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Hand pies have carved out a beloved niche in dessert culture, celebrated for their portability and the delightful combination of flaky crusts and flavorful fillings. These convenient little pastries are perfect for any occasion, lending themselves well to both casual gatherings and more formal events. As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, the Sweet & Sticky Caramel Apple Hand Pies emerge as the quintessential fall dessert, evoking warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Sweet & Sticky Caramel Apple Hand Pies! These delightful pastries combine tart Granny Smith apples and rich caramel wrapped in a flaky crust, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a simple recipe and easy-to-find ingredients, you can create these charming treats that evoke childhood memories of caramel apples. Bake a batch and enjoy the warmth and happiness of autumn gatherings with family and friends!

Ingredients
  

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 sheet of pre-made pie pastry or puff pastry (store-bought)

1 egg (for egg wash)

2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)

Pinch of salt

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apple Filling:

    - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still slightly crisp. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce. Let the mixture cool.

      Preheat the Oven:

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

          Roll Out the Pastry:

            - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry sheet to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to cut out circles, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter. You should get about 6-8 circles, depending on how carefully you cut.

              Fill the Pies:

                - Place 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling on one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst during baking. Brush a little water around the edge of the pastry.

                  Seal and Cut:

                    - Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch and to ensure they’re sealed well. Make a few small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

                      Egg Wash & Bake:

                        - In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush a thin layer over each hand pie to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

                          Serve:

                            - Allow the pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before drizzling with additional caramel sauce and dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of caramel and apple in each bite!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | 6-8 servings