Apple hand pies are a delightful and portable twist on the traditional apple pie, offering all the warm, spiced flavor you love in a convenient handheld form. These golden-brown pastries are filled with tender apple chunks cooked in cinnamon and sugar, then baked to perfection in a flaky, buttery crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easier and quicker than making a full pie
Perfectly portioned for on-the-go snacking or lunchboxes
Classic apple-cinnamon flavor wrapped in flaky pastry
Great for holidays, bake sales, or family desserts
Can be made ahead and stored or frozen for later

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
Cornstarch (or flour, for thickening)
Pie dough (homemade or store-bought)
Egg (for egg wash)
Butter (optional, for extra richness)

Directions

Prepare the filling:
Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. In a saucepan, combine apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in a little cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Let it cool completely.
Roll and cut the dough:
Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into circles or ovals, around 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
Assemble the pies:
Place a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture onto one side of each dough circle. Fold over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Add egg wash:
Beat an egg and brush the tops of the pies to give them a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra texture.
Bake:
Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and serve:
Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 hand pies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add soft caramel bits or drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
Apple and Berry: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Spiced Rum Apples: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the filling for a bold, adult twist.
Fried Version: Instead of baking, fry the assembled hand pies in oil for a crispier finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds (though the crust may soften).

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for hand pies?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and balance the sweetness of the filling.

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Yes, store-bought pie crust or puff pastry works well and saves time.

Should I cook the apple filling before baking?

Yes, precooking the apples prevents excess moisture and ensures a perfectly thick filling.

Can I make these hand pies in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator up to 1 day before baking, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, they can be deep-fried for a crispier result. Make sure the edges are well sealed to avoid leaks.

How do I prevent hand pies from leaking?

Ensure the edges are tightly sealed, and avoid overfilling them. A fork press and egg wash help lock in the filling.

Do I need to poke holes in the tops?

Yes, a small vent or slit on top helps steam escape during baking and prevents bursting.

Can I glaze them instead of using sugar?

Certainly. A simple powdered sugar glaze can be drizzled over the cooled pies for added sweetness.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use flour as a thickener, though cornstarch gives a clearer and smoother result.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, they’re fun to make and eat, making them a great baking project or lunchbox treat for children.

Conclusion

Apple hand pies offer a cozy, nostalgic taste in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package. With their buttery crust and warmly spiced filling, these treats are perfect for everything from casual snacks to holiday desserts. Simple to make and easy to customize, they’re a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep on hand throughout the year.

Apple Hand Pies

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Apple Hand Pies are individual, portable pastries filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling, wrapped in flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10–12 hand pies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
Unroll pie crusts and cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
Spoon a small amount of apple mixture into the center of each dough circle.
Fold dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk to make egg wash. Brush over each pie.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.