There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen, especially during apple season. It’s the perfect time to grab some apples and make a delightful treat with your kids. These cinnamon apple hand pies are not only delicious but also a wonderful family activity.

This recipe is designed for small batches, making it ideal for experimenting with flavors and involving kids in a manageable project. Plus, these pies are freezer-friendly, so you can save some for later!

Why Make Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies with Kids?

Baking with kids isn’t just fun but it’s incredibly rewarding. Here’s why this activity is worth your time:

• Encourages Creativity: Letting kids choose shapes for the pies thus fosters imagination.
• Fine Motor Skills: Measuring, rolling dough, and sealing edges consequently help develop coordination.
• Family Bonding: Baking together creates cherished memories that last forever.
• Teaches Cooking Basics: Kids learn about ingredients, measurements, and cooking techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’ll focus on a single small batch first. Once you’ve mastered it, scaling up is a breeze!

Dough (for 12 pies):

• 516g flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 144g butter (cold, cubed)
• 144g shortening (cold, cubed)
• 6 tbsp cold water

Filling:

Check out my cinnamon apple recipe here. This is perfect to store in mason jars or in freezer-safe containers so you have something ready when you crave a quick dessert.

Topping:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Cinnamon sugar mixture for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples soften and the mixture thickens.
3. Let it cool while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add cold butter and shortening, cutting them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Fun with Kids: Shape and Fill

Here’s where the magic happens!

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
2. Let kids choose their favorite shapes using cookie cutters. Circles, hearts, or even stars work well.
3. Place a spoonful of cooled cinnamon apple filling onto one half of each shape.
4. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing gently with a fork or twisting them.

Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle

1. Brush each pie with egg wash.
2. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra sweetness.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Scaling Up for Big Batches

Once your kids fall in love with these hand pies, you’ll likely want to make more. To save time, prepare the filling and dough in advance and freeze them separately. Here’s how:

Freezing Dough:

• Roll the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic, and store in a freezer bag.
• Defrost in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.

Freezing Filling:

• Place the cooled filling in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Thaw at room temperature and stir before use.

Freezing Assembled Pies:

• Lay unbaked pies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Bake directly from frozen then just add an extra 5-7 minutes.

Making It Your Own

The best part of this recipe is its versatility since you can customize these hand pies based on what you have or your kids’ preferences.

Alternate Fillings:

• Berry Bliss: Use mixed berries with a sprinkle of sugar.
• Nutty Delight: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon apple mixture.
• Chocolate Surprise: Swap the apple filling for chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.

Creative Shapes:

• Encourage kids to experiment with different cookie cutter shapes, from animals to holiday themes. This, therefore, helps in encouraging kids to express creativity.

The Benefits of Messy Fun

Yes, baking with kids can get messy, but the rewards far outweigh the cleanup. Watching their joy as they create something delicious is priceless. Plus, teaching them to clean up afterward is a bonus life skill!

Perfect for Every Occasion

These cinnamon apple hand pies aren’t just for family fun but they’re versatile enough for any occasion:

• Picnics: Easy to pack and share.
• Lunchbox Treats: A sweet surprise for school days.
• Holiday Desserts: Add a festive twist with decorative crust designs.

A Family Tradition in the Making

Baking cinnamon apple hand pies with your kids isn’t just about the pies, likewise, it’s about the time spent together. Whether it’s a rainy day activity or a new fall tradition, these pies will always remind you of the sweet moments shared.

So grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some delicious fun!

Happy baking! 🥧