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- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping) You can change the flavor of your hand pies by adding different spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. For a twist, add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mix. When choosing apples, look for ones that feel firm and heavy. The skin should be smooth with no bruises. Popular varieties for pies include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each brings a unique flavor and texture to your filling. If you can, smell the apple. A sweet aroma means it's fresh and ready to use. To start, grab a medium bowl. Add 2 large apples that you have peeled, cored, and diced. Then, mix in 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until the apples are fully coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix together nicely. Next, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture you prepared earlier. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the apples to soften a bit, but they shouldn't turn mushy. Once done, take the pan off the heat and let the apples cool for a while. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut them into 4-inch circles. You should get about 8 to 10 circles. Take one circle and place about a tablespoon of the apple filling in the middle. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice finish. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk for an egg wash. Brush this wash on the tops of each pie, then sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and flaky. Let them cool slightly before you enjoy them! To make a flaky crust, keep your ingredients cold. Use cold butter and ice water. When mixing, don’t overwork the dough. This keeps it light and airy. Roll the dough gently on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Too thick and it won't bake well. Too thin and it tears easily. After cutting, chill the dough circles for 10 minutes before filling. This step helps the crust hold its shape. Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them through and keeps the crust crispy. Spices can elevate your hand pies. Besides cinnamon, try nutmeg or allspice for warmth. A touch of vanilla extract in the filling adds depth. You can also mix in some ginger for a spicy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a teaspoon of almond extract. This gives a unique flavor twist. Just remember to keep the balance. You want the apple and caramel flavors to shine through. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your hand pies. Try using pears, peaches, or berries. For a fun twist, mix fruits! Combine apples with cranberries for a tart bite. Each fruit gives a unique taste and texture. If you follow a vegan diet, use plant-based butter and an egg substitute. You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water. For gluten-free hand pies, choose gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer tasty options. These simple swaps let everyone enjoy this treat. Toppings can make your hand pies special. Instead of sugar, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking. For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk. Drizzle this over warm pies for a sweet finish. You can even add nuts or coconut for crunch! To store leftover hand pies, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely first. This keeps them fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good choice. Just remember to reheat them before serving. You can freeze hand pies for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take them out to thaw. To reheat hand pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Just be aware that it may make the crust soft. Yes, you can make these hand pies ahead of time. Prepare the filling and dough, then assemble the pies. Before baking, wrap them well and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to bake them from frozen for a longer time. If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use dulce de leche. This will add a rich flavor, similar to caramel. You can also try chocolate sauce for a different twist. For a healthier option, maple syrup works well too. Each choice will give your hand pies a unique taste. To keep your hand pies crisp, use a few tricks. First, make sure the apple filling is not too wet. Cook the apples until they soften but stay firm. Second, brush the crust with egg wash. This adds a barrier against moisture. Lastly, bake the pies until they are golden brown. This will ensure a flaky and delicious crust. You learned how to make delicious hand pies from scratch. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips for success. Remember, picking fresh apples is key to great flavor. Flaky crusts come from technique, while fun variations keep things interesting. As you experiment, don't hesitate to customize your pies. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With this knowledge, you can create tasty treats for any occasion. Dive into this fun cooking adventure and enjoy every bite!

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the sweet, messy joy of Caramel Apple Hand Pies with this easy recipe! These delightful treats combine juicy apples, warm spices, and rich caramel all wrapped in flaky pie crust. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a fun family baking activity. Create these hand pies today and impress your loved ones! Click to explore the full recipe and bring some deliciousness to your kitchen. #CaramelAppleHandPies #BakingFun #FallDesserts #SweetTreats
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Ingredients
  

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well until the apples are coated. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

    Cook the Apples: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the apple mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften slightly but are not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

      Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. You should have about 8-10 circles, depending on thickness.

        Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one dough circle and place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

          Seal the Pies: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Repeat with remaining dough circles.

            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 and sprinkle with granulated sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

              Bake the Pies: Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with additional caramel sauce drizzled on top if desired.

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