Caramel Apple Hand Pies

$Here’s what you will need to make caramel apple hand pies: - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash) - A pinch of sea salt (for garnish) Choosing the right apples is key. I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Both work well in pies. The brown sugar gives your filling a deep flavor, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. Cinnamon brings warmth to the filling, and lemon juice keeps the apples bright and fresh. A bit of flour helps bind everything together. Caramel sauce is the star here, adding that gooey goodness. You can use store-bought for ease or make your own if you feel adventurous. For the crust, I suggest using refrigerated pie crusts. They save time and taste great. The egg wash gives the pies a lovely golden finish, while the pinch of sea salt on top lifts the flavors. Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a tasty treat! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Combine diced apples with sugars, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. - Set aside to allow apples to release juices. This step enhances the flavor and texture. - Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into circles. - Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. - Drizzle a teaspoon of caramel sauce over the apples. - Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal. - Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice touch. This keeps the filling inside while baking. - In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk to create an egg wash. - Brush the tops of the hand pies with this wash for a golden finish. - Cut a small slit or X in the top of each pie to let steam escape. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle more caramel sauce on top, if desired. These steps will guide you to make delicious caramel apple hand pies that everyone will love! For the best hand pies, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, which helps balance the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet and juicy flavor. Look for apples that are firm and free of soft spots. The right apple will give your pies a great texture and taste. To roll out your pie crust, keep it cold. Cold dough is easier to work with and helps create a flaky crust. Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. Avoid rolling too thin, as this can make the crust break. To prevent soggy bottoms, you can sprinkle a little flour in the filling. This absorbs excess juice and keeps your crust crisp. To drizzle caramel effectively, use a squeeze bottle or a spoon for control. Start from the center and work your way out. A pinch of sea salt on top adds a nice touch. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel, making each bite even better. This simple addition can elevate your hand pies to a gourmet treat. {{image_2}} You can change the filling of your hand pies for fun. Try using different fruits like pears or peaches. Both fruits add unique flavors and textures. You can also mix in nuts or raisins. Nuts give a nice crunch, while raisins add sweetness. This way, you can create your favorite flavor combinations. If you want a homemade touch, make your caramel sauce. It's simple! Just melt sugar until golden, then add cream. You can also try other toppings. Drizzle chocolate for a rich taste or use fruit preserves for added flavor. These options can change your hand pies in exciting ways. For a healthier version, use whole wheat pie crusts. They add fiber and a nutty flavor. You can also swap out sugar for natural sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup works well and keeps the sweetness. Small changes can make your treats a bit better for you while still being delicious. To keep your caramel apple hand pies fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This method protects them from drying out. They can last for up to three days in the fridge. For freezing, first let the hand pies cool completely. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat hand pies, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and warms the filling nicely. If you need a quicker method, use the microwave. Heat each pie on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds. To get a crispier crust, finish them in a hot skillet for a minute on each side. This adds texture and flavor back to the crust. Yes, you can use frozen apples. They work well in pies. However, you need to make some changes. Frozen apples have more moisture than fresh ones. To fix this, drain any extra liquid after thawing. You may want to add a bit more flour to absorb this moisture. This helps keep your hand pies from getting soggy. You can tell your hand pies are done by their color. They should be golden brown all over. Look for a nice, even color on top. You can also check the bottom. If it's golden too, your pies are ready! A good tip is to set a timer for 20 minutes but keep an eye on them. They may need a bit longer depending on your oven. Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time. This saves you time when you are ready to bake. Just prepare the apples and the other ingredients, then store them in the fridge. You can keep this filling for up to two days. When you are ready, just fill your pie crusts and bake as usual. You learned how to make delicious apple hand pies with simple steps and tasty tips. Remember to pick firm apples for the best flavor. Feel free to customize your filling or try healthier options. Store your extras in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy the sweet smell of fresh pastries as they bake. Now it’s time to share these treats with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of caramel apple hand pies with this easy recipe! Learn how to create flaky, golden pastries filled with sweet apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these treats will be a hit with everyone. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the ultimate fall dessert!

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Ingredients

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

A pinch of sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Mix well and set aside to allow the apples to release their juices.

Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a round cutter (about 5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should be able to get about 8 circles from 2 pie crusts.

Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Drizzle a teaspoon of caramel sauce over the apples.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed while baking.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.

Cut a small slit or X in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before drizzling additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkling with sea salt.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a rustic wooden board with additional caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful treat!