Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a cozy treat perfect for chilly days. These hand-held pies combine a spiced fruit filling wrapped in flaky dough, making them a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- Pie dough
- Spiced fruit filling
- Sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the pie dough and cut into mitten-shaped pieces or circles for easier shaping.
- Step 2: Place a spoonful of spiced fruit filling onto one piece of dough, then top with another piece and seal the edges well.
- Step 3: Sprinkle sugar on top for a light sweetness and added texture.
- Step 4: Bake the pies in a preheated oven until the dough turns golden brown and flaky, usually about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar before sprinkling on top.
- Use different fruit fillings like apple, cherry, or mixed berries to customize the pies.
- Brush the tops with a little beaten egg before baking for a shiny finish.
Storage
Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie dough works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing taste.
What kind of fruit filling is best for Mitten Pies?
Spiced fruit fillings like apple-cinnamon or berry blends work well, providing warmth and sweetness to complement the flaky crust.
PrintWinter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand-held pastries filled with a warm, spiced fruit filling wrapped in flaky pie dough. Perfect for cozy winter days, these charming mitten-shaped pies combine a comforting blend of sweet and spiced flavors baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 mitten pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Spiced Fruit Filling
- 3 cups mixed fruit (such as apple, pear, and cranberry), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk, for brushing
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Spiced Fruit Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped fruit with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a template, cut out an even number of shapes for the pies.
- Fill and Assemble the Pies: Place a spoonful of the spiced fruit filling onto half of the dough mittens, leaving a small border around the edges. Brush the edges with a little water, then top with another dough mitten. Press edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp if desired.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled mitten pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar to add a golden, sweet crust.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mitten pies for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and flaky. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cold butter and ice water when making the pie dough to achieve a flaky texture.
- You can customize the fruit filling with your favorite winter fruits like apples, pears, cranberries, or even dried fruits.
- If you do not have a mitten-shaped cutter, create a paper template to cut out shapes with a knife.
- These pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen before baking for later use.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Keywords: Winter Comfort Mitten Pies, mitten-shaped pies, spiced fruit pies, hand pies, winter desserts
