Picture this: a warm, little pie that fits right in your hand, filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust. That's what apple hand pies are all about. They're like mini versions of a big apple pie, but way easier to make and even easier to share. You don't need fancy tools or skills, just some basic ingredients and a bit of love.
These hand pies are perfect for when you're craving something sweet or when you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a hit because it's simple and straightforward, yet the result is incredibly delicious. The secret lies in using tart apples like Granny Smith, which balance sweetness and add the perfect amount of tang. Combined with the warmth of cinnamon, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Plus, using pre-made pie crust cuts down on prep time, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can whip up these hand pies with confidence, knowing they'll turn out great every time.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. These hand pies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm from the oven on a cold day, pack them for a picnic, or add them to your holiday dessert spread. They're also customizable; you can tweak the filling by adding nuts, caramel, or even a dash of nutmeg for a personal touch. The size makes them ideal for portion control or for serving at gatherings where you want a variety of desserts. Once you try these apple hand pies, you'll see why they're a favorite treat that brings smiles and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect for filling as they keep their shape and offer a nice, tangy flavor. Substitute: Pears for a different but equally delicious taste.
Pie Crust: Use pre-made crusts for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch. Substitute: Puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling. Adjust according to the tartness of your apples. Substitute: Brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apple filling. Substitute: Nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Egg: An egg wash gives the hand pies a golden, shiny finish. Substitute: Milk or cream for a vegetarian option, though with less shine.
Tips
- Dice the apples finely to ensure they cook through and fit well within the small pies.
- Chill the pie dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to keep the pies flaky.
- Seal the edges of the pies well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Cut small slits on top of each pie before baking to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish and sprinkle with a little sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
How to Serve
Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, pack them for a sweet picnic snack, or offer them at gatherings as a finger food that's easy to eat without needing a plate or utensils.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, serve warm apple hand pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
- As Part of a Breakfast Spread: These hand pies can also double as a sweet breakfast option, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pies for an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.
Similar Recipes
Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 pre-made pie crusts or homemade dough
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening
- A pinch of salt
- Additional sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt until the apples are well coated.
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut into circles using a cookie cutter or a cup.
- Place a small spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Make a small slit on top of each pie for steam to escape. Brush each pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the pies are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Chill the pie dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle and to keep the pies flaky.
• Seal the edges of the pies well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• Cut small slits on top of each pie before baking to allow steam to escape.
• Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish and sprinkle with a little sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.