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When it comes to making your hand pies, the apple filling is central to the flavor and overall success of your dish. For each hand pie, aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling. This portion ensures that the pies are filled adequately without overstuffing. Overfilling can lead to a messy situation where the filling oozes out during baking, causing the pies to burst and lose their delightful shape.

Crispy Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Indulge in the nostalgia of homemade desserts with this crispy apple cinnamon hand pies recipe. Featuring a flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling, these handheld treats are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a sweet addition to any meal. Our step-by-step guide makes it easy for anyone to recreate this comforting classic. Discover tips on selecting the best apples, preparing the perfect filling, and achieving that golden, flaky crust for an irresistible treat everyone will love. Make your kitchen smell heavenly with the warm aroma of baked cinnamon and apples!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts (store-bought or homemade if you prefer)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Cooking spray or butter, for greasing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with a spritz of cooking spray or a light layer of butter to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes; this will help the flavors meld and the juices to develop from the apples.

      Roll Out the Pie Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your pie crusts to smooth out any creases or folds. Using a round cutter (approximately 4 inches in diameter), carefully cut out circles of dough. Aim to create about 8 circles in total.

        Fill the Hand Pies: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult.

          Seal the Hand Pies: Lightly moisten the edges of each dough circle with a bit of water. Fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges, adding a decorative touch as well as reinforcing the seal.

            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 to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake. Finish by sprinkling a little Turbinado sugar on top for an extra crunchy and sweet finish.

              Bake the Hand Pies: Arrange the prepared hand pies on your baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space between each to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, and savor every delightful bite of your crispy apple cinnamon hand pies!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 8 hand pies