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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead gently, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 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.
- Whisk the egg and brush each hand pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch and sparkle.
- 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.
- Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled hand pies for extra sweetness.
- 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