Introduction
Dried-Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of dried apples with the flaky goodness of pie crust. These individual-sized pies are perfect for snacking on the go or serving at a gathering. The warm spices and tender apples make these hand pies a comforting and satisfying dessert option.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting in the kitchen, making these hand pies is a fun and rewarding experience. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as these pies bake is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create these delicious Dried-Apple Hand Pies.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will result in a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Dried-Apple Hand Pies, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 2 cups of dried apples
2. 1/2 cup of sugar
3. 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
4. 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
5. 2 tablespoons of flour
6. 1 package of pre-made pie crusts
7. 1 egg (for egg wash)
8. Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the baking process to ensure a smooth and efficient preparation.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Dried-Apple Hand Pies:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine the dried apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Let it cool.
3. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl as a guide.
4. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto half of the pie crust circles.
5. Brush the edges of the crust with water, then place another pie crust circle on top of each filled one.
6. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies shut. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
8. Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
9. Let the pies cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar.
10. Serve and enjoy your delicious Dried-Apple Hand Pies!
Variations
There are several ways to customize your Dried-Apple Hand Pies:
– Add a handful of raisins or cranberries to the apple filling for an extra burst of flavor.
– Sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the pies before baking for a crunchy texture.
– Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled hand pies for a sweet finish.
– Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice to create unique flavor profiles.
Feel free to get creative with your hand pies and tailor them to your taste preferences.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Dried-Apple Hand Pies turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the apple filling is completely cool before assembling the hand pies to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
– Use a sharp knife to cut steam vents in the pie crust to avoid any bursting while baking.
– Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– Serve the hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating bakery-quality hand pies in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Dried-Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of spiced apples and flaky pie crust. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these individual-sized pies are sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these hand pies in no time. The aroma of freshly baked pies filling your home will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.
So, gather your ingredients, roll out your dough, and indulge in the deliciousness of Dried-Apple Hand Pies today!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of dried apples for this recipe?
A: While dried apples work best for this recipe, you can use fresh apples if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them down with a bit of water and sugar until they are tender.
Q: Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
A: Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How long do the hand pies stay fresh?
A: The hand pies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I reheat the hand pies?
A: Yes, you can reheat the hand pies in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the crust soggy.
Dried-Apple Hand Pies
Delightful individual-sized pies that combine the sweetness of dried apples with the flaky goodness of pie crust, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These hand pies are a comforting and satisfying dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 package pre-made pie crusts
- 1 egg
- Powdered sugar
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a saucepan, cook dried apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
-
Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles.
-
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on half of the pie crust circles.
-
Brush the edges with water and place another pie crust circle on top. Crimp the edges with a fork.
-
Cut slits on the top crust, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
-
Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
