Christmas Present Apple Hand Pies

Written by Published on in Desserts, Pastries
Christmas Present Apple Hand Pies
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Christmas Present Apple Hand Pies

Recipe by nana pastriesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings

These Christmas Present Apple Hand Pies are like little holiday gifts! With a flaky crust, warm spiced apple filling, and cute ribbon decorations.

Ingredients:

  • Pie Crust

  • (You can also buy pre-made pie crust for convenience)

  • 175g | 1 ¼ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 8g | ½ tbsp cornstarch

  • Pinch of salt

  • 125g | ½ cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • 7g | ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 60g | ¼ cup cold water (ice water)

  • Apple Pie Filling

  • 3-4 apples, peeled and chopped

  • 28g | 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 53g | ¼ cup packed light brown sugar

  • 1 ½ tsp cornstarch

  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • Assembly

  • 1 egg + 1 tsp milk (for egg wash)

  • Sugar (for sprinkling)

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.

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