Description
A delightful, portable dessert blending flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin your culinary journey by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or a couple of forks, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crucial step ensures that the crust remains flaky. Once you achieve that crumbly texture, gradually incorporate ice water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed, just until the dough holds together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flaky integrity; then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- As the dough chills, you can make your delicious apple filling. Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are softened and aromatic. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the optional cornstarch and let the filling cool before using it.
- When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles that are 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. Aim for a total of 12 circles; you’ll need 6 tops and 6 bottoms for the pies!
- Next comes the fun part! Take half of the dough circles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each circle, leaving ample border space for sealing. Top with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges together securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges to create a beautiful seal and provide a decorative touch. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking!
- In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the tops of the assembled hand pies to achieve a golden-brown finish during baking. Bake the pies for 22–25 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once your kitchen fills with the delightful scent of baked apples, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- While your pies are cooling, it’s time to make the sweet glaze! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the remaining vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach a smooth consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled hand pies, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Ensure butter is cold for best results.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 3 g