Name: Apple Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6–8 tbsp ice water; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp cornstarch (or flour); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: coarse sugar for topping; Optional: powdered sugar and milk or apple cider for glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Hand Pies offer all the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie without the hassle of slicing and serving. Their handheld size makes them perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, parties, or simply satisfying a cozy pie craving. With a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and optional glaze or sugar topping, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to customize.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Ice water
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Egg (for egg wash)
Optional: coarse sugar or glaze for topping

Directions

Start by making the pie dough. Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough chills, prepare the filling by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples. Cook them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of cornstarch until soft and thickened. Let the filling cool.
Roll out the dough and cut it into circles or rectangles.
Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using.
Bake until golden brown and flaky.
Let cool slightly before serving. Add a glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 10 to 12 hand pies, depending on the size of your cutouts. Prep time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling the dough. Baking takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Variations

Use store-bought dough: For a shortcut, use refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry.
Caramel apple version: Add soft caramel bits or a drizzle of caramel to the filling.
Add nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple mixture for crunch.
Spiced glaze: Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon or apple cider for a unique glaze.
Different fruits: Try pears, peaches, or berries for a seasonal twist.
Savory twist: Omit the sugar and fill with savory ingredients like apple and cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked hand pies and bake or reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for hand pies?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought crust or puff pastry works well and saves time.

How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill the pies. Use a fork to crimp well and cut small vents on top.

Do I have to cook the apple filling first?

Yes, pre-cooking the apples ensures they’re tender and the filling isn’t watery.

Can I freeze Apple Hand Pies?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked hand pies and bake them from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

What size should I cut the dough?

A 4 to 5-inch round or square is a good size for hand pies. Adjust based on your preference.

Can I fry them instead of baking?

Yes, you can deep-fry hand pies in hot oil until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

How do I make the glaze?

Mix powdered sugar with milk or apple cider until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pies.

Are they good served cold?

They’re best warm or at room temperature, but still tasty when cold.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

You can, though homemade filling gives better texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Hand Pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a compact, flaky package. Whether you make them from scratch or take shortcuts, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With endless filling and topping possibilities, these pies are a versatile treat you’ll love baking again and again.