It’s a crisp autumn day, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafts through the air. I can’t help but smile as I remember the time I made Mini Apple Hand Pies with my grandmother. We’d spend the afternoon together, peeling and dicing apples, rolling out the buttery dough, and carefully crimping the edges of each little pie. The kitchen would be filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and the sizzle of the pies in the oven. And when they emerged, golden-brown and flaky, we couldn’t wait to savor the sweet, spiced filling in every bite. Those are the kinds of memories that make a recipe like this one truly special.
Why This Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies
There’s something undeniably charming about these bite-sized apple pies. They’re the perfect balance of flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced filling – a classic flavor combination that never fails to delight. But what really sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail and the special techniques that ensure each hand pie is a work of art.
For starters, the dough is made with chilled, cubed butter, which creates those delicate, flaky layers you crave. And by using just the right amount of ice water, we achieve the perfect level of tenderness. The secret to the filling is in the simple combination of diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken it up without making it gooey. It’s a harmony of flavors and textures that will have your family and friends raving.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the buttery, flaky crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The cold butter is key for creating those signature layers in the dough.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Just the right amount of moisture to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling the perfect balance of flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the apple filling and caramelizes for a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm, fragrant cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling to a perfect, not-too-runny consistency.
- 1 egg, beaten: The egg wash gives the hand pies a beautiful golden-brown shine.
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, for sprinkling: The sparkly sugar topping adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
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 quickly, making them the perfect treat to whip up on a cozy autumn afternoon. All you’ll need are a rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a baking sheet.
1- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles, re-rolling the scraps as needed to make 24 circles total.
3- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until well combined.
4- Place 12 of the dough circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto the center of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5- Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg, then top each with another dough circle. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
6- Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with the coarse sugar. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling – this helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture.
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cut the apples into small, even-sized pieces for the most consistent filling.
- Avoid overfilling the hand pies, as this can cause leakage during baking.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful, shiny finish.
Serving and Storing Your Mini Apple Hand Pies
Perfect Pairings for Mini Apple Hand Pies
These adorable Mini Apple Hand Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat, and they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them up with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider for a cozy autumn afternoon, or offer them as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday spread, alongside other seasonal favorites like pumpkin pie and gingerbread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about these hand pies is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully – simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat the hand pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’ve frozen them, just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. These make-ahead options are perfect for busy days when you want a homemade treat without all the fuss.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mini Apple Hand Pies
Creative Mini Apple Hand Pies Variations
While the classic apple filling is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on these hand pies. Try swapping the apples for other seasonal fruits, like pears, peaches, or berries. You could also experiment with different spice blends, like pumpkin pie spice or a touch of nutmeg. For a decadent twist, add a dollop of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the filling.
Making Mini Apple Hand Pies Diet-Friendly
To make these hand pies gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or shortening in the dough and omit the egg wash, instead brushing the tops with a bit of plant-based milk before sprinkling with the coarse sugar. And for a low-carb take, you can use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of the granulated sugar, and opt for a lower-carb flour like almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple in the filling?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a mix of tart and sweet apples, you can experiment with your favorite varieties. Just be sure to adjust the sugar amount as needed, depending on the sweetness of the apples you choose.
Q: How long do these hand pies take to make from start to finish?
A: The total time for this recipe is 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time. So you can have a batch of these delicious Mini Apple Hand Pies ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. This makes the assembly process even quicker when you’re ready to bake.
Q: How many hand pies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 hand pies, each made with a 4-inch round of dough. It’s the perfect amount to serve a crowd or enjoy as a treat throughout the week.
Q: What should I do if the filling leaks out during baking?
A: If you find that the filling is leaking out of the hand pies, try reducing the amount of filling you use next time, and be sure to crimp the edges really well to seal them. You can also try chilling the assembled hand pies for 30 minutes before baking to help the dough hold its shape.
Mini Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 hand pies
Description
Indulge in these delectable Mini Apple Hand Pies – a portable and irresistible dessert made with a flaky crust and a sweet apple filling.
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 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together. Do not overmix.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until well combined.
5. Roll the dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
6. Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with the beaten egg and fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal.
7. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative pattern. Transfer the hand pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Brush the top of each hand pie with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Allow the hand pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a flakier crust, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with pastry flour. The hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Mini Apple Hand Pies are a true delight – the kind of recipe that will have your family and friends raving. With their flaky crust, warm spiced filling, and irresistible golden-brown finish, they’re sure to become a new autumn favorite. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to create some magical memories in the kitchen. Trust me, these hand pies are worth every minute of prep time. Now go forth and bake – I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
