Cinematic Cinnamon-Apple Hand Pies

Allergens

Egg, Wheat

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 1/2 cups all
• purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 4 inch rounds using a cookie cutter or the mouth of a jar. Repeat with the second dough disk.
7. Place a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of half of the dough rounds. Brush the edges of each round with beaten egg, and then top with another dough round, pressing the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative border.
8. Cut three small slits in the top of each pie for ventilation. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
9. Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 22 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Cool on wire racks for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Insight

To add even more depth to the flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or apple juice to the apple filling.

Notes

The use of Granny Smith apples ensures a tart contrast to the sweet filling and crust.