I can still remember the first time I ever tasted a mini apple hand pie. It was a crisp autumn day, and the aroma of warm cinnamon and juicy apples wafted through the air as I approached the local farmers market. I couldn’t resist stopping to try one of those perfectly portioned little pastries, and from the moment I sank my teeth into the flaky crust and savored the sweet, spiced filling, I was hooked. The way the powdered sugar dusted my lips as I took that first bite, the satisfying crunch as I broke through the exterior, and the burst of flavors that danced on my tongue – it was an experience I knew I had to recreate at home.
Why This Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies
And that’s exactly what I set out to do. After numerous trial runs and plenty of research, I’ve perfected a mini apple hand pie recipe that I know you’re going to love. The secret lies in the details – from the tender, buttery crust to the perfectly spiced apple filling, every element has been carefully crafted to deliver a phenomenal homemade treat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of these mini apple hand pies is the flaky, all-butter crust. You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which provides the structure, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors. The real star, though, is the 3/4 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. When incorporated into the flour, it creates those signature pockets of buttery goodness that make the crust so irresistible. To bind it all together, you’ll use just 1/4 cup of ice water.
As for the filling, you’ll need 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for the perfect balance. You’ll toss the apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to create a warm, spiced filling. And to finish things off, an egg wash and a dusting of powdered sugar add the perfect touch of shine and sweetness.
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 is a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Begin by making the dough. In a food processor, pulse the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to combine. Then, add the 3/4 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice water, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together.
2- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3- While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, toss the 3 peeled, cored, and diced apples with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.
4- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove one disk of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out 12 circles.
5- Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6- Whisk the 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your mini apple hand pies turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use chilled butter and ice water to create a flakier crust. The cold ingredients help the dough hold its shape and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
- Don’t overfill the hand pies – a heaping tablespoon of filling is just right. Too much can cause the dough to burst open during baking.
- Crimp the edges of the hand pies with a fork to create a tight seal and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Brush the tops with egg wash before baking for a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Serving and Storing Your Mini Apple Hand Pies
Perfect Pairings for Mini Apple Hand Pies
These mini apple hand pies are the perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy on their own, but they also make a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of drinks and dishes. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of apple cider or a robust cup of coffee for a cozy autumn pairing. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. And with this recipe yielding 12 hand pies, it’s the perfect shareable snack for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any mini apple hand pies leftover (which is unlikely, but just in case!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw – just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mini Apple Hand Pies
Creative Mini Apple Hand Pies Variations
While the classic apple-cinnamon filling is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on these mini hand pies. Try swapping in a mix of apples and pears for a seasonal twist, or add a sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. You could also experiment with different spice blends, like a touch of ginger or a dash of nutmeg. For a fall-inspired variation, replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar and add a pinch of allspice.
Making Mini Apple Hand Pies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, these mini apple hand pies can be easily adapted. To make them gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter in the crust and omit the egg wash, instead brushing the hand pies with a plant-based milk before baking. And for a low-carb take, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use a sugar-free sweetener in the filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute a different type of apple in the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. This will provide a nice balance of flavors in the filling.
Q: How long do these mini apple hand pies take to make?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, the total time to make these mini apple hand pies is 40 minutes.
Q: Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The apple filling can be made 1-2 days in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to assemble the hand pies.
Q: How many hand pies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 mini apple hand pies, making it the perfect shareable treat for gatherings or a satisfying individual dessert.
Q: What should I do if the hand pies burst open during baking?
A: If the hand pies happen to burst open during baking, don’t worry – it’s an easy fix. Simply reduce the amount of filling you use next time, and be sure to crimp the edges firmly to seal in the filling.
Mini Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 hand pies
Description
Indulge in the flaky, buttery goodness of these mini apple hand pies. Perfectly portioned for a quick snack or sweet treat, these hand-held pastries are packed with a delicious apple filling and are sure to delight.
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 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4-inch circles using a round cookie cutter or rim of a cup. Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Brush the edges with the egg wash.
5. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out more 4-inch circles. Place a dough circle over each filled circle, pressing the edges to seal.
6. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges of the hand pies. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the hand pies are golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For a more pronounced apple flavor, try using a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties. These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These mini apple hand pies are a true delight, combining the irresistible flavors of sweet, spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crust. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delectable homemade treats. I can’t wait to hear how you and your loved ones enjoy them!
