Before diving deep into the world of apple hand pies, let’s talk about what goes perfectly with these delightful treats. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic à la mode experience. Or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, a dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate the flavors.
Serve them with a cup of spiced cider during the fall for a cozy vibe. For a lighter touch, why not try them with a berry compote? The tartness of berries goes beautifully with the sweetness of apples. So, grab your favorite pairing and set the stage for a delightful bite!
Apple hand pies are individual servings of sweet pastry filled with spiced apples. They are sometimes called "apple turnovers." These treats originate from deep-rooted traditions in numerous cultures, celebrating the fall harvest.
The filling usually contains fresh apples, sugar, and a blend of spices, all encased in an easy-to-make dough. The result? Hand-held delights that marry the comfort of home-baked pastries and the joy of sharing.
This recipe kicks it up a notch because of its simplicity. Using fresh ingredients elevates the flavor, and utilizing spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates depth. It’s also versatile; change the spices or add nuts and raisins for variety.
The homemade pie dough is easy to manage, yielding a crispiness that’s hard to rival. Each pie is golden and flaky, and the filling feels like a warm hug. What’s not to love?
Here are the essentials for crafting your apple hand pies:
In short, the process is straightforward. You prepare the filling, roll out the dough, assemble, and bake. Yet every step carries a little magic. Let’s dig into it step-by-step.
Start by peeling and chopping your apples into small pieces. Aim for around 2 ½ cups. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice in a bowl. The sugars will draw out the juices of the apples and blend beautifully with the spices. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together.
If you've opted for homemade pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. If using store-bought, follow the package instructions. Cut circles using a pastry cutter or a large glass, about 4-5 inches across, for your hand pies.
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Don’t overfill, as that can make closing them tricky. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges with your fingers or crimp with a fork to seal tightly. This step helps locked-in flavors.
Using an egg wash brushed over the top of each pie promotes a lovely browning effect. It also adds a little shine that makes these pies look irresistible.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arranging your pies with some space in between. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky.
Once the hand pies are cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place parchment paper between layers of pies before storing in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Apple hand pies are not just a treat; they’re a connection to autumn and a celebration of flavors. With a short list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something that brings joy. Whether enjoyed alone or shared, these little pockets of happiness can brighten any day.
So gather your ingredients and start baking! You won’t regret it. Your kitchen will be filled with the comforting scent of baked apples. And, trust me, every piece will be devoured in no time. Happy baking!
Imagine holding a warm, flaky pastry in your hand, the aroma wafting from the golden crust. That, my friends, is the allure of apple hand pies. They encapsulate autumn in every bite, wrapping sweet, spiced apples in a crispy blanket. If you’ve never had one, you’re in for a treat!
When I stumbled upon this recipe, it felt like an invitation to my kitchen. Apple hand pies are simple to prepare but offer an impressive payoff. They can charm both the casual snacker and the dinner party guest. Let's explore the attributes of this delightful snack and how to make them at home.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Lisa Schneider, a registered dietitian and the creator of Simple Food Dishes. My passion is to help people create easy, nutritious meals that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Through this blog, I aim to make home cooking fun, accessible, and stress-free for everyone!