Apple Hand Pies Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a delightful little treat that’s perfect for fall, afternoon snacks, or even brunch, you’re going to adore this Apple Hand Pies Recipe. These flaky, buttery pastries bursting with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples are exactly what comfort food dreams are made of. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a fast favorite—whether you’re serving them up fresh out of the oven or packing them for on-the-go bites.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with the filling here. Crisp apples meet a blend of warm spices and just a bit of flour to thicken things up, all wrapped in flaky pie crust that’s either homemade or store-bought for an easy shortcut.

• Pie Crusts: I’m a fan of using store-bought pie crusts for convenience, but homemade adds an extra love note if you have time.
• Apples: Choose firm, tart ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well and balance the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness; you can adjust if your apples are very sweet.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices so your pies aren’t soggy.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash amps up the flavor perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon: This is my favorite spice here; adjust the quantity to suit your craving for warmth.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle depth to the apple filling.
• Egg: Beaten egg acts as the glue to seal the pies and gives a golden finish on top.
• Milk: Mixed with egg to make the perfect egg wash—adds sheen and a little softness.
• Butter: Small cubes on top of the filling make the inside ultra-rich and luscious.
• Coarse Sugar: Optional, but I love sprinkling it on top for sparkle and a subtle crunch.

Variations

I love keeping this Apple Hand Pies Recipe simple, but you can absolutely personalize it based on what you’ve got in your pantry or how fancy you want to get. I’ve tried a bunch of twists, and trust me, it’s always worth experimenting!

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom gives the filling a beautiful, cozy complexity I adore during the holidays.
• Fruit Swap: I’ve swapped apples for diced pears or even mixed berries when apples weren’t in season; the pies still turn out incredible.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg wash with almond milk mixed with maple syrup for a lovely vegan twist.
• Sweetened with Honey: Instead of granulated sugar, I once used honey to sweeten the filling—it gave a floral note that everyone complimented!

How to Make Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Chill and Cut Your Pie Crust

This is where a little patience pays off. Roll your pie crusts out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or a cup, cut as many circles as you can—usually about 18 to 20. Pop these onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and into the fridge while you prep your filling. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape when you add the filling.

Step 2: Mix Your Apple Filling

Combine your chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. I love coating the apples evenly, so every bite is perfectly spiced—no clumps of cinnamon or dry flour, just magic.

Step 3: Assemble Your Hand Pies

Remove the chilled pie crust circles from the fridge. Spoon your apple filling onto half of them, leaving a small border so you can seal the edges without the filling spilling out. Add 1-2 small butter cubes on top of the filling to keep things rich and luscious. Then place the other half of the circles on top. Dampen the edges with water or a bit of your egg wash to help seal the pies, and press the edges together with a fork for that classic crimped look.

Step 4: Brush, Score, and Bake

Brush the tops with the egg wash to get that gorgeous golden sheen. A light sprinkle of coarse sugar adds sparkle and crunch that’s irresistible. Don’t forget to poke 2-3 little slits on top of each pie to let steam escape—this keeps the crust crisp and prevents messy overflows. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let them cool a bit before you dig in; that filling will be hot and worth the wait.

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra decadence. Sometimes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes these hand pies downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a hot cup of spiced tea or a bold coffee to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, they go great alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad to keep things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making Apple Hand Pies Recipe for a party, try arranging them neatly on a wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream and caramel sauce for dipping. I once wrapped individual hand pies in parchment and twine for a rustic giveaway at a family gathering—and they vanished fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a day or two. Otherwise, refrigeration works fine, but I recommend reheating to bring back that crispy crust.

Freezing

One of the best things about this Apple Hand Pies Recipe is that you can freeze them before baking. I like to freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To get that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness back, I reheat hand pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, skipping the microwave so the crust stays wonderfully flaky. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave followed by a few minutes in a hot skillet can also revive them pretty well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Hand Pies Recipe turns out every single time. They’re straightforward, comforting, and just the right size to enjoy without any fuss. When I first tried making them, I was surprised by how easy the process was and how quickly they disappeared once out of the oven. This recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal effort—and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. Go ahead, give it a try, and let these little pies bring some sweet, flaky happiness to your kitchen!

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