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Homemade Apple Hand Pies served with vanilla ice cream. The best part is that it is available in a flash because I made a few batches to freeze.
Delightful Homemade Apple Hand Pies: a Sweet Treat
Introduction to Apple Hand Pies
There’s something undeniably charming about homemade apple hand pies. Imagine the aroma of apples mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter wafting through your kitchen. These delightful pastries merge the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie with the convenience of a portable treat. The beauty lies in their simplicity and the room for creativity they offer, ideal for bakers of all levels. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, a blend of comfort and simplicity for a deliciously sweet experience.
Gathering Your Ingredients for These Homemade Apple Hand Pies
- 1/3 Cup Sugar: Essential for sweetness; you may swap for brown sugar or honey for depth.
- 2 Tablespoons Flour: Thickens the filling; cornstarch could be an alternative.
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Gives warmth; adjust according to taste preference.
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds complexity; mace is a suitable substitute.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances flavors; it’s all you need.
- 4-5 Apples: The star ingredient; opt for firm, tart varieties that hold shape like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- 2 Tablespoons Butter: Richness for the filling; margarine can be used if necessary.
- Puff Pastry: Provides a flaky crust; homemade pastry enhances the taste but store-bought saves time. ***
- 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: For the golden finish; you can include a hint of cardamom for a twist.
The Apple Pie Filling
I start by whisking together sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg with a pinch of salt in a large bowl until well combined. This dry mix will not only flavor the apples but also thicken their juices as they cook. Next, I fold in the thinly sliced apples, ensuring each piece is coated with the spiced sugar mixture.
In a skillet, I melt a couple of tablespoons of butter over medium heat before adding the apple mixture. I cook them, stirring occasionally, until they turn tender and the spices infuse a cozy aroma throughout the kitchen. Once the apples have softened and the sauce thickens slightly, I remove the pan from the heat.
It’s crucial to allow the filling to cool completely; a warm filling can lead to a soggy pastry. By letting it cool, I also ensure the flavors meld together beautifully, creating the perfect heartwarming filling for my hand pies. Patience here pays off when you take that first bite of a perfectly crisp and flaky apple hand pie.
Preparing the Puff Pastry
Begin by unfolding your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin to remove the folds, aiming for a uniform thickness. Use a circular cutter or a knife to cut the pastry into desired shapes for your hand pies—be it traditional circles or playful hearts.
Next, place a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture onto one half of each pastry cut-out, leaving a margin around the edges for sealing. Fold the pastry over the filling to meet the opposite edge, creating a small pocket.
Seal your hand pies by pressing the edges together first with your fingers and then with a fork, resulting in a crimped pattern that secures the apple filling within. This not only prevents the filling from leaking during baking but also adds a decorative touch to your treats.
Feel free to infuse your distinctive style into each pie, experiment with different crimping techniques, or cut small designs into the tops for a unique twist. Each hand pie is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
*** If you want to make your own Puff Pastry, this will be the recipe to use
How to bake these Homemade Apple Hand Pies to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the ideal environment for your apple hand pies to achieve that irresistible golden hue. As the oven warms, take a moment to lovingly brush each pie with a beaten egg or a touch of milk; this step lends a beautiful gloss to the finished treat. Immediately follow by generously dusting the tops with a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a crispy, sweetened crust. You’ll want to slide the pies onto the middle oven rack and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep a watchful eye for the pastries to puff up nicely and display a rich, golden-brown shade. To confirm they’re baked to perfection, look for the telltale crisp edges and listen for the faint, comforting sizzle of the filling nestled inside.
Serving and Enjoyment
Enjoy your apple hand pies warm from the oven to revel in their flaky crust and aromatic filling. They’re just as delightful at room temperature for a convenient, mess-free treat. Pair these mini delights with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate their flavor. A hot cup of coffee makes an excellent companion, accentuating the sweetness and spices with its robust taste. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in the oven to bring back that freshly baked warmth and texture. These hand pies encapsulate the essence of homemade goodness with every bite.
Your Final Bite of Wisdom
I find immense joy in the process of crafting these apple hand pies from scratch. Baking goes beyond just mixing ingredients; it’s about making memories in the kitchen and savoring the joy in every delicious bite. I urge you to invite your loved ones to partake in this fun activity, sharing both the work and the wonderful outcome. Don’t hesitate to put your spin on the recipe – after all, that’s where new traditions begin. Each special modification contributes to the shared tale of savoring homemade apple hand pies.
Main points to remember from these Homemade Apple Hand Pies:
- Classic Comfort: Apple hand pies bring the coziness of homemade baking to life with their warm, spiced filling.
- Easy and Versatile: This is a simple recipe that welcomes personal adjustments, these hand pies are ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Enjoyment for All: These hand pies are a delightful, sweet treat that promises to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for your family or a holiday gathering.
Homemade Apple Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: England
Description
Get ready to fill your home with the sweet aroma of our delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion or just to simply satisfy your sweet cravings. Follow this simple recipe and be the master chef at home! Let’s spread the joy of baking together!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir in the apples.
- Melt butter in a pan, add in the spiced apples, and cook until softened.
- Once softened, remove from heat, and allow to cool completely.
- Roll out puff pastry, and fill with apple mixture.
- Seal the edges with water and crimp tightly to seal.
- Cut a few slits on the top to release the steam while baking, brush with egg or milk, sprinkle on cinnamon sugar and bake at 180C / 350F for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from The Recipe Hunter: Tried and Tested Recipes from Home Chefs and SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 18.8 g
- Sodium: 179.7 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 34.5 g
- Fiber: 2.8 g
- Protein: 2.3 g
- Cholesterol: 6.1 mg
Linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere: Homestead Blog Hop 486; The Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop; Sew Can Do Craftastic Monday Link Party; Between Naps on the Porch
This post was featured by Jennifer Wise over at Will Blog for Comments #29, open March 11 – 15! as well as at Inspire Me Monday
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These are so adorable! I love making apple strudel, but these are easier and faster to make, I guess. Thank you for sharing.
You’re so welcome and for sure lovely and very enjoyable. Sometimes we need to deviate from what we usually make, so hope you will try these.
Esme, this sounds wonderful! Apples are a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #28.
You’re welcome Stephanie. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Oh, I love apple pie. This sounds wonderful and such a nice take on a traditional pie. Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #28 linkup. Hope to see you next week, too.
Hi Jennifer. Thanks so much, yes its a wonderful and easy way to use of apples and make in advance.
Hi, Esme. I’m stopping by again with congratulations. This post was the Host’s Choice at Will Blog for Comments #28 and will be featured all week, starting today. If you like, you are welcome to save the “This Blog Post was a Featured Favorite” image there to share with your readers here. Hope to see you at linkup #29 which opens Monday morning. Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for your support and the honor of featuring the Homemade Apple Hand pies. I will check on Monday when its open. Thanks and happy weekend.
Yum, apple pie is my favorite! Visiting from What’s For Dinner Sunday!
Good day to you Melynda. Thank you for popping in on this post, yes apple pies are the best and this is surely no exception.
Looks amazing!
Thanks for dropping in Heather. Superb and absolutely delicious. Hope you give it a try.
These sound delicious!!
Thank you Joanne, super easy and yes super delicious!