With the fall season upon us, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a warm and portable treat. These spiced apple hand pies perfectly combine flaky, buttery pastry and a deeply flavorful apple filling. They’re a delightful way to savor the essence of autumn.
Why Precooking the Filling is Essential
Precooking the apple filling is a critical step that ensures the apples are tender and prevents air gaps from forming between the filling and the crust. Fresh apple cider enhances the deep apple flavor, while brown sugar and warm spices provide a classic taste.
Selecting the Right Apples
The flavor and texture of your hand pies largely depend on the apples you choose. A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Golden Delicious apples offers an ideal balance of sweetness and tartness. These varieties hold their shape well during baking, ensuring a filling that is tender but not mushy.
Building Deep Flavors
A touch of lemon juice keeps the flavors bright and balanced. If needed, you can substitute two teaspoons of apple pie spice for the blend of individual spices. However, each brand of apple pie spice will vary slightly in composition and intensity, so adjust accordingly.
Thickening the Filling
A thickened filling ensures that each pie is neat and holds its structure well, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Making Your Own Pie Dough
Use a combination of butter and cold water to create a dough that bakes into flaky layers. Allow the dough to chill properly before rolling it out to ensure relaxation of the gluten, which helps in maintaining shape during baking.
Shaping the Hand Pies
Using a fluted pastry wheel or a paring knife can help in achieving neat edges. It also adds an aesthetic touch to the hand pies.
Chilling Before Baking
This step also ensures that the pies retain their shape and do not become misshapen during the baking process.
Finishing Touches
These hand pies are a perfect portable dessert for any occasion, especially during the fall season.
These warm-spiced apple hand pies capture the essence of fall in a portable form. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry and deeply flavored apple filling is sure to delight. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these hand pies are a must-try this autumn.
Source: Seriouseats