Apple Hand Pies: 5 Simple Steps to a Perfect Fall Treat

Apple hand pies are the perfect way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie without the fuss of slicing and serving. These handheld desserts combine the sweetness of cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a buttery, flaky crust, making them ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy treat. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or gifting them to friends, these apple hand pies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Hand Pies

Apple hand pies are a fantastic dessert for many reasons. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a portable snack. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, these mini pies are just as satisfying as a traditional apple pie, but without the need for forks or plates. The flaky crust paired with tender chunks of spiced apples creates a delicious bite in every mouthful. Plus, you can prepare these ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy holiday seasons.

Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies

To make these irresistible apple hand pies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a scrumptious dessert. Here’s a list of the key ingredients and their roles:

• Pie Crust: The foundation of any hand pie, providing that buttery, flaky texture that everyone loves.
• Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the perfect mix for these hand pies, offering a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to enhance the apple flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling for the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that complement the apples and bring out their natural sweetness.
• Egg & Milk: These create the egg wash that gives the hand pies a golden, shiny crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling, though optional for those looking for a lighter version.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make these apple hand pies fit specific dietary preferences, here are some easy swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make these hand pies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine.
• Sugar-Free: Substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Hand Pies

Making these apple hand pies is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out both pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter (or a cup) to cut out circles from the dough. You should be able to get about 18-20 circles. Place the cut-out circles on a baking sheet and refrigerate them while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss until all the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Fill the Hand Pies: Take half of the pie dough circles and spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture into the center of each. Place a small cube of butter on top of the filling (optional but adds richness).
4. Form the Hand Pies: Place the remaining pie crust circles over the filled ones. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing them tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
5. Bake: Brush the top of each hand pie with the egg wash, sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sugar, and cut 3 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake the pies at 400°F (204°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own, or you can top them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Hand Pies

To ensure your apple hand pies come out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use a Variety of Apples: A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Honeycrisp provides the best flavor balance.
• Don’t Skip the Slits: Be sure to cut small slits into the top of the pies. This allows steam to escape and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the pie dough before filling ensures that the crust stays flaky and holds its shape while baking.
• Make-Ahead Option: These hand pies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Apple hand pies are a delicious standalone dessert, but you can elevate them even further with these pairing ideas:

• Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream all pair beautifully with apple hand pies.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: For a decadent twist, drizzle with salted caramel sauce to balance the sweetness of the apples.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a sweet and spicy kick.

Why Apple Hand Pies Are Perfect for Fall

Apple hand pies are synonymous with autumn. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoke the cozy feelings of fall. These pies are perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any occasion where you want to bring a taste of the season to your table. Plus, the individual serving size makes them perfect for sharing at parties or giving as gifts.

Whether you’re making these for a family get-together or a festive gathering, apple hand pies are a timeless treat that will leave everyone craving more.

Conclusion

Apple hand pies are the ultimate fall dessert that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a perfectly flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, these hand pies are sure to impress. With their easy-to-make filling and simple preparation, you’ll love the fact that you can serve them as portable mini pies, perfect for any gathering.

They are versatile enough to be customized to fit different dietary needs, and with a few optional toppings, you can create a dessert that’s even more indulgent. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these delightful homemade apple hand pies!

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