Caramel Apple Hand Pies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You need these ingredients to make your caramel apple hand pies. The all-purpose flour forms the base of the crust. Using chilled unsalted butter helps create a flaky texture. Apples add sweetness and a bit of tartness, especially if you pick Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor to your filling. The caramel sauce adds a gooey texture that pairs well with the apples. For the flavors, cinnamon warms the taste. Lemon juice brightens the apple taste, making it pop. The egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish to the crust. These ingredients come together to create a warm, delicious dessert. Each bite will remind you of cozy fall days. 1. Mixing dry ingredients: Start by taking a large bowl. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients well. 2. Combining butter and forming the dough: Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled and cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for a flaky texture. 3. Chilling the dough: Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough holds together. Divide it into two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 1. Preparing the apples: While the dough chills, peel and dice 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. This gives a nice tart flavor. 2. Mixing with brown sugar and spices: In another bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it well and set aside. Letting it sit helps the flavors blend. 1. Rolling out the dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, take one disc of dough and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter that is 4-5 inches in diameter to cut out circles. 2. Filling and sealing the pies: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples for that sweet touch. 3. Baking instructions: Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork. Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Now, you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats! Cold ingredients make the dough flakier. Use chilled butter and ice water. This helps create pockets of air, giving your hand pies a light texture. Avoid overworking the dough. Mix gently until just combined. If you knead too much, the dough can become tough. Consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These add depth to the filling. Choose apples wisely. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, perfect for this recipe. Mix different types for a balanced flavor. Ensure even baking by spacing the pies apart. This allows hot air to circulate. Bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. To check doneness, look for a rich color on the top. If they don’t brown, they may need more time. {{image_2}} You can easily make these hand pies gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for the best texture. When adjusting the recipe, keep the liquid amounts the same. You may need to add a bit more ice water if the dough feels too dry. To make these hand pies vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. For the egg wash, use a mix of plant-based milk and a bit of maple syrup. You can also use a flax egg as a binding agent. For caramel, look for vegan caramel sauce at your local store or make your own using coconut milk and brown sugar. Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Other fruits, such as pears or cranberries, can also work well. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to add a twist. Each variation brings a new flavor to your hand pies, making them unique each time you bake them. To keep your caramel apple hand pies fresh, use a container with a tight lid. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and then in foil. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat your hand pies, avoid the microwave. Microwaving can make them soggy. Instead, use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. Caramel apple hand pies last three days in the fridge. If frozen, they stay good for three months. Always check for changes in smell or texture before eating. If they look or smell off, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your pies fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Here’s how: - Prepare the dough as directed. - After forming it into discs, wrap them well in plastic wrap. - Store the wrapped dough in the fridge for up to two days. - You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. The best apples for hand pies are tart and firm. Here are my top picks: - Granny Smith: They add a nice tartness. - Honeycrisp: These apples are sweet and crunchy. - Fuji: They are sweet and hold their shape well. Using a mix of these apples can give your pies a great flavor boost. Yes, you can use store-bought dough. Here are the pros and cons: - Pros: It saves time and effort. You can skip the mixing and chilling steps. - Cons: It may lack the fresh taste of homemade dough. The texture might not be as flaky. If you want to save time, go for store-bought. It’s a good option for busy days! We explored how to make delicious hand pies, covering key ingredients like flour, butter, and apples. You learned about creating the perfect dough and filling, along with baking tips for great results. Variations for gluten-free and vegan options let everyone join in. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these steps, you can enjoy homemade hand pies any time. Now, it's your turn to get baking!$

Indulge in the sweet and buttery goodness of Caramel Apple Hand Pies! These delightful treats are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With flaky pastry and a delicious apple-caramel filling, they're a bite-sized dessert that everyone will love. Discover the step-by-step recipe to create these mouthwatering pies and impress your friends and family. Click through to explore how to bake them to perfection!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

6-8 tablespoons ice water

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Additional sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.

Fill the Pies: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce on top of the apple filling.

Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges further. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Prepare for Baking: Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for a caramelized finish.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a rustic wooden board dusted with powdered sugar, with extra caramel sauce and slices of fresh apples on the side for an appealing look.