Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies Recipe

If you are craving a delightful, fruity treat that’s bursting with flavor and wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, these Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies are exactly what you need. Imagine a perfectly golden, portable pie filled with sweet apricot jam—easy enough for weekday baking yet elegant enough to impress guests. This recipe is a wonderful blend of simple pantry ingredients coming together to create a signature dessert that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether it’s for afternoon tea, a holiday snack, or a spontaneous craving, these hand pies never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making these Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies come alive. Each simple component plays an essential role—from the flaky, tender dough to the luscious apricot filling that oozes sweetness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a tender, flaky crust that holds everything together.
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is the secret for flaky layers — it keeps the dough light and buttery.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of apricot jam.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while cutting through sweetness.
• 1/4 cup ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter, ensuring perfect texture.
• 3/4 cup apricot jam: The star filling that’s sweet, fruity, and full of sunshine.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Used to brush the pies before baking, giving them a gorgeous golden finish.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: A light dusting after baking to add sweetness and an appealing look.

How to Make Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your pies go in. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. This helps distribute the sugar and salt evenly, preparing a balanced flavor base for your dough.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, add the cold cubed butter to your dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial for creating those flaky layers we love in hand pies.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

Slowly drizzle in the ice water, mixing gently by hand or a spoon to form a dough ball. Be careful not to add too much water — you want just enough to hold the dough together. Avoid overworking it to keep the crust tender and flaky.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough into an even rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut it into equal squares, which will become your individual hand pies.

Step 5: Fill and Seal

Place a teaspoon of apricot jam in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on your preference, and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the hand pies with milk to help them develop a golden, shiny crust. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Allow the pies to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness and charm.

How to Serve Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra flair. Fresh mint leaves also complement the apricot flavor nicely and make your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

These hand pies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. For brunch, try serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies into charming party favors by wrapping each pie in parchment paper tied with twine. Or serve them family-style in a rustic basket with cloth napkins to evoke cozy, home-baked goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, refrigeration is best but may soften the crust slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked hand pies by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?

Absolutely! If you have fresh apricots, cook them down with a bit of sugar to make a homemade filling. This will give your pies a fresher, slightly less sweet taste but just as delightful.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend should work, but texture may vary slightly. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent to ensure the dough holds together.

Can these hand pies be made vegan?

Definitely! Use plant-based butter alternatives and replace the milk wash with almond milk or another non-dairy milk. Choose a vegan-friendly apricot jam, and you’re all set.

How many hand pies does this recipe make?

This recipe typically yields about 12 medium-sized hand pies, depending on how big you cut your dough squares.

What is the best way to avoid soggy bottoms?

Keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough helps ensure flakiness and crispness. Also, use parchment paper on your baking sheet and bake at the recommended temperature for a golden, crisp bottom crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm, golden apricot hand pie fresh from the oven. These Scrumptious Apricot Hand Pies are not only delicious but a joyous baking experience that anyone can enjoy. Whip up a batch and share the happiness because good food like this is meant to be savored and passed around at the table. You’ll quickly see why these hand pies become a beloved favorite in your homemade baking adventures.