Christmas Present Apple Hand Pies

Instructions:

• Prepare the Pie Crust
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
• Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• In a small bowl, mix apple cider vinegar with cold water.
• Gradually add the vinegar-water mixture to the flour-butter mixture, stirring with a spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it forms a cohesive ball.
• Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best texture.
• Make the Apple Pie Filling
• In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chopped apples, butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
• Stir frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering until the apples are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
• Remove the filling from heat and set it aside to cool while you prepare the dough.
• Assemble the Hand Pies
• Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares—approximately 3×3 inches for each pie.
• Using the leftover dough, cut small strips to form the ribbon and bow decorations for the presents. Tip: Let the strips chill in the fridge for 2-3 minutes before shaping them into bows. The cooler dough will be easier to handle.
• Place half of the dough squares onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Spoon about a heaping teaspoon (or more if desired) of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each square.
• Top each with another square of dough, pressing the edges together and sealing them by crimping with a fork.
• Brush the tops of each pie with an egg wash made by whisking together 1 egg and 1 tsp milk.
• Carefully arrange the dough strips into ribbon and bow shapes on top of each pie, pressing them gently into the dough. Brush more egg wash over the decorations.
• Sprinkle a little sugar on top of the hand pies for added sweetness and shine.
• Bake the Hand Pies
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crisp.
• Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.