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Indulging in the sweet, comforting flavors of fall is a cherished tradition, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade Caramel Apple Hand Pies? These delightful pastries encapsulate the essence of autumn with their flaky crust, warm spiced apple filling, and rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a treat to savor solo, this recipe will guide you through creating these irresistible hand pies from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in the process and satisfaction in the outcome.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Celebrate the essence of fall with homemade Caramel Apple Hand Pies! These delightful pastries feature a flaky crust filled with spiced apples and rich caramel, making for a perfect cozy treat. This recipe guides you step-by-step through crafting the ideal pie crust and filling, ensuring that every bite is a savory sensation. Perfect for gatherings or solo indulgence, these hand pies evoke nostalgia and warmth, making them an autumn favorite. Enjoy the sweet taste of the season!

Ingredients
  

For the Pie Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon granulated sugar

6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

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

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pie Crust:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

      - Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.

        - Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

          Make the Filling:

            - In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until well combined. Fold in the caramel sauce until the apples are evenly coated.

              Roll Out the Dough:

                - On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.

                  - Re-roll any scraps as needed.

                    Assemble the Hand Pies:

                      - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

                        - Place a generous tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative look.

                          - Repeat this with the remaining dough and filling.

                            Prepare for Baking:

                              - Brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.

                                Bake the Hand Pies:

                                  - Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

                                    Cool and Drizzle:

                                      - Remove from the oven and let the pies cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm hand pies before serving.

                                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 hand pies