There’s something magical about hand pies. These delightful little pastries are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy dessert after dinner. As I embarked on my journey to veganism, I discovered that hand pies could be easily transformed into delicious plant-based treats. This recipe for Sweet Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies combines the flavors of tender, spiced apples encased in a flaky crust that will make even skeptics fall in love with plant-based desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
- ½ cup coconut oil, solid (not melted)
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (I recommend Granny Smith for a tart flavor)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Plant-based milk for brushing
- Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing the pie crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and coconut sugar. Cut in the solid coconut oil using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well-coated, and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra touch and to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
Transfer the hand pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little plant-based milk and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly before enjoying the warm, gooey goodness of the cinnamon apple filling.
These Sweet Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies are perfect for sharing during a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day. Each bite is a reminder of the warmth of home and the joy of creating delicious plant-based desserts!