Simple & Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while maintaining richness.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia offers a lower-calorie sweetener option.

apples

🥗Healthier: pears

💰Cheaper: frozen apple filling

Pears can provide a similar texture and flavor.

Make the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring often, until the apples are soft and the sugar is melted, about 8-10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then add it to the apple mixture. Stir and cook until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Make the Biscuit Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together (do not overmix). If needed, add a bit more buttermilk until the dough is soft and pliable. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly, about 4-5 times, until smooth. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Assemble the Hand Pies: Using a round cutter (about 5-6 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal and crimp the edges. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape during frying.

Fry the Hand Pies: In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (or until a small piece of dough sizzles immediately when dropped into the oil). Fry the hand pies in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pies or serve plain.

Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. These fried apple hand pies are wonderful on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens