Mini Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies are the perfect blend of sweet and spiced apple filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Shaped like charming little apples and topped with a beautiful lattice design, they make an ideal treat for any occasion—from fall gatherings to cozy weekend baking. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert, and watch them disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These hand pies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice creates a mouthwatering filling that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or just a quiet afternoon at home. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
• Fun Presentation: Shaped like apples and topped with a lattice crust, these pies look as good as they taste—perfect for impressing guests!
• Perfect Portion Size: With individual servings, you can indulge without overdoing it. Ideal for sharing or saving some for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Mini Apple Hand Pies, gather your tools and prepare your space. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your crust ingredients without making a mess.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even dough thickness for perfectly baked hand pies.
• Apple-shaped cookie cutter: Adds fun and charm to your hand pies by giving them their unique shape.

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.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the apples to the melted butter and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in sugar and cinnamon; continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour and icing sugar.
2. Add cold butter to the flour mixture; rub it in using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Mix in egg and milk gently until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Let the 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; cut into thin strips to form a lattice pattern over the filling.
7. Press gently to seal edges; freeze assembled pies for 15 minutes to help them hold shape.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush tops of pies with egg wash.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until crust is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Mini Apple Hand Pies!

How to Serve Mini Apple Hand Pies

Mini Apple Hand Pies are delightful little treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these hand pies can be served to enhance their appeal and flavor.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the warm spices of the apple filling perfectly.
• Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top for an added sweet touch.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a lovely contrast to the flaky crust.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Accompany with Hot Beverages

• Enjoy with a cup of hot cider or coffee to warm up your autumn days.
• A spiced chai latte pairs wonderfully for a cozy dessert experience.

Present on a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the pies on a decorative platter alongside seasonal fruits.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies

Perfecting your Mini Apple Hand Pies takes just a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your pies come out delicious every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is very cold before making the crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling; otherwise, it may leak during baking.
• Seal edges well: Make sure to press down firmly on the edges when sealing your pies. This prevents them from opening in the oven.
• Chill before baking: Freezing the assembled pies for 15 minutes helps them maintain their shape while baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the pies as they bake. Remove them when they’re golden brown for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Hand Pies

Mini Apple Hand Pies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the pie.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Dust
   Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the warm pies for added sweetness and spice.

3. Caramel Sauce
   A drizzle of rich caramel sauce elevates these hand pies, making them even more indulgent.

4. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad can provide freshness and contrast, complementing the richness of the pies.

5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory complement to the sweet filling.

6. Hot Apple Cider
   Serve warm apple cider alongside your hand pies for a comforting fall treat.

7. Chocolate Sauce
   For chocolate lovers, serving with chocolate sauce offers a delightful twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mini Apple Hand Pies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect your final product. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using Warm Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter, are cold. This helps achieve a flaky crust.
• Overfilling the Pies: Don’t pile on too much filling. It can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to 2 tablespoons per pie.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Letting your dough chill is crucial. It prevents shrinkage and helps maintain shape in the oven.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden crust.
• Ignoring Egg Wash: Brushing with egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish. Skipping this step can result in pale, unappetizing pies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Apple Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20–30 seconds, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Mini Apple Hand Pies that might help you while baking.

Can I use different fruits for hand pies?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling with other fruits like pears or berries for a unique twist.

How do I know when my hand pies are done?

Look for a golden-brown crust; this indicates they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Can I make Mini Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and freeze before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.

What’s the best way to serve Mini Apple Hand Pies?

These hand pies are delightful on their own or served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Mini Apple Hand Pies are not only charming but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their warm spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust makes them an irresistible treat. Feel free to customize your filling or add toppings to suit your taste!