Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a cozy haven of irresistible aromas and mouthwatering flavors! These Apple and Pear Hand Pies are not just a dessert; they're a portable slice of pure comfort that combines the sweet, tender essence of seasonal fruits with a perfectly flaky, buttery crust. Whether you're looking for a delightful afternoon treat, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a nostalgic reminder of home-baked goodness, these hand pies are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 hand pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 pears, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax.
- Meanwhile, prepare the fruit filling by combining diced apples, diced pears, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Gently mix to ensure the fruit is evenly coated with spices and lemon juice.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
- Place a small spoonful of the fruit mixture in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges completely.
- Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash and cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. The hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold: The secret to a flaky, tender crust is using chilled butter and handling the dough minimally.
- Don't overfill: While it's tempting to pack in more fruit, too much filling can lead to leaks and soggy bottoms.
- Crimp edges thoroughly: Use a fork to ensure a tight seal and prevent filling from escaping during baking.
- Let them rest: Allowing the hand pies to cool slightly helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth.
- Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth of flavor.
- Make ahead and freeze: These hand pies can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking, perfect for quick desserts or unexpected guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
