Apple hand pies are tasty little treats filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. They have a flaky crust that makes each bite so enjoyable!
Perfect for snacks or dessert, I can’t resist them warm from the oven. Pair one with ice cream, and it’s a delightful combo – just saying! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. You can mix varieties for more depth in flavor. If you’re out of apples, pears can be a fun substitute, too!
Sugars: I like using both granulated and brown sugars for a rich taste. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute, just keep in mind it may change the texture a bit.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, but feel free to add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a different twist. If you don’t have nutmeg, just doubling the cinnamon works well, too!
Pie Crust: Store-bought crusts are convenient, but homemade crust is delicious! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pie crusts or even puff pastry as an alternative.
How Do I Get My Hand Pies to Seal Properly?
Sealing the hand pies is important so your delicious filling doesn’t leak out while baking. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Make sure to brush just a little beaten egg on the edges; this helps it stick together.
- After folding, press the edges down firmly. Crimping with a fork also gives a nice finish and a good seal.
- Don’t skip cutting slits on top! This allows steam to escape and keeps the filling from bursting out.
How to Make Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 crusts per package)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus another 20-25 minutes for baking. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before diving in. So, in total, plan for around 50-55 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Mix it all together so the apples get a nice coating of sweetness and spice. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors mingle while you roll out the crust.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts:
Unroll one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) or a small bowl to cut out circles for your hand pies. If you have any scraps, just gather them up, reroll, and cut out a few more circles!
4. Fill the Hand Pies:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling and place it in the center of each dough circle—make sure to leave some space at the edges for sealing!
5. Seal the Pies:
Brush the edges of the dough circles lightly with the beaten egg. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp them with a fork to ensure they are sealed well.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the filled hand pies on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of each pie to let steam escape while they bake—this helps keep them from bursting!
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash for that glossy, golden finish. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for a little extra sweetness and crunch!
8. Bake the Hand Pies:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This step is super important because the filling will be very hot!
Enjoy your warm apple hand pies as they are or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can mix any variety of apples you like. For a sweeter pie, try Fuji or Gala apples, and for a more tart flavor, stick with Granny Smith or even add some tart cherries!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the apple filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use it within 1-2 days. This will also allow the flavors to develop even further!
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, or freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat them in the oven for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! You can mix in raisins, cranberries, or nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. A splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of caramel sauce can also elevate the filling!