Mini Apple Hand Pies

These adorable Mini Apple Hand Pies are packed with spiced apple filling and wrapped in a buttery crust. Shaped like little apples and finished with a golden lattice top, they’re the perfect treat for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy weekend baking. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing at a potluck, these pies are sure to impress everyone with their delightful flavor and charming presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these mini pies fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spiced apple filling combined with the flaky crust creates an irresistible treat.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add nuts for extra texture.
• Fun for Kids: Shaping and assembling the pies is a fun activity that kids will enjoy.

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Tools and Preparation

To create your Mini Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve the perfect dough thickness for your hand pies.
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter: Ensures uniform shapes that enhance the visual appeal of your pies.
• Baking tray: Provides a stable surface for baking multiple pies at once.

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.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes.
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.
2. Add the cold butter; rub it into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg and milk; mix gently until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Roll 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.
4. Place 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto each pastry base.
5. Brush the edges with beaten egg yolk.
6. Roll out leftover dough scraps; cut into thin strips to form a lattice pattern over each pie’s filling.
7. Press gently to seal edges; freeze assembled pies for 15 minutes to help them hold shape.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush tops of pies with egg wash.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies as they bring warmth and joy to any occasion!

How to Serve Mini Apple Hand Pies

Mini Apple Hand Pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether at a cozy gathering or as a snack, these hand pies can be served alone or with accompaniments for an elevated experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

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

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a sweet touch by drizzling caramel sauce over the top just before serving.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a wonderful texture contrast to the crunchy crust.

Served with Hot Tea or Coffee

• Pairing these hand pies with a warm beverage creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for fall.

Topped with Powdered Sugar

• A simple dusting of powdered sugar enhances the presentation and adds a touch of sweetness.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies

Creating the perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your hand pies turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps it maintain its shape while baking.
• Use Cold Butter: Incorporating cold butter into the crust will create a flaky texture that makes every bite satisfying.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your hand pies to prevent spilling during baking; 2 tablespoons of filling is ideal.
• Seal Well: Ensure edges are pressed firmly after adding the lattice topping for a secure seal that prevents leakage.
• Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on your hand pies while baking; they should be golden brown but not burnt.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Mini Apple Hand Pies can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that balances warmth and coolness, enhancing the pie’s flavors.

2. Coffee
   The rich flavor of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweet apple filling, making it an ideal complement.

3. Caramel Sauce
   This sweet addition can be drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping.

4. Cheddar Cheese
   The sharpness of cheddar pairs surprisingly well with apple desserts, offering a savory twist.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
   Sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the top adds extra sweetness and spice.

6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal and add vibrant colors to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Apple Hand Pies can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: Using butter that is too warm can lead to a greasy crust. Always use cold, cubed butter for the best texture.
• Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst while baking. Stick to the recommended 2 tablespoons of filling per pie.
• Skipping refrigeration: Not chilling the dough can result in tough hand pies. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure it rolls out easily.
• Ignoring egg wash: Skipping the egg wash on top can lead to pale hand pies. Brush each pie with egg wash for that golden finish.
• Not preheating your oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat to the specified temperature before you bake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Place cooled hand pies in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but this may make the crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium-low heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits in Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Yes! You can substitute apples with fruits like pears, berries, or peaches for different flavors.

What type of apples are best for Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking.

How do I ensure my crust is flaky?

Using cold ingredients and not overworking the dough will help create a flaky crust for your Mini Apple Hand Pies.

Are Mini Apple Hand Pies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These hand pies freeze well and maintain their flavor and texture when reheated properly.

Can I make Mini Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Hand Pies offer a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their charming appearance makes them ideal for gatherings or as a cozy snack at home. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite fruits or spices to make them uniquely yours!