There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky Apple Hand Pie. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and apple wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen on a crisp autumn day. These delightful pastries are like little pockets of joy, bursting with juicy fruit and enveloped in buttery crust that shatters just right with each bite.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought pie crust for apple hand pies?
- How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?
- What variations can I try with the filling?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I attempted to make these charming treats during a family gathering. Picture this: flour flying everywhere, my dog eyeing the fallen scraps like they were gold, and everyone eagerly awaiting their turn for a taste. Spoiler alert: they were gone in minutes! These hand pies are perfect for fall festivities or simply when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Apple Hand Pies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Their irresistible flavor combines sweet apples and warm spices that will have everyone coming back for more
- Visually stunning, they make an impressive dessert for gatherings or family dinners
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or an afternoon snack!
One time, I made these pies for a potluck dinner, and let me tell you, the compliments kept rolling in! People couldn’t believe how delicious they were. For more inspiration, check out this delicious stuffed dates recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best dough texture; it’s your pie’s foundation.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key; it creates those lovely flaky layers every hand pie needs.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of apples; use it generously but not excessively.
Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that brings warmth and depth; freshly ground is always better.
Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for flavor contrast; they’ll hold up beautifully when baked.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the apple filling and prevents browning; it’s a must!
Egg Wash: A mixture of beaten egg adds a golden sheen to your pies; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough holds together, then chill it while you prepare the filling.
Create the Filling: Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin pieces. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well-coated. Let this sit for about 15 minutes so those flavors mingle beautifully.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your surface before rolling out half of your chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or glass—roughly five inches wide should do!
Assemble the Pies: Place a spoonful of apple filling on one half of each circle. Fold over the other half to create crescent shapes and press edges firmly with your fingers to seal them tight. For extra flair (and to avoid explosions), crimp edges with a fork.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with egg wash for that golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Strong coffee is recommended because once you take that first bite of warm apple goodness, you may never want to share.
These Apple Hand Pies are not just food; they’re comfort wrapped in flaky pastry! Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving or enjoyed alone on a rainy afternoon while cozying up with a book, they’ll surely bring smiles all around! Enjoy every crispy bite as laughter fills your home—and don’t forget to save one for yourself! delicious Dutch Apple Cake. easy Peach Cobbler Dump Cake.
You Must Know
- Apple hand pies are not only delicious but also super easy to make
- The sweet aroma of baking apples will fill your kitchen and bring smiles all around
- A light, flaky crust meets juicy, spiced filling for a perfect balance that no one can resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the apple filling first; while it simmers, roll out your pastry. This way, everything comes together seamlessly when you’re ready to assemble your apple hand pies. tasty Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. sweet caramel apple slices You can even drizzle some caramel on top before serving to elevate the sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again. For more inspiration, check out this refreshing cucumber salad recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your dough is cold before rolling it out for a flakier texture
- Always taste the filling before sealing; adjust spices as needed
- Use egg wash on top for a golden finish that’s picture-perfect
There was this one time I baked apple hand pies for a family gathering, and my cousin couldn’t stop raving about them! He even asked if I could open a bakery—now that’s some serious pie love!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for apple hand pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust saves time and still delivers delicious results.
How do I prevent my hand pies from leaking?
Ensure you seal the edges tightly and poke small holes on top for steam to escape.
What variations can I try with the filling?
Mix in berries or nuts with the apples for added flavor and texture in your hand pies.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Apple Hand Pies are the ultimate fall treat, combining flaky pastry with a warm, spiced apple filling. These delightful mini pies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crispy crust and sweet aroma of cinnamon, they’re sure to bring smiles to your family and friends. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later—either way, they’ll be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and cut until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms; chill.
- Create the Filling: Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl; let sit for 15 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll half the dough to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 5-inch circles.
- Assemble the Pies: Place apple filling on one half of each circle. Fold over and seal edges tightly; crimp with a fork.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (80g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg