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Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

These Apple Hand Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with a perfectly spiced apple mixture wrapped in buttery puff pastry. The lattice top adds a beautiful handmade touch, making them a charming treat for fall or any time you crave a cozy dessert. They combine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with flaky golden pastry, baked to perfection in under an hour.

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 2 cups peeled, finely diced apple (Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Puff Pastry and Finishing

  • 17 oz (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed (Pepperidge Farm suggested)
  • 1 whole egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse sugar, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in heavy cream, cornstarch, vanilla flavoring, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until fully combined.
  2. Cook the apples: Lower the heat to medium low and add the diced apples. Stir to coat apples well, then add water. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples become fork-tender.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) to get ready for baking the pies.
  4. Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 14x14 inch square. Cut the square in half to make two rectangles, then cut each rectangle in half to get 4 squares measuring 7x7 inches each.
  5. Make lattice cuts on the pastry: Find the midpoint of each square. About half an inch down from the midpoint, cut a vertical North-South line through the bottom half of the square to create two flaps at the bottom. On the bottom right flap, make two evenly spaced parallel cuts dividing it into three strips.
  6. Cut horizontal lattice lines: To the left of the midpoint, cut a horizontal East-West line through the puff pastry, then make two equidistant parallel cuts creating three horizontal strips. The top right and bottom left parts remain uncut, while the top left and bottom right have the strips formed.
  7. Fill the pies: Place 1/8th of the apple filling (about 1/4 cup) on the top right quadrant of the square. Brush the edges of the bottom left quadrant with beaten egg, then fold this quadrant over to cover the filling, pressing the edges to seal like a large apple ravioli with attached strips on the sides.
  8. Weave the lattice, first column: Flip the top and bottom horizontal strips on the left side over the filled patch, then flip the left-most strip of the vertical bottom strips over those to create the first column of the lattice.
  9. Weave the lattice, second column: Flip back the horizontal strips and pass the middle vertical strip over the top of the horizontal strips, then flip the horizontal strips back down to complete the second column.
  10. Complete the lattice: Flip back the middle horizontal strip and lift the rightmost vertical strip up, then lay the middle horizontal strip back down, completing the lattice design.
  11. Secure the lattice: To keep the lattice from puffing up and coming undone, gently pull the ends of each lattice piece, brush with egg wash, then tuck the ends under the pastry to secure.
  12. Finish and bake: Brush the entire top with beaten egg wash, sprinkle coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 17-19 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
  • Puff pastry must be thawed completely before rolling and cutting.
  • Egg wash helps to seal the pastry and create a beautiful golden crust.
  • Lattice weaving may seem complex; refer to step visualization for easier assembly.
  • Coarse sugar topping adds a sweet crunchy texture but is optional.
  • Cool pies slightly before serving to allow filling to set.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/apple-hand-pies-recipe/