Apple Hand Pies

Alrighty folks, gather ’round because I’m about to spill the tea — or should I say caramel? — on these fabulous Apple Hand Pies. Imagine cozying up with a bite-sized apple pie that’s basically giving you a hug from the inside. These pies are portable, adorable, and wrapped in flakey, buttery goodness that could convince even the cold-hearted winter to take it easy. You gotta try them because, honestly, when was the last time you saw a dessert this cute and delicious just begging to be dunked in vanilla ice cream?
Ah, the echoes of loving sighs and happy stomps from my little troop when they catch a whiff of these pies baking! My husband says they’re the reason he put a ring on it. Okay, maybe not literally, but he sure is a sucker for ’em. One lazy Sunday, after a debacle with a burnt lasagna, these guys swooped in to save the day. They’ve been nominated as the honorary dessert at family picnics, game nights, and those ‘just because’ moments when cravings strike. I can’t picture fall without them, you’ll see what I mean when that apple-cinnamon aroma hits you.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Hand Pies
– They’re like a mini celebration of sweetness in your hand. Chaos never tasted so good.
– They’re the perfect road-trip snack — like, who doesn’t want a pie-to-go?
– My toddler mistakenly calls them ‘apple sandwiches,’ which I think is adorable and almost makes sense?
– Frozen ones zap back to life perfectly when you suddenly NEED AN APPLE HAND PIE NOW.
How to Make It
Alright, buddy, here we go. Picture me, stirring a pot with a wooden spoon and a child hanging off my leg. Roll out that crust dough like you’re trying to erase a bad day — but, you know, gently. Now, the filling, oh man — apples leaping all over the counter, cinnamon dust in your hair, it’s a scene! Spoon those sweet golden apples onto your dough circles, and fold ’em like tiny tacos. Gently-now brush with some egg wash if you’ve got it, but if you’re out like I usually am, a slather of melted butter does just fine. Pop them in the oven, cross your fingers, and hope for the best! Ding! Grab ’em out and try not to burn your mouth… if you can wait, they’re even better with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Finger-lickin’ accomplishment, folks!
Ingredient Notes
– Granny Smith Apples: Tart, juicy, and hold up to cooking. Mishaps happened when I tried using softer apples — they basically turned to mush.
– Butter: Don’t skimp! Butter is life. It’s what makes that crust flakey and golden. Margarita tried using margarine once… she’s still apologizing.
– Cinnamon: Can you have too much? I don’t think so. Sprinkle that magic like confetti, but taste as you go (once, I powered through, and my pies ended up tasting like a cinnamon challenge).
Recipe Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
3. Prepare apple filling with diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Place spoonfuls of filling onto circles, fold to enclose.
5. Brush with butter or egg wash.
6. Bake until golden. Enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Mistake numero uno is thinking your kitchen won’t look like a cinnamon-bomb exploded. Embrace the chaos. Oh, and if you’ve got a penchant for forgetting sugar (me, oops), throw a little sprinkle on top post-bake. Gets the job done.
Storage Tips
Chuck these pies in a sealed container if there’s any left. They live happily in the fridge, but you can also freeze ’em and reheat in the oven at a low temp. I sometimes devour one cold, standing in front of the fridge, and it still tastes like a hug. These babies are breakfast-acceptable, too — yes, even on a rushed Monday morning.
Variations and Substitutions
Got no cinnamon? Nutmeg’s up to bat, but use sparingly unless you want a nutmeg slap in the face. Sub honey for sugar if you’re in a bind — it adds a different kind of sweet. You can also sneak in some cranberries if you’re feeling wild. Once, I didn’t have apples and threw in pears. Surprisingly delightful!
Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 0.25 cup cold water plus more if needed
- 1 large egg beaten for egg wash
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add cold water, mixing until dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to create a half-moon and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each hand pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Super easy and so flavorful! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and will make again results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the creamy came together.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the creamy came together.”
“New favorite here — absolutely loved. rich was spot on.”