Apple Hand Pies

As a busy woman who loves cooking for her family, there’s something magical about the simplicity of a homemade pie—especially when it’s as easy as making hand pies! These little pastry pockets filled with sweet apple goodness are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a cozy family gathering or want to share something special with friends, these apple hand pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, I’m going to guide you through making these scrumptious hand pies from scratch, step by step. I’ll share some tips, personal anecdotes, and easy modifications so you can get creative with the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for everyone!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Hand Pies

Let me tell you why I adore this apple hand pie recipe: it’s simple, customizable, and perfect for any skill level. I remember the first time I made these. The kids were running around, the house was buzzing, and I had a sudden craving for something warm and comforting. I thought, “Why not make apple pies, but in a fun, handheld form?”

Not only do these pies smell amazing as they bake, but they’re also super portable—great for picnics, lunchboxes, or a snack to take on the go. Plus, you get that golden, flaky crust and a perfectly spiced apple filling in every bite. Yum!

But that’s not all. Here’s why this recipe is perfect for families:

• Quick prep time: You can make these pies in less than an hour.
• Kid-friendly: Children love helping to assemble the pies (just make sure they don’t eat all the filling!).
• Versatile: This recipe is great for experimenting with different fruits or spices. If you like using pumpkin in your treats, check out our Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake for more fall-inspired recipes.

What You’ll Need for These Apple Hand Pies

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these apple hand pies. I love using basic ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry and fridge, making this an accessible treat for anyone.

Pastry Dough Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter (cold and diced into small pieces)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I recommend King Arthur flour for consistency)
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp cold water

Apple Filling Ingredients

• 2 cups diced baking apples (peeled and finely diced)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice (freshly ground if you have it!)

Egg Wash Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

When making the dough, it’s all about getting that buttery, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Here’s how to get started:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the 1 tsp of salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small, lentil-sized crumbs.
3. Add cold water: Drizzle the 4 tablespoons of cold water over the mixture. Use a fork to gently toss and moisten the dough.
4. Knead lightly: Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Knead it gently until it comes together. Avoid overworking the dough—it’ll keep it tender and flaky.
5. Chill: Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the dough’s texture, so don’t skip it!

Pro tip: If you’re in a pinch, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. It makes the process even quicker the next day!

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Dough Circles

Once your dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out. Here’s how to do it:

1. Roll the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/6-inch thickness. You want it thin but not too fragile.
2. Cut the circles: Use a round cutter or small bowl to cut out 12 circles, each about 4 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a cutter, a drinking glass works just as well.
3. Re-roll the scraps: If you have extra dough, simply gather the scraps, roll them out again, and cut more circles.

Note: You might not get exactly 12 perfect circles on your first try—that’s okay! Just reshape and roll the dough until you’ve got what you need.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

Now for the fun part—the filling! This is where you can get creative with flavors.

1. Prepare the apples: Peel and finely dice 2 cups of apples. Choose baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
2. Add sugar and spices: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of allspice. The spices really bring out the apple flavor and give the pies that warm, comforting taste.
3. Adjust sweetness: Taste the filling and feel free to add a little extra sugar or spice based on your preferences. Some people love a dash of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness! If you’re in the mood for more fall-inspired flavors, check out our Pumpkin Spice White Russian for a cozy drink pairing.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Now that your dough is ready and your filling is prepared, it’s time to assemble the pies:

1. Place the filling: On one side of each dough circle, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling.
2. Brush the edges: Whisk 1 egg with 1 tbsp of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the dough circles to help seal them.
3. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down the edges, sealing them tightly.
4. Prepare for baking: Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can brush the tops with a little more egg wash for a golden finish.

Tip: Make sure you don’t overfill the pies. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want the filling to spill out while baking!

Step 5: Bake the Pies

It’s time to bake your little hand pies to perfection:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F and let it heat up while you finish assembling the pies.
2. Cut slits in the tops: Use a sharp knife to make three small slits on the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pies from bursting open.
3. Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pies for about 18-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
4. Cool: Let the pies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Customize Your Apple Hand Pies

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can tweak the ingredients and make the pies your own! Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Fruit mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears, cranberries, or even a mix of berries and apples for a fresh twist.
• Spice variations: If you love spices, try adding ginger, cloves, or nutmeg to the filling for a bolder flavor.
• Sweet glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the pies for an extra touch of sweetness.

If you love baking and want to try more fall-themed treats, don’t miss our Pumpkin Spice Muffin Tops or Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

FAQs About Apple Hand Pies

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Recipe for All Skill Levels

I love making these apple hand pies because they are versatile and super easy to whip up, even on busy days. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will bring comfort to your kitchen and smiles to your family’s faces.

The best part? The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations. So, get creative and make these pies your own!

Ready to try these apple hand pies? Share your creations with me on Pinterest—I’d love to see how you personalize this recipe. Happy baking!

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