Irresistible Apple Hand Pies: A Delightful Fall Treat

Name: Apple Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, diced); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 6-8 tbsp ice water; 3 cups tart apples (peeled and diced); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar

Published: September 23, 2025

by Molly white

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Apple Hand Pies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers
Their sweet and tart flavor profile brings joy to every bite
With their charming visual appeal, they’ll brighten up any dessert table
Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion

I still remember the first time I made these Apple Hand Pies; my friends were convinced I had become a pastry chef overnight after one bite! healthy pumpkin protein balls.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating a tender yet flaky crust; look for unbleached varieties.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the best texture; it should be diced into small cubes before mixing.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds just the right touch to balance the tart apples.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in this delightful pastry.
Ice Water: Keep it cold! It helps bind the dough without melting the butter before baking.

For the filling:

Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth to your apple filling; freshly ground is preferred.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the apples and prevents browning while adding zestiness.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes that complement the apples beautifully when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Apple Hand Pies

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly—think sandcastle-building but tastier!

Add Ice Water: Gradually mix in ice water until dough forms. Split into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge.

Make the Filling: While dough chills, peel and dice apples. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and let sit to develop flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe.

Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into squares or circles depending on your desired shape. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.

Add Filling: Place a spoonful of filling onto one half of each dough piece. Brush edges with water and fold over to seal—like cradling little apple babies!

Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

And there you have it! Your very own Apple Hand Pies ready to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy while warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream… if there’s any left!

You Must Know

Apple hand pies are a delightful treat bursting with flavor
They are perfect for using up fresh apples and can be customized with spices or toppings
The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel cozy and nostalgic

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the filling while the dough chills; this keeps everything organized and stress-free. Roll out the dough, fill it, and seal before baking. Following this sequence ensures perfectly cooked, flaky pies.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap apples for pears or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also experiment with different types of sugars for a unique sweetness in each bite. Personalizing these treats makes them truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store cooled apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If reheating, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best apple hand pies, always chill your dough before rolling it out
This helps achieve that sought-after flaky texture
Ensure your filling isn’t too wet; excess moisture can lead to soggy crusts that no one wants to eat!</p>
<p>Finally, brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish that shines like your baking skills!

Baking these apple hand pies reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned to appreciate simple joys like food made with love and laughter shared over warm pastries.