Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 packages (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp coarse sanding sugar

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (mixed with a teaspoon of water) and simmer for 2 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy.
  3. Remove filling from heat and let it cool completely to prevent the pastry from melting during assembly.
  4. Roll out refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface and use a 3-inch circular cutter to create dough circles.
  5. Place 1 tablespoon of cooled filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over into a half-moon shape, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  6. Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the tops with beaten egg wash, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is a deep mahogany-gold.