Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of fresh apple pie wafting through the air, and these Apple Pie Hand Pies bring that beloved flavor to a portable treat! Each bite offers a delightful crunch, followed by the sweet, spiced taste of tender apples wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for dessert lovers and ideal for any occasion, these hand pies are sure to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 hand pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon of the apple mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a semi-circle and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden brown color.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep your dough cold: Use cold butter and chill the dough well to ensure a flaky crust.
- Chill the apple filling: This will help keep the juices from making the dough soggy.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices or add nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Use a variety of apples: Mixing sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp can enhance flavor.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives your hand pies a beautiful golden finish.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking for healthier options, consider using whole wheat flour for the dough for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar in the filling or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead. Additionally, these hand pies can be made with other fruits such as pears or berries for a delightful twist!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, retaining their crispiness.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to make the hand pies.
- What types of apples are best for hand pies? A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, works wonderfully for a balanced flavor.
- Can I bake these hand pies from frozen? Yes, you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How can I prevent the filling from leaking? Ensure the edges are sealed well and try not to overfill the pies.
Nutritional Estimate
Each Apple Pie Hand Pie contains approximately 200 calories, 3g of protein, 10g of fat, and 27g of carbohydrates. They are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without overindulging.

Apple Pie Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl
- Add cold butter and mix until coarse crumbs form
- Gradually add ice-cold water until dough holds together
- Divide dough into two discs and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Combine skinsided diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice
- Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness
- Cut 4-inch circles and fill with 1 tablespoon apple mixture
- Fold dough into semicircles, press edges to seal, and crimp with fork
- Brush tops with egg wash
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until golden
Notes
Chill apples before filling to reduce moisture
Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days