You know, there’s just something magical about the smell of apples and spices filling the kitchen that turns a normal day into something extraordinary. One cool autumn weekend, I decided to try my hand at making spiced apple hand pies—a recipe that’s become a favorite memory with the family. Picture this: crispy, buttery pastry encasing a tender spiced apple filling, it’s like having a little pocket of fall joy! And oh, the delight on my kids’ faces as they took their first bites—pure bliss and a bit of sticky sweetness around their mouths.
Whenever I make these hand pies, I think back to when we went apple picking together, wandering through the orchards, everyone clutching their bags tightly and searching for the best, juiciest apples. Honeycrisp apples are the stars of this recipe, thanks to their perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. Even my husband, who swears by store-bought desserts (“Why mess with perfection?” he says), reaches for seconds whenever I make these.
If you’ve got a free afternoon and a sweet tooth—or are just yearning for something warm and comforting—these spiced apple hand pies are your golden ticket. They’ve saved many a gloomy day for us, providing warmth and a sense of home. Why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just start a new family tradition. Read on to discover how you too can make these delectable bites of autumn happiness!
How to Make Spiced Apple Hand Pies
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Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 6 cups diced, peeled, and cored apples (preferably Honeycrisp)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 dashes ground allspice
- 3 sticks cold salted butter, diced
- 2 egg whites + 1 T. water, lightly whisked
- 1 T. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 T. softened butter
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 2-4 T. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. Kosher salt
- 2 dashes ground cloves
- 3 T. powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup ice-cold water
Directions:
- Start by preparing the dough. In a food processor, blend together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar for a couple of seconds. Add one diced stick of butter, pulse, then add the rest of the butter, continuing to pulse until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
- Slowly blend in the apple cider vinegar and ice-cold water, pulsing until the dough begins to pull together. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
- While the dough chills, make the filling. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your apples, cooking for 1-2 minutes until they start to tenderize.
- Mix in brown sugar, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes until the apples are soft and the mixture is thickened.
- Once the dough is ready, roll half of it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut into roughly 10 rectangles sized 3 x 4 inches.
- Place a spoonful of apple mixture on half of the cut rectangles, leaving a border around the edges. Cover with another piece of dough, using a fork to crimp the edges. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, place your pies on it, and freeze them as you preheat your oven to 425°F.
- After about 15 minutes, brush with an egg wash and optionally sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake for 10 minutes before reducing the heat to 350°F and baking 12-15 more minutes until golden.
- Cool on a wire rack. For added sweetness, drizzle a mix of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter over the top before serving.
Flexible Ingredient Options for Every Cook
If you’re low on Honeycrisp apples, go ahead and try using a mix of Granny Smith for a tart kick or Fuji for extra sweetness. Don’t have all the spices on hand? A pre-made apple pie spice mix can easily stand in, adding all those warm flavors in one fell swoop.
How to Make Spiced Apple Hand Pies Last Longer
Once baked and cooled, these delightful hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be reheated in the oven.
Making the Most of Spiced Apple Hand Pies: Serving Ideas
These hand pies are a perfect standalone snack, but why stop there? Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. A dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone either, adding a light, creamy touch that complements the spiced filling.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Spiced Apple Hand Pies
For an ultra-flaky crust, ensure your butter is as cold as possible before incorporating it into your dough. When crimping the edges, move slightly beyond a gentle press to ensure they hold during baking. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar and still enjoy that lovely apple essence. Don’t forget the slits—those are key for venting steam.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Spiced Apple Hand Pies
Though apples are fantastic year-round, consider replacing them with peaches or apricots in the summer for a sun-kissed variation. Add cranberries in the winter for a festive twist. You can also experiment with adding pecans or walnuts for some holiday crunch to your hand pies.
FAQs:
What kind of apples work best for these hand pies?
Honeycrisp apples are recommended due to their sweet yet tangy flavor and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. However, you can experiment with other types like Granny Smith or Fuji, depending on your taste preferences. These alternatives offer different balances of sweetness and tartness that can be tailored to suit your palate.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll. If you need it to be stored longer, consider freezing it for up to two months, and thaw in the fridge before using.
What do I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough is falling apart and too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time and gently knead until it starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can result in a dense pastry. It’s about finding that balance between crumbly and cohesive for perfect results.
How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?
The hand pies are done when their crust turns a beautiful golden brown and they begin to bubble around the slits. Ensure that the pastry is crisp and flaky by performing a quick tap on the top—it should sound firm, not soft. The visual cues and a little snack-sense will guide you well!
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A firm crimping of the edges with a fork can often keep the filling snugly inside. Additionally, ensure that the filling isn’t too watery; cooking it until it thickens prevents potential leakage. Small slits on the top help release steam, thus preventing the pies from bursting open.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used to save time and effort. Choose a quality brand that you trust for the best results. While homemade dough gives a personal touch and unique flavor, ready-made dough can streamline the process, allowing you to focus more on creating the perfect filling and pie assembly.
Spiced Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Pastry Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter diced, cold, 3 sticks
- 1/3 cup ice-cold water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Apple Filling:
- 6 cups diced, peeled, and cored apples (preferably Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 2 dashes ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg to taste
- 2 dashes ground cloves
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for both the pastry and filling.
For Pastry Dough:
- In a food processor, mix the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Pulse briefly, then incorporate one stick of diced butter, followed by the other cold butter pieces until you achieve a crumb-like texture.
- Carefully add the apple cider vinegar and ice-cold water, pulsing just until the mixture starts to combine. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
For Apple Filling:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples and sauté for a couple of minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, then continue to sauté for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the apples soften and the sauce thickens.
Assembling and Baking:
- Roll out half of the chilled dough on a floured surface to create a large rectangle. Cut this into approximately 10 rectangles, each about 3 x 4 inches.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one half of each rectangle, ensuring to leave a border around the edge.
- Cover the filling with another rectangle of dough, sealing the edges by pressing down with a fork. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for around 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F.
- After freezing, brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the hand pies to cool on a rack. Optionally, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter to create a drizzle for serving. Enjoy with a warm beverage for a delightful experience!
