten to relax and makes rolling out easier.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly flaky hand pies! Enjoy making and eating them. 😊
How to Make Delicious Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening the filling)
For Finishing:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare, plus an extra hour for chilling the dough. The baking time is around 25-30 minutes. So, you’re looking at around 2 hours total from start to finish, but most of that is just waiting for the dough to chill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pie Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create that flaky texture in your crust!
2. Bring the Dough Together:
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly after each addition until the dough begins to hold together. Form it into a ball, divide it in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to chill.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While your dough is chilling, it’s time to make that delicious apple filling! In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Stir gently and set aside to let the flavors combine.
4. Assemble the Pies:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (4-5 inches in diameter) or a cup to cut circles from the dough.
5. Fill & Seal the Hand Pies:
Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. Be sure to cut 2-3 small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
Place the filled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a golden finish, beat the egg and brush it over the top. If you want, sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
7. Enjoy!
Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, flaky apple hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a comforting cup of coffee!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for a balance of tart and sweet, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples for a more complex flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover 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, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Wash?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or don’t have eggs, you can brush the dough with almond milk, soy milk, or a mixture of water and melted coconut oil for a nice shine!
