Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
September → Apples → Caramel Apples → Salted Caramel → Ice Cream → Pie → I Hate Sharing Dessert → Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
September → Apples → Caramel Apples → Salted Caramel → Ice Cream → Pie → I Hate Sharing Dessert → Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- for the dough:
- for the filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup cold sour cream
- 2 cups small diced (peeled) granny smith apples (see kell
- 8 store-bought soft caramels roughly chopped
- large flake sea salt (see kelly's notes)
- egg wash (1 egg lightly whisked with 1 tablespoon
- crystal sanding sugar (optional)
- Carbohydrate 19.3756890224167 g
- Cholesterol 0.163333333001956 mg
- Fat 0.285206083561338 g
- Fiber 0.765075844437689 g
- Protein 2.67051575278454 g
- Saturated Fat 0.062159916669041 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (35g)
- Sodium 1723.71980439557 mg
- Sugar 18.610613177979 g
- Trans Fat 0.084264133428874 g
- Calories 93 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the dough: Whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Add the cubed butter to the bowl and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture is the consistency of wet sand.
- Stir in the sour cream (the dough will be very wet), and then turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface.
- Knead the dough a few times until it comes together, adding more flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky to handle. Roll the dough into an 8x10-inch rectangle and dust both sides with flour before folding it into thirds as if you were folding a letter.
- Rotate the dough 90° and roll it out again into an 8x10-inch rectangle. Fold the dough again into thirds then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes while you make the filling.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar and flour, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
- Assemble the pies: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unfold it onto a well-floured surface, rolling it out to a 14x14-inch square.
- Using a 3-inch circular cookie cutter or cup, cut out as many circles as possible. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting out circles until you run out of dough, ensuring you end up with an even number of circles.
- Place six of the dough circles on a Silpat or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Spoon a small portion of the apple filling into the center of each circle, leaving enough of a border around the filling. Top the apple filling with a portion of the chopped caramels and a pinch of sea salt. Place a second dough circle atop each filled circle then use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing each pie.
- Brush each pie with the egg wash, and using a sharp knife, cut two or three vents on the top of each pie. Sprinkle the pies with crystal sanding sugar (optional).
- Bake the pies for about 15 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
- Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Repeat the filling and baking process with the remaining dough circles.
My Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pie Adventure
The scent of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven always takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen. Autumn is my favorite time of year, not just because of the crisp air and changing leaves, but because of the abundance of delicious apples. This year, I decided to experiment with a recipe I found online – Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies. I've always been a sucker for anything caramel, and the combination of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt sounded utterly irresistible. The thought of warm, gooey apple filling encased in flaky pastry was enough to send my taste buds into overdrive. This wasn't just any baking project; it was a mission to create the perfect autumnal treat, one that would capture the essence of the season in every bite.
The recipe itself was fairly straightforward, involving the creation of a simple, buttery dough and a sweet and tangy apple filling. I meticulously followed each step, feeling a sense of accomplishment with each stage completed. The process was surprisingly therapeutic; the rhythmic kneading of the dough, the careful folding of the pastry, and the precise arrangement of the filling – all these actions combined to create a mindful experience. There's something undeniably satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch, knowing that every ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen and carefully prepared. The aroma filling my kitchen as the pies baked was heavenly. The golden-brown crust, glistening with a sugary sheen, promised a delicious reward. And it didn't disappoint. The first bite was pure bliss – a harmonious blend of sweet apples, creamy caramel, and a subtle, balancing saltiness. The flaky pastry provided a perfect contrast to the soft, warm filling. It was everything I had hoped for and more.
Making these hand pies wasn't just about the delicious end result; it was about the journey. The time spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the intoxicating scents of baking spices and warm apples, became a moment of reflection and relaxation. It reminded me of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. The process was a form of self-care, a way to escape the everyday hustle and find solace in the comforting rhythm of baking. And, of course, the finished product was a delicious reward, a testament to the time and effort invested. These Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies weren't just a dessert; they were an experience, a story baked into every flaky layer.
Beyond the Recipe: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can experiment with different types of apples, adjusting the sweetness and tartness to your preference. Instead of store-bought caramels, you could even make your own homemade caramel sauce for an extra touch of homemade goodness. Feel free to add other spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to the apple filling to further enhance the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks: For a truly impressive presentation, consider using decorative cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes. Dusting the pies with powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance. Serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to elevate this dessert to the next level.
More than just a recipe: This experience goes beyond a simple baking recipe. It showcases a moment of creativity, mindfulness, and the simple joys of creating something delicious from scratch. The feeling of accomplishment, the aroma of baking, and the taste of the final product are elements that enrich our lives. As I sit here, enjoying the last bite of my hand pies, I'm already planning my next baking adventure. What will it be next? Maybe a pumpkin pie or perhaps some gingerbread cookies. Whatever it may be, I'm sure it will be filled with the same love, care, and deliciousness that went into these amazing Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies.
