Caramel Apple Christmas Hand Pies with Spiced Sugar
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boxes refrigerated pie crusts (4 sheets total)
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup high-quality caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened. Stir in the caramel sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a teaspoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apples. Cook for another minute until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a large cookie cutter (about 3.5 to 4 inches) in shapes like stars, circles, or trees to cut out the dough. You will need two matching shapes for each hand pie.
- Place half of the dough shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Place about one tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture into the center of each shape, leaving a border around the edges. Avoid overfilling, as this will cause the pies to leak during baking.
- Whisk the egg and one tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of the bottom dough shapes. Place the matching dough shape on top. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly together, sealing the filling inside. Cut a small slit or “X” in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, extra cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to create the spiced sugar. Brush the tops of the assembled hand pies with the remaining egg wash. Generously sprinkle the spiced sugar over the top of each pie.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly through the vents. Transfer the pies to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.