Print

Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Homemade Apple Hand Pies

Homemade Apple Hand Pies are a cozy, flaky treat filled with a sweet, spiced apple mixture. Ready in under 30 minutes, these portable hand pies feature a buttery crust and a warmly spiced filling combining tart apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Perfect for a quick snack or charming dessert, they bring nostalgic comfort in every bite and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 3 cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Crust

  • Pie crust dough (store-bought or homemade), enough to cut 8-10 circles about 4-5 inches in diameter

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small, even pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and fragrant, bringing out the sweet-spicy flavors while maintaining some texture.
  2. Roll Out the Pie Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or glass, cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, which is ideal for easy-to-handle hand pies.
  3. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a generous spoonful of the cooked apple filling in the center of each dough circle, avoiding overfilling. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water to help seal, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and add a decorative finish.
  4. Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash made from the whisked egg and water. Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Keep everything cold: Chilling dough and butter helps achieve a flaky crust.
  • Do not overfill the pies to prevent leaks during baking.
  • Cut small slits on top before baking to release steam and avoid sogginess.
  • Use fresh, crisp apples for better texture and flavor.
  • Let pies cool slightly before eating to let the filling set.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple hand pies, homemade apple pies, hand held dessert, flaky crust apple pies, quick apple pies, spiced apple filling