Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that bursts with the warm, aromatic spices of chai and the sweet, tender chunks of apple. These irresistible Apple Chai Hand Pies are not just a dessert—they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these portable pockets of deliciousness will transport your taste buds to a world of cozy comfort and delightful flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 hand pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp chai spice blend
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and butter to firm up.
- While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform cubes. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with chai spice blend and brown sugar, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
- Place a small spoonful of the apple chai mixture in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely. Cut a small vent on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
- Brush each hand pie with beaten egg wash, which will give a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each pie. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot, so allow time for cooling.
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold to ensure a flaky, tender crust that practically melts in your mouth.
- Don't overwork the dough—mix just until it comes together to prevent tough pastry.
- Use a mix of sweet and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use a fork to crimp edges tightly and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- If you don't have chai spice blend, make your own with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and prevent burnt tongues!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
