How to Make Sweet Apple and Cinnamon Hand Pies

Hand pies: the delightful, portable treat that takes the concept of pie and turns it into a personal delight, perfect for any time of the day. Among the myriad flavors, apple and cinnamon hand pies stand out as a classic combination that never fails to please. Not only are they delicious, but they are also fairly simple to make, even for those who are new to baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making sweet apple and cinnamon hand pies that will fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Pie dough: You can use store-bought pie dough to save time, or make your own from scratch with flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and water.
• Apples: About 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced. Choose a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
• Cinnamon: This spice is essential for giving your hand pies that warm, comforting taste.
• Sugar: Both granulated sugar to sweeten the apple filling and a little extra for sprinkling on top before baking.
• Butter: A small amount to cook the apples and add richness.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the filling so it’s not too runny.
• Lemon juice: A splash to keep the apple filling from becoming too sweet and to add a hint of zest.
• Egg: For an egg wash that will give your pies a beautiful golden brown finish.
• A pinch of salt: To balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Filling:

1. Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small pieces. Smaller pieces ensure your hand pies are easy to fill and eat.
2. In a medium-sized skillet, melt a small knob of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, about a quarter cup of sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference), a generous sprinkling of cinnamon, a dash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the mixture until the apples are just soft, about 5-7 minutes. Then, sprinkle a teaspoon of cornstarch over the apples and stir well. The cornstarch will help thicken the mixture. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Dough:

If you’re using store-bought dough, simply roll it out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. If you’ve decided to make your own dough, mix the flour, a pinch of salt, cold butter cut into small pieces, and cold water. Combine until the dough just comes together, then roll it out thin.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie cutter or a round glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. You’ll need two circles for each hand pie.
3. Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple filling on one circle, leaving a border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, or the pies might burst open during baking.
4. Place another dough circle on top and use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing the hand pie. Make a small slit on the top for steam to escape during baking.
5. In a small bowl, beat an egg and brush a thin layer over the top of each hand pie. This will give them a golden color when baked.
6. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each pie for extra sweetness and crunch.

4. Bake:

Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden and the filling is bubbly. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Serving and Enjoyment:

These sweet apple and cinnamon hand pies are best served slightly warm, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. They are perfect for a cozy fall evening, a sweet picnic treat, or a delightful dessert that your guests will love.

Conclusion:

Making sweet apple and cinnamon hand pies is a simple and enjoyable process that results in a delicious, comforting treat. Personal-sized and packed with flavor, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of making them and the joy of sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking!