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Flaky Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

flaky apple cinnamon hand pies - featured image

These flaky apple cinnamon hand pies feature a tender, buttery crust and a warm, spiced apple filling, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 68 tbsp ice-cold water
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
  • ⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
  2. Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking it.
  3. Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  4. While the dough chills, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften but still hold their shape.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool completely.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch (3mm) thickness. Use a round cutter (4-5 inches diameter) or a sharp knife to cut out circles.
  7. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with water, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork.
  8. Place pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Brush each hand pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
  11. Let the hand pies cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep all ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust. Avoid overfilling the pies to prevent bursting. Sauté the apple filling to reduce moisture and prevent soggy crusts. Dough can be made and chilled up to 2 days ahead. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, substitute butter and egg wash accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple hand pies, cinnamon hand pies, flaky crust, homemade dessert, easy apple pies, buttery crust, fall dessert