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A cozy and inviting image of golden, flaky apple hand pies arranged on a rustic wooden board. One of the pies is cut open to reveal a warm, gooey appl
Jana Rae

Apple Hand Pies Recipe

These homemade apple hand pies are flaky, buttery, and filled with warm spiced apples. An easy-to-make, cozy dessert perfect for anytime.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 hand pies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar optional, for sweet pies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
  • 2 large apples peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey substitute
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening
  • 1 tbsp water
For the Topping:
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 2 tbsp rolled oats optional
  • ½ tsp cinnamon for sprinkling

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir well and let the apples cook for 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the apples. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 3-4 inch round cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles. Re-roll any scraps to get as many circles as possible.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pies
  1. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Place another dough circle on top and gently press the edges together to seal.
  2. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they’re sealed tightly. Cut a small slit on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
  1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush a light coating over the tops of the pies for a golden finish. Sprinkle with a mix of rolled oats and cinnamon for extra texture and flavor.
  2. Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let the apple hand pies cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm on their own, or serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Dough Chilling is Key: Letting the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps create a flaky, buttery crust. If you have extra time, chilling for an hour will give even better results.
  • Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst open while baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per pie for the perfect balance.
  • Sealing the Edges: Make sure to crimp the edges well using a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. You can also lightly brush the edges with water before sealing to help them stick.
  • Baking Tip: If you want extra golden, crispy hand pies, brush them with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water) before baking.
  • Serving Suggestion: These pies taste amazing warm or at room temperature, and they pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the hand pies a day in advance and store them unbaked in the fridge. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge for a fresh, homemade treat.
  • Freezing Instructions: To freeze, place unbaked pies on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.