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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

Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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

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

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Dough

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.