Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a delightful treat perfect for chilly days. These hand pies combine a flaky crust with a warm, spiced fruit filling for a cozy, comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- Pie dough (enough for 6-8 pies)
- Spiced fruit filling (about 2 cups)
- Sugar (for sprinkling, as desired)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick.
- Step 2: Cut the dough into mitten-shaped pieces using a template or freehand. Spoon a tablespoon of spiced fruit filling onto half of the cutouts, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Step 3: Place the remaining dough mittons on top, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Step 4: Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each pie for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Step 5: Arrange the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg for classic spiced fruit filling, or try pears and ginger for a twist.
- Brush the tops with a little beaten egg before baking for a shiny, golden finish.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storage
Store leftover mitten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, pre-made pie dough works very well and saves time. Just make sure it is thawed according to package instructions before using.
What fruits work best in the spiced filling?
Apples, pears, and berries all make excellent bases for spiced fruit filling. Choose firmer fruits that hold their shape well when baked.
PrintWinter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are charming, hand-shaped pastries filled with a warm spiced fruit filling, perfect for cozy winter gatherings. These pies combine a flaky pie dough exterior with a sweet and aromatic fruit mixture seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 individual mitten pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Spiced Fruit Filling
- 3 cups mixed fruit (apple, pear, and cranberry), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Other
- 1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough begins to clump. Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the spiced fruit filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, pears, and cranberries with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Roll out dough and shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut out shapes for bottom pies. Repeat with the second disk for tops.
- Fill the pies: Spoon a tablespoon of fruit filling onto each bottom mitten dough piece, leaving a small border. Moisten edges with a little water, then place a top mitten shape over the filling. Seal edges by pressing with fingers or a fork.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle lightly with sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the pies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm as a delightful winter treat.
Notes
- Use chilled butter and water to ensure a flaky pie crust.
- The fruit filling can be adjusted to your favorite seasonal fruits.
- To prevent soggy bottoms, bake the pies on a preheated baking sheet or stone.
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk and butter with vegan margarine.
Keywords: winter pies, mitten pies, spiced fruit pies, holiday dessert, hand pies, baked pastries
