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Apple Cheddar Hand Pies Recipe

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4.1 from 35 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 hand pies

Description

These Apple Cheddar Hand Pies are a delightful combination of tart, crisp apples and sharp cheddar cheese encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. Perfect for a sweet and savory treat, these hand pies are baked until golden brown and offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for gatherings or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2.5 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small 1/4″ cubes
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup ice cold vodka
  • 2-4 tablespoons ice cold water
  • 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, preferably white cheddar

For the Filling:

  • 3-4 large tart crisp apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2″ cubes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • Dash of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough base: Place the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl with high sides. Chill this mixture for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to ensure the ingredients are cold and ready for pastry making.
  2. Incorporate butter and cheese: Blend the cold butter cubes into the chilled flour mixture using a food processor, pastry blender, or a butter knife. Stop mixing once the texture becomes mealy but still has some small chunks of butter. Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese with a pastry blender, incorporating it evenly without overmixing.
  3. Add vodka and water: Make a well in the flour mixture. Drizzle in the ice cold vodka while gently mixing with a fork until fully incorporated. Add ice cold water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, testing the dough to ensure it holds together without becoming overly wet or sticky. Only add enough water to form a pliable dough.
  4. Form and chill dough: Shape the dough into two disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before rolling.
  5. Prepare the apple filling: Toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside for about an hour to allow the apples to release their natural juices and meld with the spices.
  6. Roll and cut dough rounds: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out rounds from the dough. Transfer the rounds to a lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Repeat with the second dough disk.
  7. Assemble hand pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove dough rounds from refrigerator and let them soften slightly at room temperature until pliable. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of apple filling onto one half of each round. Lightly brush the edges with cold water, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon, and gently press to seal. Decorate the edges by pressing with the back of a fork. Return the sealed pies to the baking sheet and chill again for 30 minutes.
  8. Prepare egg wash and apply: Whisk together the egg, water, and a dash of salt. Cut three small slits in the top of each hand pie and lightly brush them with the egg wash for a golden finish.
  9. Bake the hand pies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown and fragrant.
  10. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pies to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the melty cheese and sweet apple flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use cold ingredients (butter, vodka, water) to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
  • Vodka helps create a flaky dough by inhibiting gluten formation and evaporates during baking.
  • Choose tart and crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture.
  • Chilling the dough multiple times ensures easier handling and better shape retention during baking.
  • Do not overfill the pies to prevent leaks while baking.
  • The cheddar cheese adds a savory contrast; white sharp cheddar is preferred for its flavor and color.
  • The dough can be prepared a day ahead and kept chilled or frozen for convenience.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/apple-cheddar-hand-pies-recipe/