Apple Hand Pies Recipe

There’s something incredibly charming about these little pockets of gooey, spiced apple goodness, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Apple Hand Pies Recipe with you. They’re like mini gifts you can hold and eat—perfect for cozy afternoons, parties, or even a fun kitchen project with the kids. Plus, you don’t need a full pie pan or fancy equipment, which makes them super approachable.

I love how this recipe balances that flaky, buttery crust with the warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried making apple hand pies, I was worried about the crust getting soggy or the filling being too runny, but this recipe nails it every time—I’ll tell you my secrets on how to get that perfect texture and flavor!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh apples and a good-quality pie crust can really make a difference here. Whether you go for homemade crust or store-bought, just make sure it’s thawed if frozen and easy to roll out.

• Pie crusts: Homemade adds a special touch, but store-bought is a fantastic shortcut that still yields great results.
• Chopped apples: I love using crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they keep their shape well and offer a nice balance of tart and sweet.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a lovely caramel-like depth when baked.
• All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t bubble over and become soggy.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and richness to the apples.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings cozy autumn vibes—adjust to your liking!
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity without overpowering the cinnamon.
• Egg: Whisked with milk, it serves double duty as both a binding agent and a golden glaze on the crust.
• Milk: Lightens the egg wash for that perfect shiny finish.
• Butter (optional): Dotting butter on the filling gives each pie a little extra richness and a melt-in-your-mouth touch.
• Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top to add a subtle crunch and sparkle after baking.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Apple Hand Pies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on who I’m serving and what’s in season—feel free to experiment as much as you like.

• Add nuts or dried fruit: Toss in chopped walnuts or raisins for a little extra texture and flavor; my family goes crazy over the nutty crunch.
• Use alternative fillings: Try swapping apples for pears or mixing apples with cranberries for a festive twist.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based pie crust and swap the egg wash for a little almond milk and maple syrup.
• Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add a splash of ginger or clove for a more robust flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness; this thickness is key for that perfect flaky crust that crisps up without getting tough. Using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or even a sturdy cup, cut as many circles as you can—aim for about 18 to 20. Don’t forget to chill these circles in the fridge while you prep the filling; cold dough helps keep the shape and prevents shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss together your chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. The flour is a little magic in this step—it thickens the filling so you won’t have soggy hand pies. If you’re wondering about the apple size, small, bite-sized pieces cook evenly and help the pies hold together better, so chop accordingly.

Step 3: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Take the chilled pie crust circles back from the fridge and start spooning the apple mixture onto one half of them, leaving a little room around the edges for sealing. I like to dot 1 or 2 small cubes of butter on each pile of apple filling—this adds richness and a little extra golden buttery flavor while baking. Place the remaining pie crust circles on top, and seal the edges by pressing gently with your fingers, then crimp with a fork for a pretty, secure finish. If needed, use a dab of water or egg wash on the edges to help things stick together.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Give each hand pie a brush of the egg and milk wash to help achieve that beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar if you’d like a bit of sparkle and crunch. Don’t forget to cut 2 to 3 small slits in the top crusts—that’s essential for venting steam and keeping the pies from bursting unexpectedly. Bake them in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and irresistible. Let them cool slightly before digging in!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a light dusting of powdered sugar can make these hand pies look bakery-worthy. Sometimes, I drizzle a little caramel sauce on top when serving for an indulgent touch. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never goes amiss, especially when the pies are still warm.

Side Dishes

These hand pies are perfect as a cozy dessert paired with hot beverages like coffee, chai, or apple cider. For a brunch spread, I like serving them alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. They’re also delightful with a sharp cheddar cheese board if you want to mix sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these Apple Hand Pies on rustic wooden boards with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a beautiful, homemade vibe. Wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or party favor. You can also dust the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a festive sparkle that kids love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warmer out or you want to keep them a bit longer, popping them in the fridge works fine—just allow them to come back to room temp or warm gently before enjoying.

Freezing

I love freezing these hand pies before baking—just assemble them, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ve got fresh-tasting pies ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat leftover hand pies, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to revive crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky and the filling luscious—it tends to get soggy fast that way.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Hand Pies Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to desserts for good reason—they’re approachable, delicious, and perfect for sharing. I think you’ll love how satisfying it is to bite into a warm, flaky pie filled with that cozy apple filling, especially during cooler months. Give them a try; I promise it’ll become a recipe you reach for again and again, whether it’s for an afternoon treat or your next family gathering.

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