I can still remember the first time I tried my grandma’s Mini Apple Hand Pies. I was just a little kid, and the aroma of the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wafting through the kitchen had me hovering by the oven, waiting impatiently for them to finish baking. When she finally pulled those perfectly golden-brown hand pies from the oven, I didn’t even wait for them to cool – I snatched one up and took a big bite. The flaky crust gave way to the sweet, tangy apple filling, and I was in absolute heaven. From that moment on, I was hooked on these dreamy little hand pies.
Over the years, I’ve made countless batches of Mini Apple Hand Pies, perfecting the recipe and techniques. And let me tell you, this version is truly something special. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust and a filling that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these hand pies are sure to become your new go-to dessert.
Table of Contents
Why This Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies
What sets this Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe apart is the attention to detail in every step. From the flaky, tender crust to the perfectly seasoned apple filling, every element has been carefully considered to create a truly exceptional end result. The key is in the technique – the way the butter is incorporated into the dough, the precise timing of the baking, and the finishing touches that take these hand pies to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these dreamy Mini Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and flakiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: This is the secret to the crust’s incredible texture and rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Helps the dough come together without overworking it.
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced: These tart, crisp apples are the perfect filling for the hand pies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm, autumnal flavor.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Creates a beautiful golden-brown sheen on the finished hand pies.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting: Provides a finishing touch of sweetness and elegance.
Step-by-Step Mini Apple Hand Pies Instructions
Preparing Your Mini Apple Hand Pies
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, these Mini Apple Hand Pies come together in a total of 40 minutes. All you’ll need are a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for developing the dough’s structure and flavor.
3- While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4- Once the dough has rested, roll out one disc on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Repeat with the remaining dough.
5- Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with the egg wash, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6- Transfer the hand pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining egg wash. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the butter cold: This is the key to achieving a flaky, tender crust. Make sure to work the butter into the flour quickly, without overworking the dough.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough before rolling and assembling the hand pies helps to relax the gluten and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples are the perfect choice for the filling, as their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush with egg wash: The egg wash gives the hand pies a beautiful golden-brown sheen and helps the tops to crisp up during baking.
- Dust with powdered sugar: The final dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.
Serving and Storing Your Mini Apple Hand Pies
Perfect Pairings for Mini Apple Hand Pies
These Mini Apple Hand Pies are the perfect dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful addition to a fall-themed brunch or as a sweet treat for a cozy autumn gathering. With this recipe yielding 12 hand pies, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Mini Apple Hand Pies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. To keep them fresh, allow the hand pies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the unbaked hand pies. Simply prepare the hand pies as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the hand pies to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen hand pies on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mini Apple Hand Pies
Creative Mini Apple Hand Pies Variations
While this classic recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Mini Apple Hand Pies:
- Try using a blend of apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for a more complex flavor.
- Swap out the cinnamon for other warm spices, like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger.
- Incorporate a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added texture and richness.
- Experiment with different shapes, such as triangles or squares, for a unique presentation.
Making Mini Apple Hand Pies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, there are a few easy substitutions to make these Mini Apple Hand Pies more accommodating:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a flax or aquafaba egg wash.
- Low-carb: Replace the all-purpose flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour, and use a sugar-free sweetener in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple besides Granny Smith?
A: While Granny Smith apples are the best choice for their tart, firm texture, you can use other varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, if you prefer a sweeter filling.
Q: How long do these Mini Apple Hand Pies take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the hand pies in advance. Unbaked hand pies can be frozen for up to 3 months, or you can store baked hand pies at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: How many hand pies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 Mini Apple Hand Pies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What should I do if the crust is getting too brown during baking?
A: If the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the hand pies with foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Mini Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 hand pies
Description
Indulge in these divine Mini Apple Hand Pies, a quick and easy homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, tangy apple filling, these handheld pies are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt until combined. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll the chilled dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
6. Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with the egg wash, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
7. Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a flakier crust, you can use a combination of butter and shortening. You can also experiment with different apple varieties or add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Mini Apple Hand Pies are a true delight, with their flaky, buttery crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy autumn gathering or just treating yourself to a little indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the flavors of fall in every bite. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how you enjoyed these delectable hand pies!
