Mini Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a comforting, flaky crust. Perfect for autumn gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy weekends spent baking, these mini pies combine the warmth of spiced apples with the joy of homemade pastry. Shaped like little apples and topped with a golden lattice, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these hand pies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor – The combination of spiced apple filling and buttery crust creates an irresistible taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat – Enjoy them warm as a dessert or pack them for lunch as a sweet snack. They fit any occasion!
• Fun Presentation – Shaped like apples and adorned with a lattice crust, these pies are sure to impress family and friends.
• Perfect for Sharing – Each mini pie is a single serving, making them ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Mini Apple Hand Pies, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin – Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring each pie has a uniform thickness.
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter – Creates perfectly shaped pastry bases that enhance the look of your hand pies.
• Baking tray – Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple pies at once while allowing heat to circulate evenly.

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. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until apples are tender.
4. 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 egg and milk, mixing gently until soft dough forms.
4. Shape 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 dough sit at room temperature for 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.
4. Place 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto each pastry base.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg yolk.
6. Roll out leftover dough scraps and cut into thin strips to form a lattice pattern over the filling.
7. Press gently to seal edges and freeze assembled pies for 15 minutes.

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 cooked through.
3. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy these charming Mini Apple Hand Pies as you embrace the flavors of fall!

How to Serve Mini Apple Hand Pies

Mini Apple Hand Pies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm apple filling perfectly and adds a delightful contrast in temperature.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A sweet drizzle of caramel sauce over the pies enhances their flavor, adding richness that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that balances the richness of the hand pies, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Served with a Warm Cup of Cider

• Pairing these mini pies with a steaming cup of apple cider creates a cozy autumn atmosphere, highlighting the seasonal flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include your Mini Apple Hand Pies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like cookies and brownies for a festive treat selection.

With Fresh Fruit Slices

• Fresh fruit slices such as pears or berries can add color and freshness to your plate, providing a nice contrast to the rich hand pies.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies

To achieve perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies every time, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your pastry is flaky and your filling is flavorful.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping butter and milk cold helps create a flaky crust when baking.

• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the pies; too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.

• Chill Before Baking: Freezing the assembled hand pies for 15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape and encourages even cooking.

• Brush with Egg Wash: Applying an egg wash before baking gives the crust a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.

• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add additional spices like nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth in your apple filling.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Hand Pies

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

1. Cheese Plate: A selection of hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pies.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brightens up the palate alongside rich desserts.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a hearty starter that complements the flavors of autumn.

4. Salad Greens: A light salad with mixed greens balances out the rich flavors of the hand pies, providing freshness.

5. Chai Latte: The spiced notes in chai tea pair wonderfully with apple desserts, enhancing their flavor profile.

6. Chocolate Fondue: For an indulgent touch, serve chocolate fondue for dipping pieces of pie or fruit on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Apple Hand Pies can be a joy, but there are some common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough crusts. Mix just until combined for a tender flaky texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating your dough can cause it to become too soft and difficult to handle. Always chill for the recommended time.
• Underfilling the pies: Using too little filling may result in dry hand pies. Ensure you add enough apple mixture to create a delicious, juicy center.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can lead to burnt crusts. Keep an eye on your pies, especially during the last few minutes of baking.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on trays can lead to sticking and uneven cooking. Always line your baking tray with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Freeze unbaked hand pies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds. Check for warmth as microwaves vary.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Mini Apple Hand Pies are small pastries filled with spiced apple filling and encased in a buttery crust. They are perfect for snacking or dessert.

How do I make the crust for Mini Apple Hand Pies?

The crust is made by combining all-purpose flour, icing sugar, cold butter, egg, and milk. Mix gently until it forms a soft dough.

Can I customize the filling of Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Absolutely! You can add different fruits like pears or berries, or even mix in nuts or caramel for extra flavor.

How long do Mini Apple Hand Pies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are not only charming but also versatile treats that everyone will love. Feel free to customize the fillings or shapes to suit your tastes. Whether you serve them at gatherings or enjoy them at home, these delightful pies are sure to please!