Apple Hand Pies are a delightful, flaky pastry filled with spiced apples. These homemade treats evoke the essence of autumn and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these hand pies will bring warmth and comfort to your table. The combination of buttery crust and sweet apple filling creates an irresistible dessert that is easy to make and even easier to love.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Hand Pies
These Apple Hand Pies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore them:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for using up seasonal apples.
- Can be customized with different spices and fillings.
- Great for dessert pockets or snacks.
- Freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Fun to make with kids or friends.
With a combination of Mini Apple Pies and Apple Pastries, they are a wonderful addition to your American dessert repertoire.
Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies
Gather these items:
- Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 6 tbsp ice water
- Filling
- 3 cups apples (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Topping
- 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Apple Hand Pies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Step 2: Slowly add ice water and mix until dough forms. Chill for 30 mins.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Step 4: Roll out dough and cut into circles. Add apple filling to half of each circle.
- Step 5: Fold over, crimp edges, and place on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Step 7: Cool slightly before serving or store for later.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Hand Pies
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky crust.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for different flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Hand Pies
These hand pies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by:
- Serving with vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzling with caramel sauce.
- Pairing with a cup of hot cider.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Hand Pies
To store, place the cooled hand pies in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. These are also great for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Hand Pies
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Hand Pies?
The secret lies in the dough! Make sure to use cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. This results in a flaky, tender crust that complements the sweet apple filling perfectly.
Can I make Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Hand Pies?
Common mistakes include using warm butter, which can lead to a tough crust. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough; this step is crucial for flaky results.
Variations of Apple Hand Pies You Can Try
Feel free to customize your hand pies with these ideas:
- Use different fruits like pears or berries for a twist.
- Make them Gluten-Free Apple Hand Pies by substituting with gluten-free flour.
- Try a Vegan Apple Hand Pies version using plant-based butter and egg substitute.
These variations make this American classic even more enjoyable!
For more tips on baking, check out our baking guide and learn how to make the most of your ingredients with our ingredient tips. If you’re interested in more dessert recipes, visit this page for inspiration!
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Delicious Homemade Apple Hand Pies Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 6 tbsp ice water
- Filling
- 3 cups apples (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Topping
- 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Slowly add ice water and mix until dough forms. Chill for 30 mins.
- In another bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Roll out dough and cut into circles. Add apple filling to half of each circle.
- Fold over, crimp edges, and place on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before serving or store for later.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Apple Hand Pies