Introduction
Caramel apple hand pies are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of caramel and apples in a portable, handheld treat. These miniature pies are perfect for enjoying on the go or serving at parties. The buttery crust filled with gooey caramel and tender apples makes for a satisfying and indulgent treat that is sure to please all ages. In this article, we will explore how to make delicious caramel apple hand pies from scratch.
Ingredients
To make caramel apple hand pies, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
3. 1/2 cup cold water
4. 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
5. 1/2 cup caramel sauce
6. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
7. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
8. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Combine the flour and butter in a large bowl, then gradually add the water until the dough comes together. Chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting it into circles for the hand pies. Mix the diced apples with caramel sauce, sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
Brush the edges of the pie crust circles with egg wash, spoon the apple filling onto one side, fold over, and crimp the edges. Bake until golden brown and enjoy warm.
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples, caramel sauce, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a round object.
6. Brush the edges of the dough circles with beaten egg to help seal the pies.
7. Spoon the apple filling onto one side of each circle, leaving a border around the edges.
8. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
9. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with egg wash, and make a small slit on the top of each pie for steam to escape.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Variations
There are several ways to customize caramel apple hand pies to suit your taste preferences:
1. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
2. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the baked pies for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for added crunch.
4. Serve the hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect caramel apple hand pies:
1. Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky crust.
2. Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
3. Don’t overfill the hand pies to avoid leaks during baking.
4. Make sure to seal the edges of the pies well to prevent the filling from oozing out.
Conclusion
Caramel apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of caramel and apples in a portable form. With a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and tender apples, these hand pies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these miniature pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Get creative with variations and enjoy these delicious treats for any occasion!
FAQs
Q: Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the filling?
A: While homemade caramel sauce is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saving alternative.
Q: How should I store leftover hand pies?
A: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Caramel apple hand pies are delightful miniature pies with a buttery crust filled with gooey caramel and tender apples. They make a satisfying and indulgent treat perfect for on-the-go snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients
-
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
-
1/2 cup cold water
-
2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
-
1/2 cup caramel sauce
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples, caramel sauce, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
-
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a round object.
-
Brush the edges of the dough circles with beaten egg to help seal the pies.
-
Spoon the apple filling onto one side of each circle, leaving a border around the edges.
-
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
-
Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with egg wash, and make a small slit on the top of each pie for steam to escape.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
