Apple Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely adore this Apple Hand Pies Recipe. These little personal pies pack all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but in a cute, portable form that’s perfect for snack time, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. I discovered this recipe while searching for something cozy yet simple to make when the apple season hits, and let me tell you, it quickly became a family favorite. Stick around, because you’ll want to try this out ASAP!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Hand Pies Recipe balance sweet, tart apples with warm spices and buttery crusts — simple yet incredibly satisfying. Using a good quality pie crust (homemade or store-bought) makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

• Pie Crusts: Store-bought saves time, but homemade crust brings that extra flaky, buttery goodness.
• Chopped Apples: I love using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep that perfect bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the juicy filling, so you avoid soggy pies.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes the filling extra special.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here—adjust to your liking!
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the warmth of the mix.
• Large Egg: Used for the egg wash, giving the pies a beautiful golden finish.
• Milk: Mixed with the egg for brushing.
• Butter: Optional cubes on top of the filling add richness and a slight caramelization.
• Coarse Sugar: For sprinkling on top, to add a pretty sparkle and crunch.

Variations

One thing I love about this Apple Hand Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to make it gluten-free, add extra spice, or even turn it vegan, the possibilities are wide open. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap in gluten-free pie crusts and a bit more thickener like cornstarch for the filling.
• Spiced Up: Try adding ground cloves or cardamom for a bolder spice profile—I’ve done this and it’s heavenly.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a plant-based pie crust and an aquafaba or maple syrup glaze instead of egg wash.
• Fruit Mix: Sometimes I add diced pears or cranberries with the apples for a twist that my guests rave about.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Chill and Cut the Pie Crusts

Start by rolling out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. I use a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or even a sturdy glass to cut out circles — the perfect size for hand pies. Pro tip: keep those dough scraps, reroll them, and cut out more circles so you don’t waste any dough! Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the fridge while you prepare the filling. This chilling step helps keep the dough firm and easier to work with later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every piece is nicely coated. The flour thickens the juices, so the filling doesn’t get too runny during baking — trust me, you’ll want a filling that sets up well. Adjust cinnamon based on how much spice you love; I usually go for about a teaspoon since I adore the warmth it adds.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

Remove the chilled pie crust circles from the fridge. Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto half of the circles, leaving some space around the edges for sealing. Add 1-2 small cubes of butter on top of each pile — this little touch creates a luscious, buttery melt in the center that’s so worth it. Place the other pie crust circles on top, then seal the edges by dampening them with water or the egg wash and pressing together with a fork. This step can be a bit fiddly, but taking your time pays off with neat, sealed hand pies.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of the pies with the egg beaten together with milk — it makes the crust golden and shiny. Then, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a subtle crunch and a pretty finish. Don’t forget to cut 2-3 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape or you’ll end up with a pie mess! Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling inside. The smell alone will have you jumping out of your seat!

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these Apple Hand Pies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce when serving. It adds a little extra sweetness and elegance without overpowering the apple flavor. If you want a bit of texture, sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts on top alongside the caramel—it’s heavenly!

Side Dishes

Although these pies can stand alone, my family loves pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert. For a brunch spread, they go beautifully with a sharp cheddar cheese and slices of prosciutto for an unexpected sweet-savory combo that’s a big hit at parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve wrapped each hand pie in cute parchment bundles tied with twine for gifting or serving at fall gatherings. You can also arrange them on a large wooden board with small bowls of various dips—like spiced apple butter or honey cream cheese—for a fun interactive dessert display that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container either at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. I’ve found keeping them at room temp maintains the crust’s flakiness better, but refrigeration is safer if your kitchen tends to be warm.

Freezing

Freezing these hand pies works like a charm! Once cooled, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This trick saves me tons of time during busy holiday seasons or when I want a treat ready to bake whenever cravings hit.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking the pies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, just enough to warm through and crisp the crust. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky texture intact! If you’re short on time, a toaster oven works wonders too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about these Apple Hand Pies Recipe that goes beyond just the delicious taste—they bring people together in the best way. I love sharing these at family gatherings or cozy weekends, and seeing everyone’s smiles as they bite into that warm, flaky crust and spiced-apple filling. If you haven’t tried making hand pies before, this recipe is the perfect way to start. Trust me, once you do, you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over again!

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