Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Hand Pies featuring a tender, flaky crust filled with a spiced apple mixture. Perfectly portioned for easy handling, these hand pies combine the tartness of Granny Smith or sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to golden perfection for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, diced
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Dough and Topping
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and thickener.
- Cut and chill dough circles: Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface and use a round cutter to cut circles for the hand pies. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator to keep the dough firm and easier to work with.
- Fill and fold hand pies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto each dough circle, leaving space around the edges. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies tightly.
- Apply egg wash and sugar topping: Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you desire added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake until golden brown: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the crusts turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool before serving: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- You can substitute pie crust with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- If the filling is too juicy, add a little extra cornstarch to absorb excess liquid.
- For a dairy-free glaze, use a plant-based milk brushing instead of egg wash.
- These hand pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
