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To make these tasty caramel apple hand pies, you will need: - 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 rolls) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling) - A pinch of salt You can add fun twists to your hand pies with these options: - Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans - Dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness - A dash of nutmeg for a warm spice flavor - Vanilla extract to enhance the caramel taste If you don’t have some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use other apple types like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavors. - Replace caramel sauce with chocolate sauce for a chocolate twist. - Use homemade pie crust if you prefer to make your own from scratch. - Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a tart kick. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure your hand pies bake evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the pies from sticking. 3. In a bowl, mix the diced apples, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the apples are well coated. 4. On a floured surface, unroll the pie crusts. Use a round cutter to cut out 4-5 inch circles. Aim for 8 circles total. 5. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the filling onto half of each circle. Don’t overfill! 6. Fold the other half of the crust over the filling. Press the edges to seal them tightly. 7. Use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a nice touch and helps seal them better. 8. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for sweetness. 9. Cut small slits on top of each pie. This lets steam escape while baking. 10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing! 11. Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. 12. Serve warm. You can garnish with apple slices and a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy! To make the best caramel apple hand pies, keep a few tips in mind. First, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness. The mix of sweet caramel with tart apples creates a great balance. You want to cut the apples into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly inside the pie. Always taste the filling before sealing the pies. Adjust the cinnamon or lemon juice if needed. Make sure you seal the edges well. This prevents the filling from leaking while baking. Many people struggle with hand pies. One mistake is overfilling the pies. Use only 1-2 tablespoons of filling. If you add too much, they will burst. Another common error is not crimping the edges. Crimping helps seal the pies. If you skip this step, they may open during baking. Also, don’t forget to cut slits on top. This allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess. Finally, make sure your oven is preheated. Baking in a cold oven can ruin your pies. There are many ways to boost the flavor of your hand pies. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You can mix in some chopped nuts for crunch. Consider using vanilla extract in the filling for extra depth. For a twist, try adding dried cranberries or raisins. They pair well with apples and caramel. Drizzling extra caramel on top just before serving adds a sweet touch. You can also serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special treat. {{image_4}} You can have fun with your apple choice. Granny Smith apples are tart and crisp. They balance well with sweet caramel. Honeycrisp apples add a juicy crunch. They bring out a sweet flavor in the pies. For a softer filling, try Fuji apples. They give a lovely sweetness. Each apple type changes the pie's taste. Experiment with your favorites to find the best mix. While caramel apple is classic, you can mix it up! Try adding nuts, like pecans or walnuts. They add a nice crunch. You can also add dried cranberries for a tangy twist. A sprinkle of shredded coconut brings a tropical note. For a chocolate touch, add mini chocolate chips. You could even swap caramel for chocolate sauce or peanut butter. The options are endless, so let your taste guide you! You don't have to stick with pie crust. Biscuit dough can create a fluffier hand pie. You can also use puff pastry for a flaky treat. If you're feeling adventurous, try a shortcrust pastry. It gives a rich flavor and crumbly texture. For gluten-free options, use almond or coconut flour crusts. Each crust type gives a unique taste and texture. Choose what you love best for your hand pies! To keep your hand pies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will avoid drying out. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is best. Just remember, the crust might get a bit soft in the fridge. You can freeze your hand pies for later! First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm. This will help the crust stay crispy. If you’re in a hurry, use a microwave. Just heat them for 20-30 seconds, but the crust may not be as crunchy. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime! To prevent the filling from leaking, don't overfill the hand pies. Use 1-2 tablespoons of filling per pie. Seal the edges well by pressing them tightly. Crimping with a fork helps too. Lastly, cut small slits on top to let steam escape. This keeps the filling inside while baking. Yes, you can make these hand pies in advance. Prepare the filling and assemble the pies. Place them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can keep them in the fridge for a day. If you want to store them longer, freeze them before baking. Just remember to bake them straight from the freezer. Serve the hand pies warm for the best taste. Place them on a nice plate. You can add a few apple slices for color. A small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping makes it even better. It's a fun and tasty way to enjoy them! In this post, I shared how to make hand pies. We covered ingredients, step-by-step methods, and tips for success. Remember to choose the right apples and avoid common mistakes. Consider unique fillings for special flavors. Storing and reheating tips will help keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with variations! Hand pies are a fun treat to make and share.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Indulge in the sweetness of homemade Caramel Apple Hand Pies! With flaky crusts filled with tart Granny Smith apples and gooey caramel, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion. Discover the easy step-by-step recipe that will have you baking like a pro in no time. Don’t miss out on the joy of creating these delicious hand pies—click through to unlock the full recipe and elevate your dessert game!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1 cup caramel sauce (choose your favorite store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (contains 2 rolls)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.

      On a lightly floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Use a round cutter or a small drinking glass to cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 8 circles in total (4 for the base and 4 for the top of your hand pies).

        Take each pie crust circle and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the caramel apple filling onto one half of the circle. Ensure you don't overfill to avoid spilling during baking!

          Carefully fold the other half of the crust over the filling, creating a semi-circle shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp and decorate the edges for a lovely touch.

            In a small bowl, whisk the beaten egg to create an egg wash. Brush a light layer of the egg wash across the top of each hand pie, then sprinkle granulated sugar over the wash for a sweet and crispy finish.

              Using a sharp knife, cut a few small slits on top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing any potential bursting.

                Arrange the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

                  Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with additional caramel sauce just before enjoying!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 (2 pies each)

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a decorative plate, garnished with a few apple slices and a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping.