Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
These Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies are delightful pockets of spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, making them the perfect autumn treat.
As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air here in New York City, my thoughts drift towards the comforting delights of fall baking. The rich scent of caramelized apples mingling with toasty, nutty brown butter has become synonymous with my autumn routine. That's why I'm excited to share this irresistible recipe for Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies-a perfect treat for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Indulge in the warm, toasty flavor of brown butter that elevates every bite.
- Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness from fresh apples.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, these hand pies are easy to make and delightful to share.
- They're portable, making them great for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy dessert at home.
- With a flaky, buttery crust, you'll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make delicious Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies:
For the pie crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 3 to 4 medium apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
To finish:
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your own Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies:
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Cut the chilled butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Once it holds together, form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns a lovely golden brown and starts to smell nutty-this is where the magic happens. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are softened and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Make sure to cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra crunch. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky, with the center exhibiting that perfect slight jiggle.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply delightful!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a flaky crust; overmixing can make it tough.
- Skipping the Chill: Always chill your pie dough to make it easier to handle and to create a flakier crust.
- Not Properly Sealing the Edges: Make sure to crimp or seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavors; adding a few dashes of nutmeg can also elevate the filling.
- If you want to make these ahead of time, feel free to freeze the assembled pies before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve them.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
Variations
- Use a combination of apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart.
- Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added texture.
- Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking for easy preparation.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled pies before baking and add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered the transformative power of brown butter-it adds a depth that truly elevates the humble apple. Moreover, these hand pies are not just delicious but also an exquisite way to showcase the warm flavors of autumn during holiday gatherings.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 hand pies · Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 2g protein · 35g carbs · 12g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Cut the chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water until the dough holds together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut out 4-inch circles from the dough.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of apple filling in each circle's center. Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp edges with a fork. Cut a few slits on top for steam to escape.
- Arrange hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow hand pies to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
What types of apples are best for hand pies?
For hand pies, varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also experiment with other apple varieties to find your perfect flavor combination.
Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled hand pies before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve them.
How should I store leftover hand pies?
Leftover Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
