Ingredients:
For the Dough:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
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⅓ to ½ cup ice-cold water
For the Filling (choose one or mix & match):
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1 ½ cups fruit preserves or pie filling (apple, cherry, peach, blueberry, etc.)
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Optional: fresh chopped fruit mixed with sugar and cinnamon for homemade filling
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil or shortening, enough for deep frying (about 2 inches deep)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until dough comes together. Avoid overworking.
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Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare Filling:
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If using preserves, have them ready to spoon.
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If making fresh fruit filling, cook fruit with sugar and cinnamon until slightly thickened. Let cool.
3. Roll Out Dough:
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On a floured surface, roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Cut into circles using a 4–5 inch cutter or a glass.
4. Fill and Seal:
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Place about 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
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Moisten edges with water, fold dough over to form a half-moon shape.
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Press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
5. Heat Oil:
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.
6. Fry Pies:
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Fry pies in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
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Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve:
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Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with glaze.
Optional Glaze:
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pies.