📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let’s tackle that apple filling. In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced apples, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and a splash of lemon juice. The lemon juice will keep the apples from browning and adds a little zing. Set this mixture aside for now, letting the flavors meld together while you prep the dough. This is where the magic starts to happen, and believe me, the aroma will make your kitchen smell divine!
2. Time for the crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust (whether homemade or store-bought) to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more circles until you've used up all the dough. Don't worry if they aren't perfect; rustic is charming!
3. Now, for the fun part: assembling the empanadas. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they might burst open during baking – we're aiming for delicious, not disastrous! Gently fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This is crucial to keep that yummy filling inside!
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. For that gorgeous golden-brown finish, whisk together an egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. This step is optional but highly recommended – it gives them that bakery-worthy shine! If you skip this step they will still taste fantastic though, don't you worry.
6. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle a little granulated sugar or coarse sugar over the tops of the empanadas before baking. This adds a nice crunch and a touch of extra sweetness. Otherwise, skip on to the baking!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. Trust me, the smell wafting from the oven at this point is pure bliss. A little reminder, though: ovens can vary, so start checking around 20 minutes just to be sure.
8. Once they're beautifully golden, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
9. Serve these delightful apple pie empanadas warm or at room temperature. They're perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Dust with powdered sugar for extra pizzazz.
10. And that's it! You've just created your own batch of homemade apple pie empanadas. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don't be afraid to get creative with your own fillings and toppings. Happy baking!