Caramel Apple Pie Cups

3 Granny Smith apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, chopped
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup soft caramels (about 8 pieces), unwrapped
2 boxes (11 ounces each) piecrust mix
1/2 cup cold water
1 egg, lightly beaten

Combine apples, brown sugar, butter, apple juice, cream, pie spice,
cornstarch and caramels in a skillet. Bring to boiling over high heat,
stirring frequently, 8 to 10 mins.Lower heat to medium; cook for another 2
to 3 mins. Remove from heat.Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Stir together 2
boxes piecrust mix and cold water in medium-size bowl until dough comes
together in ball. Divide in half. Transfer half of dough to floured work
surface. Roll out to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using
4-inch round cutter or lid of 13-ounce coffee can, cut out 6 circles.

Then with 2-3/4-inch cutter, cut 6 smaller circles, rerolling scraps as
needed. Repeat with second half of dough, cutting out six 4-inch circles
and six 2-3/4-inch circles. Reserve any leftover dough for other uses,
refrigerating for up to 3 days, or freezing up to 1 month.Press a 4-inch
circle of dough into a 2-3/4 x 2-inch cup of a muffin tin, pressing dough
up sides and overlapping rim slightly. Repeat with remaining large circles
and cups, filling a total of 12 cups.

Fill each pastry-lined cup with a scant 1/4 cup filling. Brush edges of
smaller circles with egg. Top pie bottoms with smaller circles; pinch
pastry edges together to seal. Decoratively pierce tops (Or cut smaller
circles into strips for a lattice top.) Bake in 425 degree F oven for 15
mins or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Remove pies to wire
rack to cool. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired. Makes 12 pie cups.

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