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Apple hand pies on a baking sheet.

Cute Little Apple Hand Pies

Ashley Manila
Adorably delicious apple hand pies have buttery flaky crust, tons of gooey apple pie filling, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top! These mini apple pies are fun to make and bake up in 15 minutes.
4.89 from 9 votes
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Inactive Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Baking, Pie
Servings 8 Pies

Ingredients
 

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter very cold, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup Full-fat sour cream cold

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 4 large apples peeled and cored
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:

Instructions
 

For the Crust:

  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
  • Add the butter, working it in with your hands or a pastry cutter, until it's a coarse meal. The butter should still be in large, pea-sized pieces.
  • Using a rubber spatula, stir in the sour cream. The dough will be very shaggy at this point. Turn it out onto a well floured work surface, and bring it together with a few quick kneads.
  • Pat the dough into a 10 inch log, then roll it out into a 12" x 14" rectangle. Dust both sides of the dough lightly with flour, and starting with the shorter end, fold it in three - like a letter. Flip the dough over, and roll it again into a 12" x 14" rectangle. Fold it in three again. Wrap the dough in saran wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • Peel and core apples. Dice them into tiny pieces and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown into a light golden color; about 1 minute.
  • Add apples into hot butter; sprinkle with salt and both sugars. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely softened, about 8 minutes. Mix in apple pie spice and lemon juice and continue cooking until apples are soft and sticky, 1 to 2 more minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top and mix well, allow mixture to thicken, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 15 minutes. 

Assembly:

  • When you're ready to make your pies, preheat the oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Roll the dough out into a 18" x 18" square. Using apple cookie cutters, cut out sixteen apples. Or use a pastry well to slice the dough into 16 squares. 
  • Divide the apple filling among 8 of the squares, using about 1 heaping tablespoon for each. Brush some of the beaten egg along the edges of each filled square.
  • Cut a vent into each of the remaining eight squares, using a small knife or heart shaped cookie cutter.
  • Top each filled square with a vented square, and press along the edges with the tines of a fork to seal.
  • Brush the top of each pie with the remaining beaten egg, and sprinkle with sparkling sugar, if using.
  • Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet. Bake the pies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
  • Remove them from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Keyword apple pie, apple hand pies, thanksgiving dessert
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