Apple Hand Pies Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about warm pies fresh from the oven, especially when they’re perfectly portable like these delightful Apple Hand Pies Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines tender, spiced apple filling with flaky crust, making the perfect little handheld treat that’s great for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how easy it was to make and how fast they disappeared once served—trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for these!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Hand Pies Recipe lies in its simplicity—the classic flavors of spiced apples wrapped in buttery crust come together effortlessly. For a smooth baking experience, choose crisp, tart apples that hold their shape well, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and make sure your pie crust is cold for flakiness.

• Pie crusts: Using store-bought pie crusts saves time, but homemade crusts add that extra homemade love and flakiness.
• Chopped apples: Fresh apples work best; remember to peel and chop them evenly for consistent filling texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the tartness of the apples perfectly without being too sweet.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t get runny during baking.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of apple pie flavor — adjust based on how cinnamon-y you like it!
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and complexity.
• Large egg: For egg wash that gives a golden, shiny crust.
• Milk: Mixed with the egg for smooth brushing on the crust.
• Butter: Small cubes add a luscious richness inside each pie.
• Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a light crunch and sparkle — totally optional but so worth it.

Variations

I love how versatile this Apple Hand Pies Recipe is—once you have the base down, it’s easy to switch things up to suit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with coconut oil and swap the egg wash for almond milk or a simple maple syrup glaze—I tried this once, and it was just as flaky and delicious!
• Different Fruit Fillings: Pears, mixed berries, or even peach can make excellent swaps if you want a seasonal twist.
• Reduce Sugar: I’ve dialed back the sugar when serving to kids who prefer subtly sweet treats, and it still tastes amazing.
• Spice It Up: Adding a little ground ginger or cloves amps up the warm spices, perfect for chilly nights.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare & Chill Your Pie Crust Circles

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to about 1/8-inch thick. For this step, I use a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or a sturdy cup to cut out circles—aim for 18 to 20 circles total. Pro tip: keep rerolling the scraps gently so you maximize every bit of dough without overworking it. Place the circles on your baking sheets and pop them into the fridge to chill while you whip up the filling; this keeps the crust firm and helps it bake up nice and flaky.

Step 2: Mix Your Apple Filling

Grab a medium bowl and combine your chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together thoroughly so every apple piece is coated with that magical spice blend. When I first made this recipe, I almost missed adding the flour and the filling was way too runny—trust me, don’t skip that step!

Step 3: Assemble Your Pies

In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash and set aside. Retrieve your chilled pie crust circles and spoon the apple mixture evenly over half of them, making sure to leave about a ¼-inch border around the edges. Then, add 1 or 2 small cubes of butter on the filling—this little addition makes the inside velvety and extra rich. Place the remaining dough circles on top and seal the edges by pressing down gently with a fork, using a little egg wash or water if needed to help them stick.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops of each hand pie with your egg wash to develop that beautiful golden glow. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top if you want a delightful crunch and a bit of sparkle—this step always makes my pies feel extra special. Cut two to three small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the pies at 400°F (204°C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until they’re golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through the vents. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying—if you’re anything like me, waiting that long might be the hardest part!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I love brushing the pies with egg wash and sprinkling coarse sugar before baking—it adds just that little extra crunch and sparkle. Once they’re out of the oven, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can also take these hand pies to the next level. For a decadent touch, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top while still warm.

Side Dishes

These hand pies stand perfectly on their own but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced cider really rounds out the experience. If you’re serving them at brunch, some whipped cream or yogurt topped with cinnamon pairs beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that arranging these hand pies in a pretty basket lined with a colorful cloth makes a lovely gift or centerpiece for gatherings. For holidays, you can even use festive cookie cutters to make fun pie shapes or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a special treat. Presentation definitely adds to the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—or pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh for 4 days. I usually recommend refrigeration if it’s warm or humid where you are.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these pies individually. After baking and cooling them completely, I freeze on a tray until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 months. When I want one, I just thaw it at room temperature—it tastes almost freshly baked!

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust and warm filling, I reheat my pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving makes them soft, so the oven is definitely my go-to method!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really think this Apple Hand Pies Recipe is one of those little kitchen triumphs that delivers big smiles—there’s just something so satisfying about pulling these golden, flaky pockets of warmth out of the oven. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy solo treat, you’ll enjoy how straightforward and rewarding this recipe is. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to for apple season or anytime you want a heartwarming baked good that feels homemade and special.

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