Apple Hand Pies are one of my favorite fall treats! They’re the perfect mix of a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling tucked inside a buttery, flaky crust.
The best part? They’re easy to make with store-bought pie crust, so you can have these little handheld desserts ready in no time.
If you have a little more time on your hands, you can also give my sourdough jam-fille hand pies a try. Or these savory hand pies with spinach and feta cheese!
📖Printable Recipe
Apple Hand Pies
These delicious hand pies are a perfect combination of sweet and flaky. The buttery crust is filled with a warm and spiced apple filling that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The hand pies are easy to make and perfect for a quick and easy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 2 smaller Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Assembly:
- 2 sheets of store-bought pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
2. Assemble the Hand Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the store-bought pie crust and cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter) using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of one dough circle.
- Top with a second dough circle, gently pressing down around the edges to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to fully seal the pie.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Use a small knife to cut two small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Bake the Pies:
- Place the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies and allow it to set for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 130mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g
Ingredients
- Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples: The mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling a perfect balance of flavors.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Add sweetness and a slight caramel note to the filling.
- Cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs so well with apples.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bit of brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Butter: Helps soften the apples and adds richness to the filling.
- Store-bought pie crust: Makes this recipe super easy without compromising on that buttery, flaky texture.
- Egg wash: Gives the pies a beautiful golden color.
- Powdered sugar glaze: A simple glaze that adds sweetness and a lovely finishing touch.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
2. Assemble the Hand Pies:
- Use a small knife to cut two small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the store-bought pie crust and cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter) using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of one dough circle.
- Top with a second dough circle, gently pressing down around the edges to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to fully seal the pie.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
3. Bake the Pies:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Place the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies and allow it to set for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Hint: make sure to cut small slits on top of each hand pie before baking. This allows the steam to escape, preventing the pies from bursting while they bake.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free version of these hand pies.
- Add-ins: You can add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice swap: If you want more spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon for a little twist.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Let the filling cool before assembling the hand pies. If the filling is too hot, it can soften the dough too much, making it difficult to seal the edges properly.
FAQ
Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade pie crust will work beautifully and add extra flakiness.
Yes! You can assemble the pies, refrigerate them, and bake when you’re ready. They’re also great to freeze and bake later.
Be sure not to overfill the pies, and press the edges together firmly before crimping with a fork.
How to Store Apple Hand Pies
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
If freezing, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving!
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