Gluten Free Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Gluten Free Brown Butter Apple Hand Pies.

1. Step 1

   Start by pulsing together 2 1/2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of white sugar (if using), 2 teaspoons of xanthan gum, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a food processor. This will create a well-mixed dry base for your dough.

2. Step 2

   Next, add in 3/4 cup of butter, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup of cold water. Blend everything until the mixture is crumbly yet holds together when pinched. If the dough feels too dry, add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

3. Step 3

   Once your dough is ready, form it into a ball, place it in a bowl, and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture!

4. Step 4

   While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready for baking later.

5. Step 5

   In a large bowl, mix together your apple filling. Combine sliced apples with 1/4 cup of white sugar, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, a splash of lemon juice, a dash of vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. This mixture will create a sweet and aromatic filling that pairs beautifully with the crust.

6. Step 6

   Now, let’s make the brown butter! Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until the butter becomes foamy and turns a lovely golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Pour this delicious browned butter over your apple mixture and stir to coat the apples evenly.

7. Step 7

   Once your dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out 4-inch circles from the dough. Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create an egg wash, and brush this over each circle of dough.

8. Step 8

   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This will keep all that delicious filling inside!

9. Step 9

   Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle a teaspoon of white sugar over each pie for a touch of sweetness and shine.

10. Step 10

    Finally, bake your hand pies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and irresistible. Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky crust and warm apple filling!