Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe Delight

Are you craving a delightful dessert that not only tickles your taste buds but also warms your heart with the scents of autumn? Look no further than the Apple Hand Pies, which are not just deliciously apple-packed but also perfectly portable for your next picnic or lunch box treat. Here's a step-by-step guide to make these tempting hand pies at home with love and a sprinkle of autumn charm.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you embark on the journey of making these hand pies, ensure you have all your ingredients ready:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ²⁄₃ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 4 to 6 tablespoons cold water
• 2 cups thinly sliced and peeled apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¹⁄₂ cup white sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

🔄 Note: If you prefer a flakier crust, replace some of the vegetable shortening with butter, keeping the total fat measurement the same.

Making the Dough

Creating a flaky and tender crust is crucial for the perfect hand pies. Here’s how:

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water gradually, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
4. Divide the dough into two parts, form them into discs, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Now to the heart of our hand pies:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Toss to coat the apples thoroughly.
2. Let the apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juices.

Assembling Your Hand Pies

Roll out your dough, cut, fill, and bake:

1. On a floured surface, roll out each disc to about ¹⁄₈-inch thick. Cut out circles or squares, depending on your preference, around 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
2. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto one side of each dough piece.
3. Dot with pieces of butter, then fold over the dough to form a pie. Seal the edges with a fork or crimp with your fingers.
4. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

Baking Perfection

Now, to turn your effort into perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Place the assembled pies on the baking sheet, ensuring they have space to expand.
4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.

⚠️ Note: If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

This simple yet scrumptious dessert combines the classic flavors of apples and spices, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. As you bite into one, the warmth of the filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp shell, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a casual afternoon tea, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these apple hand pies will surely bring a smile to every face around your table.

The magic of baking at home is that you control every aspect, from the tenderness of the crust to the sweetness of the filling. These hand pies offer versatility; try them with different apple varieties or mix in a handful of raisins, cranberries, or nuts for added texture. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, allowing for personalization to suit your palate or dietary needs.

Can I make the dough in advance?

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Absolutely! The pie dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for longer storage. Just ensure to thaw it in the fridge before use.

What other fruits can I use?

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Fruit hand pies are incredibly versatile. Try using pears, peaches, berries, or even a mixed berry filling. Adjust the sugar and spices according to the fruit’s natural sweetness and flavor profile.

How can I keep my hand pies from getting soggy?

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To prevent sogginess, make sure your filling isn’t too wet. Pre-cook the apples slightly to release excess moisture, and use a thickener like cornstarch if needed. Also, ensure your dough is well-chilled to maintain its integrity during baking.