Mini Apple Hand Pies

$- 2 large apples - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1 pre-made pie crust - 1 egg (for egg wash) - Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling You need a few simple items to make these mini apple hand pies. Start with two large apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples give a nice sweet-tart flavor. You will also need lemon juice to brighten the taste. Next, grab a 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This sugar sweetens the filling but can be adjusted based on how sweet your apples are. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, while ground nutmeg brings a hint of spice. A 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour will help thicken the filling so it doesn’t leak out. For the crust, use one pre-made pie crust. This saves time and effort. An egg will create a beautiful golden finish on your hand pies when you brush it on top. Lastly, if you like, sprinkle extra sugar on top for a sweet crunch. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a delightful dessert! 1. Preheat the Oven First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the hand pies cook evenly. 2. Prepare the Apples and Mix Ingredients Take two large apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and dice them. In a bowl, mix the apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir until the apples are well coated. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step makes the filling tasty. 3. Roll Out the Pie Crust On a floured surface, roll out your pie crust or puff pastry. Use a round cookie cutter or a cup to cut circles about 4 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 8 circles. This will be the base for your hand pies. 1. Cut Out Circles and Fill with Apple Mixture Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of half the circles. Leave some space at the edges. This space helps seal the pies. 2. Seal the Edges Moisten the edges of the circles with a bit of water. Fold them over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a nice look. This keeps the filling inside. 1. Egg Wash Application Beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash over the top of each hand pie. This gives them a shiny, golden color. If you like, you can sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra sweetness. 2. Baking Time and Techniques Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This means they’re ready to eat! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your mini apple hand pies! Choosing the right apples For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. Tart apples give a nice balance to the sweetness of the sugar. Sweet apples work well if you prefer less sugar in the filling. Ensuring proper sealing Sealing the edges is key to keeping your filling inside. Wet the edges of the crust with water before folding. Press firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork. This not only helps seal but also adds a nice look. Best accompaniments Serve your hand pies warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds extra flavor. You can also pair them with caramel sauce for a sweet treat. Presentation ideas Arrange the hand pies on a colorful plate. Dust with powdered sugar for a fancy touch. You can even add fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint to make it look vibrant. Achieving golden color To get a perfect golden crust, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. This gives a shiny finish. Bake until they are golden brown, which usually takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F. Texture tips For a flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough. Roll it out gently and don’t press too hard. If you use puff pastry, the layers will create a nice airy texture. Always let the pies cool slightly before serving to enhance their texture. {{image_2}} If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer ready-made crusts that taste great. You can also make your own by mixing gluten-free flour, salt, and butter. Just remember to add a little cold water to bind the dough. For a vegan version, swap the egg wash with a mix of plant milk and maple syrup. This adds a nice shine. You can replace the butter in your crust with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. It keeps the crust flaky and delicious. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Add spices like ginger or allspice for a warm kick. You can mix in other fruits, too. Pears, cranberries, or even berries can give your hand pies a fun twist. Just be sure the fruit is cut small and mixed well with the apples. After you bake your mini apple hand pies, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and ready to eat. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your hand pies, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or a container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take the hand pies out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat your hand pies, the best method is the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll stay crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the crust soft. If you do use the microwave, heat them for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Enjoy your tasty hand pies fresh! To prevent leaking, you need to seal the pies well. Here are some tips: - Moisten the edges: Use a little water on the edges before sealing. - Press firmly: After folding, press the edges tightly. - Crimp with a fork: This adds a nice touch and helps seal. - Don’t overfill: A heaping tablespoon is just right. More can spill out. Yes, you can! Here are some tasty alternatives: - Pears: They add a sweet, soft texture. - Cherries: Use fresh or canned, just drain them well. - Peaches: Sweet and juicy, perfect for summer. - Berries: Mix blueberries or strawberries for a fun twist. Mini apple hand pies can last a few days. Here’s how to store them: - At room temperature: They stay fresh for 2-3 days. - In the fridge: They last up to a week. - Freezing: They can freeze for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well! You can make delicious apple hand pies with simple steps and a few key ingredients. Start by preparing your apples and mixing the flavors. Then, assemble and bake them to golden perfection. Remember to try different fruits or crusts for unique twists. With proper storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy these treats for days. I hope you feel inspired to create your own hand pies and share them with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Discover the joy of baking with these delicious Mini Apple Hand Pies! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe combines fresh diced apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust for the perfect dessert treat. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these hand pies will delight everyone. Click to explore the full recipe and share the sweet goodness with your loved ones!

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Ingredients

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

1 pre-made pie crust (or puff pastry)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are well coated. Set aside to let the mixture marinate for about 10-15 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust or puff pastry. Use a round cookie cutter or a cup to cut out circles, about 4 inches in diameter. You should get about 8 circles.

Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of half of the circles, leaving a border around the edges.

Moisten the edges of the circles with water, then fold them over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative touch.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each hand pie for a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top for extra sweetness.

Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 hand pies