Looking for a delicious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies)! With a flaky crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these hand pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and buttery pastry creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.
- Quick prep time: These mini apple pies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute desserts or snacks.
- Perfect for meal prep: These hand pies are portable and easy to pack, making them ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks.
Ingredient Notes:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- all-purpose flour: creates a sturdy yet flaky crust.
- granulated sugar: adds sweetness to the dough.
- salt: enhances the flavor of the crust.
- unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes: creates a tender and flaky texture.
- water: binds the dough together.
For the filling:
- apples (large apples, I prefer Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala): provides a juicy and flavorful filling.
- unsalted butter: adds richness and flavor.
- brown sugar: sweetens the filling.
- ground cinnamon: adds warmth and spice.
- cornstarch: thickens the filling.
- salt: enhances the flavors.
- water: helps cook the apples down to a jam-like consistency.
To paint:
- egg: creates a shiny, golden finish.
- water: thins out the egg wash.
- brown sugar: adds a sweet crunch to the top of the pies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- For the dough: Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the butter and mix until crumbly. Add water and knead lightly. Refrigerate the dough.
- For the filling: Cook apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water until thickened. Refrigerate until cold.
- For assembling: Roll out the dough, cut circles, add filling, seal, and bake until golden.
- To paint: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake.
Helpful Tips:
- Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes for easier rolling.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t overwork the dough to keep it tender.
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
- Brush the pies with cream instead of egg for a softer finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Mini Apple Pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. Pair them with a cup of hot cider or coffee for a cozy treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these Mini Apple Pies?
Yes, you can freeze these hand pies before baking. Simply assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure to follow the instructions for rolling and assembling the pies. - Can I make these Mini Apple Pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake the pies when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Conclusion:
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a sweet apple filling, these hand pies are sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These mini apple pies, also known as apple hand pies, are a delightful treat filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, encased in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 220 g unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes
- 110 ml/g water
For the filling:
- 800 g apples
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
To paint:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- For the dough: Place flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add butter and mix until dough comes together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- For the filling: Cook apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water until thickened. Refrigerate until cold.
- For assembling: Roll out dough, cut circles, add filling, seal, and bake.
- To paint: Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake.
Notes
- For a decorative finish, you can create a lattice crust on the mini apple pies.
- These pies are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg