I’ve created these aromatic hand pies that combine the cozy warmth of chai spices with tender apples and crispy puff pastry. The addition of pecans and minimal coconut sugar lets the natural sweetness of the apples shine through.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Drawing inspiration from both traditional American apple pie and Indian chai spices, I’ve developed these hand pies to celebrate the perfect marriage of East meets West. The warming spices enhance the natural sweetness of the apples while reducing the need for added sugar.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 medium Honeycrisp apples (600g/21oz), diced
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (12g)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
- 1/4 cup pecans (28g), finely chopped
For the Chai Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground star anise
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (275g/9.7oz), thawed
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- Additional coconut sugar for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend
- Combine all spices in small bowl
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution
- Set aside 2 teaspoons for filling
- Reserve remainder for future use
- Prepare the Filling
- Peel and dice apples into 1/4-inch cubes
- Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning
- Add coconut sugar and chai spice blend
- Mix in chopped pecans
- Let stand 15 minutes to release juices
- Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper
- Roll pastry into 15×12-inch rectangle
- Cut into 6 equal rectangles
- Assembly
- Place filling on one half of each rectangle
- Leave 1/2-inch border for sealing
- Brush edges with egg wash
- Fold pastry over filling
- Crimp edges with fork
- Cut small vents in top
- Brush with egg wash
- Sprinkle with coconut sugar
- Baking
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown
- Rotate pan halfway through
- Cool 15 minutes before serving
Expert Tips
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape
- Drain excess liquid from filling before assembling
- Keep pastry cold until ready to use
- Don’t overfill to prevent leakage
- Cool slightly before eating to allow filling to set
Storage Instructions
- Best enjoyed same day
- Store at room temperature up to 2 days
- Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 hand pie):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Natural Sugars: 12g
- Added Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Servings Per Recipe: 6
These Chai-Spiced Apple Hand Pies offer a sophisticated twist on the classic apple pie. The complex blend of chai spices adds depth and warmth while complementing the natural sweetness of the apples. The pecans provide a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture experience.
The use of coconut sugar instead of refined sugar adds a subtle caramel note while keeping the sweetness level moderate. The flaky puff pastry creates the perfect portable package for enjoying these aromatic treats any time of day.
For the best experience, enjoy these hand pies while still slightly warm, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is perfectly tender. The aromatic chai spices will fill your kitchen with an inviting fragrance that makes these pies even more irresistible.
