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Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe

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5 from 99 reviews

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand pies made with flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. These charming mitten-shaped desserts are perfect for cozy winter gatherings or as a festive treat, featuring a golden crust adorned with pearl sugar and a drizzle of sweet icing.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Egg Wash

  • 2 sheets (17.6 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Apple Filling

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Decoration

  • Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar (optional)
  • Icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat all the apple pieces and set the filling aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Shape Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets evenly. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template along with a sharp knife, cut out 16 mitten shapes from the pastry sheets.
  4. Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 mitten-shaped pastry bases on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each, taking care to leave enough border around the edges for sealing.
  5. Seal Pastries: Brush the edges of each pastry base with the beaten egg. Carefully top each filled base with a second mitten cutout. Press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal the pies completely and prevent filling leakage during baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush the tops of the pies with more beaten egg to help them attain a beautiful golden brown color. If you like, sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
  7. Vent and Bake: Cut a small vent in the top of each pie with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pies from becoming soggy. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
  8. Cool and Decorate: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Once warm, drizzle each pie with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk for a sweet finishing touch, if desired.

Notes

  • Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Ensure puff pastry sheets are properly thawed but still cold to make cutting and sealing easier.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your apples.
  • Make small vents on the top of the pies to prevent bursting during baking.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute egg wash with milk or use a plant-based alternative.
  • These pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: apple pie, hand pies, puff pastry, winter dessert, spiced apple, mitten shaped pies, holiday treats, cozy desserts

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/winter-comfort-mitten-pies-recipe/