Caramel Apple Hand Pies

There’s something inherently comforting about hand pies. These delightful little pastries evoke memories of childhood, of warm kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of baked goods, and of family gatherings where delicious food takes center stage. Among the myriad of flavors that can be captured in a hand pie, caramel apple stands out as a quintessential favorite, perfectly marrying the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples. The result is a delightful treat that embodies the essence of autumn, making it an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of autumn with caramel apple hand pies. These delightful pastries combine the buttery flakiness of homemade crust with a sweet and tart apple filling, perfectly complemented by rich caramel. Made with fresh, seasonal apples and warm spices, they are an ideal treat for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Learn how to create these charming pastries that evoke comfort and joy in every bite, making unforgettable memories in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes

6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

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

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling upon serving)

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

For Garnish:

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Coarse sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Pie Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Incorporate the chilled butter by using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough just starts to hold together.

Chill the Dough: Lightly flour a clean working surface, and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently a couple of times to bring it together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap each disc in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help firm up the butter.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, fresh lemon juice, and caramel sauce. Toss the mixture gently until all the apple pieces are coated, then set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, take one disc of dough and roll it out to approximately ¼ inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut out 6-8 squares (each about 5x5 inches).

Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling into the center of each square, being careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to create either a triangle or a rectangle shape. Press down the edges lightly, then use a fork to crimp them securely and seal each pie. Repeat the process with the second dough disc.

Prepare for Baking: Arrange the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and milk) to achieve a beautiful golden color once baked.

Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Cool and Drizzle: After baking, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the top of each hand pie and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired for an added flavor contrast.

Serve: Serve these warm, delicious caramel apple hand pies immediately or at room temperature, and indulge in every sweet bite!

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Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 6-8 hand pies