Buttery Apple Hand Pies Recipe: Grab-and-Go Sweet Bliss

Crispy, golden apple hand pies dance with sweet nostalgia and promise a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Flaky pastry wraps around tender fruit, creating pockets of pure comfort.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through these miniature treats, inviting warmth and joy.

Each bite tells a story of homemade love and culinary creativity.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper secrets of autumn’s embrace within delicate crusts.

Simple ingredients come together like old friends, ready to charm you.

Who can resist these pocket-sized wonders that bring happiness in every single crumbly, fruity mouthful?

Why Apple Hand Pies Are A Cozy Fall Favorite

• Craft Compact Desserts: Create adorable mini pies that are perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
• Master Quick Pastry Skills: Learn a simple technique for creating hand-held pies that builds confidence in basic baking and pastry-making techniques.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different spices, fruit variations, or toppings to personalize these versatile hand pies and suit individual taste preferences.
• Enjoy Portable Comfort: Grab these delightful hand pies for an on-the-go treat that combines the warmth of homemade baking with convenient handheld eating.

What You Need For Apple Hand Pies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture for the hand pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie dough.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the pie dough when incorporated correctly.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together without overworking the mixture.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and tangy fruit base for the hand pies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a syrupy filling.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes depth of flavor and helps caramelize the apple filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, classic spice that complements the apples.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth to the apple mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a smooth consistency.

• Egg: Used to create a golden, shiny egg wash for the hand pies.
• Coarse Sugar: Provides a crunchy, sparkling topping for the hand pies.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, Milk: Optional glaze ingredients for additional sweetness and flavor.

Steps To Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare Pie Dough Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, salt, and sugar. Break cold butter into small pieces and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs. The goal is to create tiny butter pockets that will make your crust wonderfully flaky.

Step 2: Form Dough Disk

Slowly add ice water to the mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Gently knead the dough, shape it into a smooth disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for one hour. This resting time helps the gluten relax and butter firm up.

Step 3: Create Apple Filling

• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Dough

On a flour-dusted surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut 4-inch circles.

Step 6: Fill Pie Circles

Place a generous spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.

Step 7: Shape Hand Pies

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together with a fork to create a tight seal. Trim any uneven edges for a perfect finish.

Step 8: Add Egg Wash

Whisk an egg and brush it over each hand pie. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top to create a sparkling, crunchy exterior.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling begins to bubble.

Step 10: Optional Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth, sweet drizzle. Pour over cooled hand pies for an extra touch of decadence.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the pies rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm for the most delightful experience.

Helpful Hints For Apple Hand Pies

• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the dough before adding filling to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.
• Keep Apples Fresh: Soak diced apples in lemon water for a few minutes to prevent browning and maintain their vibrant color during preparation.
• Seal Perfectly: Use a fork's tines or crimp edges with your fingers to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on apple variety – tart apples like Granny Smith need more sugar, while sweeter varieties require less.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble unbaked hand pies, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick homemade desserts anytime.

Fun Fillings And Spins On Apple Hand Pies

• Seasonal Berry Blast: Swap apples with a mixed berry combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant summer version.
• Caramel Pecan Crunch: Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the filling for a rich, nutty experience.
• Tropical Mango Fusion: Replace apples with diced mangoes and add a hint of ginger and cardamom for an exotic flavor profile.
• Spiced Pumpkin Harvest: Incorporate pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a fall-inspired hand pie.

Perfect Sides For Apple Hand Pies

• Spice Up Your Sip: Pair crisp apple cider with these hand pies to enhance the warm cinnamon and apple flavors, creating a cozy autumn-inspired drinking experience.
• Creamy Companion: Serve vanilla bean ice cream alongside the hand pies, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast with the warm, flaky pastry and complement the sweet apple filling.
• Nutty Nibble Sidekick: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts on the side to introduce a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that beautifully balances the pie's sweetness.
• Smooth Beverage Match: Enjoy a hot cup of chai tea with these hand pies, as the spicy notes of cardamom, ginger, and cloves will harmonize wonderfully with the pie's warm spices.

Storing Apple Hand Pies Without The Mess

• Place cooled hand pies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Store completely cooled hand pies in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy crust and warm filling. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.

Your Apple Hand Pie Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients for the apple filling?

Diced apples, white and brown sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch create a perfectly balanced and flavorful apple mixture that enhances the hand pies.

• How do I ensure my pie dough is flaky?

Use cold butter and ice water, and avoid overworking the dough. Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create those desirable flaky layers.

• Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store the dough and filling separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling and baking the hand pies.

Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade “Classic Apple Hand Pies” deliver sweet comfort from grandma’s kitchen with buttery pastry and warm cinnamon spices. Crisp golden edges and rich apple filling promise delightful moments that satisfy seasonal cravings you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Pie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 cup ice water

Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (granny smith or honeycrisp)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for optional glaze)
• 2–3 tbsp milk (for optional glaze)

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Instructions

1. Create the pie dough by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead gently, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Prepare the apple filling by peeling and dicing apples into small, uniform cubes. Toss with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circular shapes using a round cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges together with a fork to seal completely. Trim any uneven edges if needed.
8. Whisk the egg and brush each hand pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch and sparkle.
9. Arrange hand pies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each pie. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and filling is bubbling.
10. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled hand pies for extra sweetness.
11. Allow pies to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

• Customize the dough by using cold coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that maintains a flaky texture.
• Control apple moisture by patting diced apples dry with paper towels to prevent soggy hand pies and ensure a crisp crust.
• Create uniform hand pies by using a ravioli cutter or empanada press for consistent sizing and professional-looking edges.
• Enhance flavor complexity by mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart filling.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg