Mini Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet treat. Perfect for autumn gatherings, lunchboxes, or simply as a cozy weekend baking project, these hand pies offer a delicious spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust. Their unique apple shape and golden lattice top make them visually appealing and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these hand pies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust creates an amazing taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast on-the-go. They’re great any time of day!
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for gatherings or parties; they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
• Fun Presentation: Their cute shape and golden lattice top make these mini pies eye-catching and fun to eat.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Mini Apple Hand Pies, gather your tools and prep your workspace for an enjoyable baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring that your crust is perfect.
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter: Helps you achieve the adorable shape that makes these hand pies so special.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows easy mixing of dough and filling without mess.
• Baking tray: A good quality tray ensures even baking for all your hand pies.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup icing sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 teaspoons cold milk
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and chopped into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Mini Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the apples to the melted butter and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Stir in sugar and cinnamon; continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and icing sugar until well combined.
2. Add the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg and cold milk; mix gently until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Let the chilled dough sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before rolling it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use an apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 8 pastry bases from the rolled dough.
4. Place about 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto each pastry base.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg yolk to help seal them together.
6. Roll out leftover dough scraps; cut into thin strips to create a lattice design over each pie’s filling.
7. Lay strips over filling in a crisscross pattern; gently press to seal edges.
8. Freeze assembled pies for about 15 minutes to maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush tops of pies with egg wash before placing them in the oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Allow cooling slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are bound to be a hit—enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Mini Apple Hand Pies

Mini Apple Hand Pies make a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just indulging in a sweet snack, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced apple filling of the hand pies.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the hand pies for a rich flavor combination.

Paired with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a delightful texture and balances the flavors of the pie.

Served with Hot Apple Cider

• The warmth and spices of hot apple cider make it an ideal drink pairing to enjoy alongside your mini pies.

Topped with Cinnamon Sugar

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and spice that enhances their appeal.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies

Creating perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out delicious every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are cold when making the crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill: Avoid overfilling the pies with apple filling. Too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.
• Chill before baking: Freezing the assembled pies for 15 minutes helps them hold their shape and prevents shrinking in the oven.
• Brush with egg wash: An egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden color and adds shine.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or allspice for unique flavor variations in your filling.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Hand Pies

To round out your meal or snack, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with Mini Apple Hand Pies. They enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Crisp Green Salad
   A fresh salad with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet pies.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and savory goodness to balance out the sweetness of the hand pies.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses—especially sharp cheddar—pairs nicely with the sweet flavors, creating a delightful contrast.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements fall flavors and makes for comforting side dish options.

5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
   Creamy mashed sweet potatoes add richness and warmth, enhancing your autumn-inspired meal theme.

6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palette cleanser after enjoying rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Apple Hand Pies can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Ignoring the dough temperature: Using warm ingredients can lead to a tough crust. Always keep your butter and dough cold while preparing.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst in the oven. Stick to the recommended amount of filling for best results.
• Skipping the chill time: Not refrigerating the dough after forming it can lead to misshapen pies when baked. Always chill your assembled hand pies for about 15 minutes.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges well can result in leaking filling. Use a fork or your fingers to press the edges firmly before baking.
• Neglecting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash can lead to dull-looking pies. Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked assembled hand pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Apple Hand Pies.

How do I make my Mini Apple Hand Pies crispy?

To achieve a crispy crust, ensure you roll out the dough thinly and use chilled ingredients. Baking them at a high temperature helps as well.

Can I use different fruits in Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, berries, or peaches for different flavors.

What’s the best way to serve Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside whipped cream for a delightful treat!

Can I make Mini Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and freeze them before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or other spices according to your taste. Perfect for any occasion, they bring warmth and joy with every bite. Try making them this fall!