Caramel Apple Hand Pies

$- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 cup caramel sauce - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth - Chopped nuts for crunch - A splash of vanilla extract for sweetness - Sea salt to balance the sweetness - Medium mixing bowl - Medium saucepan - Rolling pin - Cookie cutter or glass for cutting circles - Fork for sealing edges - Whisk for egg wash - Parchment paper for baking sheet - Wire rack for cooling Start by gathering your apples. You need two large apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with one cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples. Let the mixture sit for about ten minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend together nicely. Next, transfer the apple mixture to a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium. Cook the apples for about five to seven minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften a bit but still hold their shape. Once they are ready, remove them from the heat and let them cool down to room temperature. While the apples cool, prepare your pie crusts. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles that are about four inches wide. You should get around eight to ten circles, based on how thick your dough is. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this process. On each dough circle, place about one tablespoon of the apple filling in the center. Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the filling for a sweet touch. Now, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them well. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look and a secure seal. Repeat this with the rest of the dough and filling. In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of milk to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the hand pies. Sprinkle some granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch. Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and the crust should be flaky. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious treats warm with extra caramel sauce if you like! When making caramel apple hand pies, keep a few things in mind. First, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during cooking. Second, let the apple filling sit for 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste. - Choose a good pie crust. A store-bought crust is fine, but homemade adds a personal touch. - Work with cold dough. Cold dough makes a flakier crust. Chill it in the fridge before rolling it out. - Don’t overfill the pies. Use about 1 tablespoon of filling per pie. This keeps them from leaking during baking. Many home cooks make simple mistakes. Avoid these for the best hand pies. - Skipping the egg wash can lead to pale, unappealing pies. Always brush the tops with it for a golden color. - Not sealing the edges well can cause filling to leak. Press the edges firmly and crimp them with a fork. - Overcooking the apple filling can make it mushy. Cook just until slightly soft. This keeps the apples intact. A flaky crust is key to great hand pies. Here’s how to achieve it: - Use cold butter or shortening. This creates flaky layers as the fat melts during baking. - Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined to avoid tough crusts. - Roll the dough evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. A consistent thickness ensures even baking. Follow these tips, and your caramel apple hand pies will turn out delicious every time! {{image_4}} You can mix flavors in many fun ways. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling. A pinch of vanilla extract can also boost the sweetness. You can even swap apples for pears or peaches. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling. These changes make each bite exciting and unique. To make these hand pies gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust. Many brands offer good options that taste great. For a vegan version, replace the egg wash with a splash of almond milk. You can also use a vegan caramel sauce. Check labels for dairy-free choices. These swaps keep the pies delicious without losing flavor. Seasons bring different fruits. In autumn, try adding cranberries or figs for a tart touch. In summer, fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries work well. In winter, citrus fruits like oranges can add a zing. Each fruit gives you a chance to explore new tastes and textures. Enjoy the flavors of each season with your hand pies! To keep your leftover hand pies fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with paper towels to soak up extra moisture. This step helps keep the crust crispy. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration works too, but the crust may lose some crispiness. Freezing hand pies is a great option for make-ahead snacks. Allow the baked pies to cool completely. Once cool, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about one hour or until firm. After that, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. To reheat hand pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and the crust is flaky again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. For an extra touch, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter before heating to add flavor. Yes, you can use other apples. I like Granny Smith for their tartness. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch. Mix and match for the best flavor. Just make sure the apples hold their shape when cooked. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. You need just three ingredients: sugar, butter, and cream. 1. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar on medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns golden brown. 2. Add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. 3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of cream while stirring. Be careful; it will bubble! 4. Remove from heat and let it cool. Use it in your hand pies or drizzle on top for extra sweetness. Absolutely! Air frying hand pies gives them a nice, crispy crust. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 1. Place the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. 2. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, checking for golden brown color. 3. Enjoy them warm! This method saves time and makes cleanup easy. You learned how to make tasty hand pies with a lot of unique flavors. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips to improve your pie-making skills. You can try different fruits and even make them gluten-free or vegan. Remember to store leftovers properly and even freeze them for later. Making these pies is fun and easy. Enjoy your baking adventure and share it with friends!$

Indulge in the sweetness of Caramel Apple Hand Pies with this easy recipe! Perfectly spiced apples are enveloped in a flaky crust, drizzled with rich caramel, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you're enjoying them as a treat or dessert, these hand pies are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this delightful dessert that everyone will love! #DessertRecipes #FallBaking #ApplePies #CaramelTreats

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Ingredients

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup caramel sauce (you can use store-bought or make your own)

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well-coated with the mixture. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Cook the Apples: Transfer the apple mixture to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to ensure they're smooth and even. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter. You should yield about 8-10 circles, depending on the thickness of your dough.

Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one of the dough circles and place approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple filling in the center. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the filling.

Seal the Hand Pies: Gently fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges, giving a decorative touch while ensuring they are well sealed. Repeat this process with the remaining dough circles and filling.

Prepare for Baking: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash, then sprinkle with granulated sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch.

Bake the Hand Pies: Arrange the prepared hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a little apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the crust is flaky.

Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve warm with additional caramel sauce drizzled on top if desired.

- Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the hand pies on a decorative platter and garnish with extra caramel sauce, perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an irresistible dessert experience!