Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are golden, flaky pastries filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for cozy fall days, holiday gatherings, or as a nostalgic dessert any time of year. With a buttery crust and comforting apple filling, these handheld treats offer all the flavor of a classic apple pie in a perfectly portable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These hand pies bring together the best elements of a traditional apple pie—tender fruit, spiced sweetness, and a crisp, buttery crust—in an easy-to-serve format. They’re ideal for bake sales, lunchboxes, or gatherings where full-size pies might be less convenient. You’ll love how versatile they are, and how beautifully the homemade dough bakes up golden and flaky. Plus, the apple filling is rich, warm, and fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pie Dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 2 cups diced apples (peeled, any variety)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Assembly

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• Additional sugar for sprinkling (optional)

directions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, form into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to macerate.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out equal-sized circles.
5. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   Place half of the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each. Top with the remaining dough circles. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal, then cut a few small slits in the tops for steam to escape.
6. Egg Wash and Topping:
   Beat the egg with the milk. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash and sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10 hand pies
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 235 kcal per hand pie

Variations

• Caramel Apple: Add a teaspoon of caramel sauce inside each pie for extra richness.
• Maple-Spiced: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of allspice.
• Glazed Finish: Drizzle cooled pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a bakery-style touch.
• Puff Pastry Shortcut: Use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker version.
• Savory Twist: Replace apple filling with a mixture of cheese and sautéed onions or spiced ground meat.

storage/reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven for a crispier texture. These also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience, though homemade offers superior flavor and flakiness.

What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking and provide great flavor balance.

Do I need to cook the apples first?

No, the apples cook while baking in the oven, absorbing the sugar and spices beautifully.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Seal the edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling. Make sure to vent the tops to release steam.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Are these good served cold?

They can be eaten cold, but they’re best enjoyed warm or room temperature for optimal texture.

How can I make them more decorative?

Use small cookie cutters to cut shapes from extra dough and place them on top before baking.

Can I add raisins or nuts?

Yes, a few chopped walnuts or raisins can be mixed into the apple filling for added texture and flavor.

Is the egg wash necessary?

The egg wash creates a glossy, golden finish, but you can skip it or use plant-based milk for a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

Apple Hand Pies are a comforting and classic dessert that brings all the charm of homemade baking into a fun, portable format. With a spiced apple filling and crisp golden crust, they’re the perfect treat to serve warm with coffee, pack for picnics, or share at holiday tables. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these hand pies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Apple Hand Pies

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Golden and flaky apple hand pies filled with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect for fall and holiday baking, these individual pies make a cozy, portable treat packed with homemade flavor.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 hand pies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tbsp ice water
• 2 cups diced apples (peeled, any variety)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk
• Additional sugar for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough comes together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles.
6. Place half the dough circles on the baking sheet and add 1–2 tablespoons of apple filling to each center.
7. Top with remaining circles, crimp edges with a fork, and cut slits in the top for steam to escape.
8. Beat egg with milk and brush over each hand pie. Sprinkle with extra sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use a mix of apple varieties for depth of flavor—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.
• Chill the assembled pies briefly before baking to help them hold their shape.
• Leftover pies can be stored at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg