Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these delightful hand pies! Forget store-bought pastries; this recipe unlocks the secret to creating flaky, buttery hand pie dough from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you to homemade hand pie perfection. It's the perfect solution for quick dinner ideas, a healthy meal option, or simply satisfying that sweet or savory craving. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
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For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
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For the Filling (choose your favorite!):
- Sweet: Apple, blueberry, cherry, or a creamy custard filling.
- Savory: Chicken and vegetables, beef and cheese, or mushrooms and spinach. (Recipes for specific fillings can be found in my other posts!)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.
Assembling the Hand Pies:
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Add Filling: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each circle, leaving about a half-inch border.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. For extra flair, you can use a decorative crimping tool.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg or milk for a golden brown finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for Hand Pie Success:
- Keep it Cold: Cold butter is key to flaky pastry. Use ice water and work quickly to avoid melting the butter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage during baking.
- Proper Filling Amount: Don't overfill the pies, or the filling might leak out during baking.
Variations:
- Sweet Hand Pies: Experiment with different fruit fillings, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or drizzle with a glaze after baking.
- Savory Hand Pies: Use leftover cooked meats, vegetables, or cheeses to create unique and flavorful hand pies.
Nutritional Information (per hand pie, approximate, will vary based on filling):
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
These delicious hand pies are a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals you can make at home. They're perfect for meal prepping or a quick and satisfying treat. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and making these delightful hand pies your own! They're sure to become a family favorite.