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- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash) - Sea salt for garnish (optional) - Additional spices (nutmeg, ginger) - Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - Vanilla extract for enhanced flavor When making caramel apple hand pies, I always choose the right apples. Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness. Honeycrisp apples give a sweet crunch. You can mix both types for more flavor. I love adding caramel sauce to the apples. It makes each bite rich and sweet. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for ease. If you prefer homemade, it’s simple to make. Just heat sugar until it melts, then add cream. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. The lemon juice brightens the flavor. Brown sugar brings a deeper sweetness to the mix. I often add these ingredients in a bowl first. This helps the apples absorb the flavors well. For the crust, you can use a store-bought pie crust. If you want to make your own, it adds a personal touch. The dough should be rolled out thin. This ensures the pies bake evenly and are easy to handle. Don’t forget the egg wash! Mixing an egg with milk creates a lovely golden color when baked. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in presentation. Lastly, a sprinkle of sea salt on top is optional. It adds a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. You can also play with variations. Adding chopped nuts or spices like nutmeg and ginger can add depth. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor as well. These ingredients create a delightful treat for fall. The warm, sweet filling and flaky crust make these hand pies irresistible. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take two large apples. You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel and dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with one cup of caramel sauce. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir well to coat the apples. This mixture will create a sweet and tangy filling. Next, take your pie crust. If you use a store-bought one, that’s fine. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter, about 4-5 inches in diameter, to cut out circles. You should get about 6-8 circles from one sheet of dough. Now, it’s time to fill the dough circles. Take one circle and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This step is key to keeping the filling inside while baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with one tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the top of each hand pie. This will give them a lovely golden color when they bake. Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top if you like. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt for an extra pop of flavor. Serve them warm for the best taste! For caramel apple hand pies, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples are tart. They balance the sweet caramel well. Their firm texture holds up during baking. This makes them ideal for pies. Honeycrisp apples are also great. They are sweet and juicy. Their crispness adds a nice bite. Both types excel in this recipe. You can even mix them for more flavor! To achieve a great crust, start with chilled dough. Cold dough rolls out better. Dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Keep it even for the best results. Use a round cutter to make circles. Aim for 4-5 inches in diameter. If the dough feels soft, chill it again. This helps it hold shape when you bake. To avoid overflow, portion your apple filling carefully. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per pie. If you overfill, the filling might leak out. This can create a mess in the oven. Make sure to seal the edges well. Press them with a fork to keep the filling inside. You want a nice, clean bake. This way, your hand pies will look great and taste even better! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp as they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the caramel. Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges of the dough firmly with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Don’t Overfill: Use just 1-2 tablespoons of filling to ensure the hand pies bake evenly and stay crisp without bursting. Cool Before Serving: Allow the hand pies to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps the filling set and makes them easier to handle. {{image_2}} You can mix up the filling for your hand pies. Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch. You can also use other fruits, like pears or berries, to change the flavor. Just keep the apple and caramel for a sweet base. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative! If you want a healthier treat, consider using whole wheat pastry crust. This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. You can also cut down the sugar in the filling. Use less brown sugar or choose a natural sweetener. This way, you can enjoy the taste of caramel apples without as much guilt. Add a twist for the fall by using spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices bring warmth and depth to the taste. You can also mix in a splash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor. During the holidays, consider adding dried cranberries or a hint of pumpkin spice. These simple changes make your hand pies special for any season! To keep your baked caramel apple hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They will stay good for up to three days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. This keeps them fresh for about a week. You can freeze hand pies before or after baking. For freezing before baking, assemble your pies, then place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, wrap each pie in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last for up to three months. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap and store them as you would the uncooked ones. To reheat your hand pies and keep them crisp, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and cook for about 5-8 minutes. This method helps restore their flaky texture and warm filling. Caramel apple hand pies stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. They may get a bit soft in the fridge, but they will still taste great. Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance. Just combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a bowl. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. This way, the flavors will blend nicely. When you're ready, just fill your dough and bake! These hand pies are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. For a fun twist, serve them with a side of warm apple cider or a spiced chai tea. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall! You can make delicious caramel apple hand pies with just a few ingredients and steps. This simple recipe combines fresh apples with rich caramel and is wrapped in flaky dough. Remember to experiment with different fillings and spices for your own twist. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. You can also prepare the filling ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats with family and friends. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Caramel Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with caramel and diced apples, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
  • optional Sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the apples evenly and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  • Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should be able to make about 6-8 circles depending on the size.
  • Assemble the Hand Pies: Take one dough circle and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
  • Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie to give them a nice golden color while baking.
  • Bake the Hand Pies: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top if desired, and sprinkle with sea salt for an added touch.

Notes

Serve with extra caramel sauce for dipping and garnish with apple slices.
Keyword apple, caramel, dessert, hand pies