These apple hand pies are a sweet treat wrapped in a flaky crust! Filled with warm, spiced apples, they are like little hugs of dessert you can hold in your hand.
They make great snacks for kids (and adults too!). I love popping one in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up—pure comfort in a bite! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your dough. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. It might change the texture a bit but still can be delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It’ll still add that flaky texture!
Apples: I love mixing Granny Smith for tartness and Gala for sweetness. If you can’t find those, Honeycrisp or Fuji can work well too. Just make sure to adjust sugar levels based on their sweetness.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg really spice up the filling. Feel free to add a bit of ginger or allspice for extra flavor. Adjust to your taste!
Cornstarch: This is great for thickening the filling. If you’re out, you can use flour or even arrowroot powder for similar results.
How Do I Make the Dough Perfectly Flaky?
Creating flaky pie dough takes a little care, but it’s worth it! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep your ingredients cold. This is crucial! Cold butter ensures those lovely layers when baking.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it’s combined. A little bit of butter showing through is okay!
- Chill the dough. Resting in the fridge for at least an hour helps to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
Rolling out the dough should be gentle too. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick; this is the sweet spot for pockets that hold their shape while baking!
What’s the Best Way to Seal the Hand Pies?
Sealing the pies well is important to keep the filling inside. Here are a few tips to do it right:
- Brush water on the edges to help the dough stick together.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them but adds a nice touch!
- Make slits on top to let steam escape, preventing sogginess.
Following these steps ensures your hand pies are not only sealed properly but also look great!
Delicious Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar (for dough)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 4-6 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples (a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Gala), peeled, cored, and diced small
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. This includes 15 minutes for preparing the filling and dough, plus at least 1 hour for chilling the dough, and a final 25-30 minutes for baking. It’s an easy process that leads to delightful results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This helps create that flaky texture!
2. Bring the Dough Together:
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it! Once combined, divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Make the Apple Filling:
While the dough is chilling, make your filling! In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Toss everything together well and set aside to let those flavors mingle!
4. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
5. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter (about 5 inches in diameter), cut out circles. Repeat with the second disk and set the circles aside.
6. Fill the Pies:
Take a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling and place it on one half of each dough circle, leaving a little border around the edges. Don’t overfill, or they may burst during baking!
7. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of the dough with a little bit of water, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice seal.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer your hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, make small slits on top of each pie. This allows steam to escape, preventing them from getting soggy while baking.
9. Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture gently over the tops of the pies to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
10. Sprinkle and Bake:
Finally, sprinkle a little sugar over each pie for that added sparkle and sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. They are delightful on their own, but I love them warm or even at room temperature!
Enjoy your flaky, scrumptious apple hand pies! They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie dough can be a great substitute. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and shaping, then fill it with the apple mixture as directed in the recipe.
What Apples Work Best for the Filling?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for flavor complexity. Granny Smith and Gala are great options, but you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for delicious results!
Can I Make These Hand Pies Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply ensure the butter is unsalted. For a vegan option, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup.
How Should I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for that crispy crust!
