Apple Hand Pies
These individual apple hand pies are the perfect treat after a day of apple picking. Flaky crust surrounds a warm, spiced apple filling, making them ideal for picnics or a cozy dessert. They're a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of your U-Pick apples.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- 3
Unroll one sheet of pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter or a knife, cut out 4 circles from each sheet, for a total of 8 circles.
- 4
Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each pie crust circle, leaving a small border. Dot the filling with a tiny amount of melted butter.
- 5
Fold the other half of the pie crust over the filling to create a semi-circle. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- 6
Transfer the sealed hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Cut 2-3 small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- 7
Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- 8
Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Baker's tips
For extra flavor, you can add a small squeeze of lemon juice to your apple filling to brighten the taste. Ensure your pie crust is cold when working with it to maintain flakiness.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best apples for Apple Hand Pies?+
For apple hand pies, use a firm baking apple that holds its shape once cooked, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Jonagold, or a mix of two varieties gives the best flavor balance between sweet and tart.
Can I make Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?+
Yes. Most baked apple desserts keep well for 2 days at room temperature covered loosely, or up to 5 days refrigerated. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crisp texture.
Can I freeze Apple Hand Pies?+
Most apple bakes freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and freezer-safe bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Do I need to peel the apples?+
Peeling gives a smoother texture and is traditional for pies and butters. For rustic crisps, crumbles, and sauces the skin adds fiber, color, and flavor, leave it on if you prefer.
Where can I pick my own apples for this recipe?+
Fresh-picked apples make a real difference in baking. Use our directory to find a U-Pick orchard near you and check our ripening calendar to see which varieties are ready this week.
Explore next
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