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- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade dough) To make delicious caramel apple hand pies, you need fresh apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a great tartness that balances the sweet caramel. Next, grab a cup of caramel sauce. You can buy a jar at the store or make your own. Homemade caramel can be fun and tasty, but store-bought works great for quick baking. Lastly, choose your pie crust. You can use a package of refrigerated pie crusts or make your own dough from scratch. Each option has its own charm, but I find the refrigerated ones save time. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling) For a little extra flavor, add ground cinnamon and lemon juice to the apple filling. The spices bring warmth and brightness. When your hand pies are ready to bake, brush them with a beaten egg. This gives them a golden shine. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds a nice crunch and sweetness. These ingredients work together to create a warm and comforting treat. Each bite brings the sweet flavors of caramel and apple. Enjoy the process of putting them together! 1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the hand pies from sticking. 2. Mixing the Apple-Caramel Filling In a big bowl, add the diced apples, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir all the ingredients well until the apples are fully coated in caramel. This mix will create a sweet and tangy filling. 3. Rolling Out Pie Crusts and Cutting Circles On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to about ¼ inch thick. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Make sure to keep the dough even for best results. 4. Filling and Sealing the Hand Pies Take a tablespoon of the apple-caramel mixture and place it in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and then crimp with a fork to seal them well. 5. Brushing with Egg Wash and Sprinkling Sugar Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color when baked. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra sweetness and a crunchy texture. 6. Baking Time and Checking for Doneness Use a sharp knife to make two small slits on top of each pie. This helps steam escape during baking. Place the hand pies in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color to ensure they are done. Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, so be careful when you take a bite! These caramel apple hand pies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. For a great hand pie, start with a good pie crust. You can use store-bought dough for speed, or make your own for a fun twist. If you choose store-bought, look for a brand with good reviews. Homemade dough gives you control over the texture and taste. Just remember to chill the dough before rolling. This keeps it flaky. No one likes a soggy bottom on their hand pies. To avoid this, sprinkle a little flour on the baking sheet. This helps absorb moisture. You can also bake them on a preheated baking sheet. This makes the crust crispy from the start. Lastly, do not overfill the hand pies. Keep the filling to about a tablespoon. This will help seal them better. Make your hand pies special by adding nuts or dried fruits. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can give extra sweetness. Just toss them in with the apple-caramel mix. This adds flavor and texture. Spices can change the taste of your hand pies. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor. A pinch of allspice can also create a cozy feel. Spice blends can enhance the apple and caramel taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite! {{image_2}} You can make your caramel apple hand pies even more fun by changing the flavors. Here are two great options: - Delicious Double Chocolate Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add cocoa powder to your pie crust. Mix in chocolate chips with the apple-caramel filling. This gives a rich, chocolatey twist. You’ll love the blend of sweet and chocolate. - Pumpkin Spice Caramel Hand Pies: Mix pumpkin spice into the apple-caramel filling. Add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy fall flavor. These hand pies are perfect for autumn gatherings. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these treats. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-Free Pie Crust Choices: Use gluten-free pie crusts available at stores. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the hand pies. - Vegan Substitutes for Ingredients: Swap the egg wash for almond milk or coconut milk. Use plant-based caramel sauce instead of regular. This way, you keep the flavors while making it vegan-friendly. Feel free to mix and match these variations. Each choice brings a new taste and experience to your hand pies! To keep your leftover hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can leave them at room temperature for one day. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. They will stay tasty for up to three days. When ready to eat, you can warm them in the oven or microwave. This will help restore their crispiness. If you want to save your hand pies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Next, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw the pies in the fridge overnight. You can then bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Can I use canned apples? Yes, you can use canned apples. Make sure to drain them well. They should be soft and ready to use. This option saves time and still gives great flavor. However, fresh apples add a nice crunch. You can mix both for extra texture. How do I prevent the filling from leaking? To prevent leaking, ensure you seal your pies well. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork. You can also chill the filled pies for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up. Finally, make small slits on top. This lets steam escape without bursting. What to serve with caramel apple hand pies? Caramel apple hand pies pair well with vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm pies. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch. How to reheat leftover hand pies? To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may get soft. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Caramel apple hand pies are a sweet treat, easy to make at home. You start with delicious apples, a rich caramel sauce, and your choice of pie crust. Then, follow simple steps to mix, fill, and bake. You can add your own twist with toppings or flavors like chocolate or pumpkin spice. In the end, enjoy your tasty hand pies fresh, or store them for later. With these tips, your baking will shine and delight everyone. Get ready to impress with these simple yet scrumptious hand pies.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the deliciousness of caramel apple hand pies, a perfect blend of sweet apples and gooey caramel wrapped in a flaky crust! This easy recipe guides you from prep to bake, ensuring you create a delightful dessert in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends. Click now to explore the full recipe and make these irresistible treats today!
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Ingredients
  

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade dough)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well-coated.

      Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.

        Place a tablespoon of the apple-caramel mixture in the center of each circle.

          Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.

            Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.

              Using a sharp knife, make two small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.

                  Allow to cool slightly before serving as the filling will be hot.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!