Apple Hand Pies

Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines sweet, spiced apples with a flaky crust. These portable desserts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a cozy evening at home. The warm aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will fill your heart with joy and make your mouth water.

Why Make This Recipe

Making apple hand pies is not just fun; it’s also simple. They are a great way to use up fresh apples, and you can customize the filling to suit your taste. Plus, who doesn’t love a mini pie? These hand-held desserts are perfect for sharing, and they are a fantastic treat for kids and adults alike. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you’ll love how quick they come together.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Making apple hand pies is an enjoyable process. Gather your ingredients, follow the directions, and soon you’ll have a batch of delicious hand pies ready to share!

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups chopped apples (240 grams)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to your personal preference)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon butter (15 grams, cubed into small pieces, optional)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 1 to 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie crusts to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter (or cup), cut out as many circles from the pie crusts as you can. Reroll any scrap pieces of dough as needed. You should get about 18 to 20 circles. Place the cut-out pie crust circles on the baking sheets and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until fully combined and all the apples are coated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Set aside.
5. Remove the pie crust circles from the refrigerator and evenly distribute the apple filling between half of them, leaving room at the edges. Place 1 to 2 pieces of the cubed butter on top of the filling in each pie.
6. Place the other half of the pie crust circles on top. If needed, use some water or the egg wash to dampen the edges and help seal them together, then crimp the edges with a fork.
7. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, then cut 2 to 3 slits in the top of each pie.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies

Apple hand pies are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They also make for a perfect snack or dessert when paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Apple Hand Pies

To store apple hand pies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-friendly bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Apple Hand Pies

• Use a variety of apples for more flavor; some great choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preference.
• For a crispier crust, remember to roll the dough thin and chill it before baking.

Variation

You can customize apple hand pies by adding other fruits, such as pears or cranberries, for a different flavor. Consider adding nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, for some crunch. You can also try using different spices, such as allspice or ginger.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the pie crust ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

2. What can I use instead of eggs for an egg wash?

You can brush the tops with milk or cream if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.

3. How do I know when the hand pies are done?

The hand pies are done when they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling out of the slits on top.

Enjoy making your delicious apple hand pies!

Apple Hand Pies

Delightful mini pies filled with sweet, spiced apples and wrapped in a flaky crust, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 pieces

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 2 pieces pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

For the filling

• 2 cups chopped apples (240 grams) Use a variety of apples for more flavor; such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adjust based on your taste preference.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon butter (15 grams, cubed into small pieces, optional)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 1 to 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie crusts to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter (or cup), cut out as many circles from the pie crusts as you can. Reroll any scrap pieces of dough as needed.
• Place the cut-out pie crust circles on the baking sheets and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until fully combined and all the apples are coated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Set aside.

Assembly

• Remove the pie crust circles from the refrigerator and evenly distribute the apple filling between half of them, leaving room at the edges.
• Place 1 to 2 pieces of the cubed butter on top of the filling in each pie.
• Place the other half of the pie crust circles on top. If needed, use some water or the egg wash to dampen the edges and help seal them together, then crimp the edges with a fork.
• Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, then cut 2 to 3 slits in the top of each pie.

Baking

• Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To store, let hand pies cool completely, then place in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Keyword apple hand pies, apples, bakery, Dessert, mini pies