Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that brings the warm flavors of baked apples right into your hands. These little pastries are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast on the go. With their flaky crust and sweet filling, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making apple hand pies is a great way to use fresh apples and create a delicious dessert that is easy to share. They are simple to prepare, and you can customize them to your liking. Plus, frying them gives a crispy texture that enhances the apple filling. You will love how they make the kitchen smell wonderful as they cook!
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for coating)
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
- Mix the cornstarch with a small splash of water and stir it into the apples. Cook until the filling thickens.
- Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely.
- Cut the pie dough into 5 to 6 inch rounds.
- Spoon the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough round.
- Fold the dough over the filling and firmly crimp the edges with a fork.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry the hand pies in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Drain briefly and coat with cinnamon sugar while warm, if desired.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Apple Hand Pies
Apple hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
How to Store Apple Hand Pies
To store leftover hand pies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Apple Hand Pies
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- You can brush the pies with a beaten egg before frying for a golden sheen.
Variation
You can add raisins or walnuts to the apple filling for added texture. Another variation is to use different fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the hand pies instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
Q: Can I freeze the hand pies?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked hand pies. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer. Fry or bake them straight from frozen.
Q: What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
A: Good choices include Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. A mix works best!
Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
- Mix the cornstarch with a small splash of water and stir it into the apples. Cook until the filling thickens.
- Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely.
- Cut the pie dough into 5 to 6 inch rounds.
- Spoon the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough round.
- Fold the dough over the filling and firmly crimp the edges with a fork.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry the hand pies in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Drain briefly and coat with cinnamon sugar while warm, if desired.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving.
