
Homemade Apple Hand Pies – A Flaky, Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Introduction
Craving a sweet, flaky dessert that’s easy to grab and go? These Homemade Apple Hand Pies are the perfect solution! Filled with warm spiced apple filling and wrapped in golden, buttery pastry, these handheld treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a quick snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a fun family baking activity, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry (or your favorite pie dough)
- 1 large egg – beaten (for egg wash)
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Filling
- Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to coat the apples.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the filling cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4-inch circles or rectangles using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon or rectangle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Step 3: Egg Wash and Bake
- Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Use a small knife to make a few slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and flaky.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies and let it set for a few minutes.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve warm or at room temperature. These hand pies are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Freeze for Later: Assemble the hand pies and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize Your Filling: Add raisins, cranberries, or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Homemade Apple Hand Pies are portable, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The warm spiced filling paired with the buttery, flaky crust creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these hand pies are sure to impress.
Conclusion
Bring the comforting flavors of apple pie into a fun, portable form with these Homemade Apple Hand Pies. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect treat for any time of day. Try this recipe today, and let us know your favorite way to enjoy them in the comments below. Happy baking!