Crispy Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Indulge in the heartwarming delight of homemade Crispy Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies. This easy recipe combines tart apples and aromatic cinnamon in a flaky crust, perfect for any occasion. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or savoring as a cozy snack, these hand pies are versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this comforting fall treat. Enjoy the joy of baking and the deliciousness that awaits!

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Ingredients

2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 package (1 sheet) of ready-made pie crust or puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling:

- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

- Add the unsalted butter to the saucepan. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender yet retain their shape.

- Sprinkle the flour over the apple mixture and stir to combine, cooking for an additional minute to help thicken the filling. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool while you prepare the pie crust.

Roll Out the Dough:

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust or puff pastry until it reaches a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

- Use a round cutter (approximately 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You should yield about 8-10 circles depending on the size of your cutter.

Assemble the Hand Pies:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle.

- Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, and for added flair, you can crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.

Egg Wash and Sprinkle:

- Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg, which will provide a beautiful golden color once baked.

- Finish by sprinkling a little extra granulated sugar on top of each pie for an alluring sweetness and pleasant crunch.

Bake:

- Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or allow them to reach room temperature for an indulgent snack or delightful dessert!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings

- Presentation Suggestions: Consider serving the hand pies on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping.