🥧 Fried Apple or Peach Pies

🥧 Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Description

Golden, flaky pastry filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced fruit. These hand pies can be made with apples or peaches — both versions are irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, chopped apples or peeled, chopped peaches (fresh or canned, drained)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon water

For the Dough:

(You can use homemade or refrigerated pie crust or biscuit dough)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup shortening or butter

• ⅓ to ½ cup cold water

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1½–2 inches deep)

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Filling:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the fruit, sugars, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

   • Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring until the fruit softens.

   • Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the fruit mixture.

   • Cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened.

   • Cool completely before assembling pies.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

   • Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   • Add cold water a little at a time until dough forms.

   • Roll into a ball, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pies:

   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick.

   • Cut into 5–6 inch circles (a bowl works great as a guide).

   • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of fruit filling into the center of each.

   • Moisten the edges with water, fold over, and press to seal with a fork.

4. Fry the Pies:

   • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot.

   • Fry pies for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

   • Remove to paper towels to drain.

5. Optional Glaze (or Dusting):

   • For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or dip warm pies.

   • Or, dust with cinnamon sugar while still warm.