There’s something irresistible about the golden, flaky crust of an Apple Hand Pie, filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth. These handheld delights are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery pastry that shatters delicately with every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re a quick yet impressive treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a dessert to share.
Each bite offers a burst of comforting flavors, from the tender apple filling to the crisp, golden exterior. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking one fresh from the oven. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, these pies are as easy to make as they are delicious, bringing a touch of homemade warmth to your day.
Ingredients for Delicious Apple Hand Pies
- 1 pound granny smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet pies)
- 2 Tablespoons butter (unsalted recommended for better control of flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or more for extra spice)
- 4 Tablespoons water, divided (2 Tablespoons for cooking apples, 2 Tablespoons for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the apple filling)
- 2 frozen pastry puff sheets (thawed, can substitute with homemade puff pastry if preferred)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash, helps achieve a golden crust)
- 1 Tablespoon cold water (to mix with egg white for the wash)
- 2 Tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for sprinkling on top, optional for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Apple Hand Pies
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into ½-inch pieces.
- Cook the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the butter melts. Add 2 Tablespoons of water, stir, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the apples soften to your desired texture.
- Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, mix 2 Tablespoons of water with cornstarch. Add this slurry to the saucepan, stir, and cover for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out both puff pastry sheets and cut each into six 3×6-inch rectangles.
- Assemble the pies: Evenly divide the apple mixture onto the center of half the rectangles. On the remaining rectangles, make 3-5 small cuts to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Seal the pies: Place a cut pastry rectangle over each filled rectangle. Press the edges together firmly using the tines of a fork to seal.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 Tablespoon of cold water. Brush this mixture over the top of each hand pie.
- Add the topping: In another small bowl, mix 2 Tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of each pie.
- Bake: Place the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffs up.
- Cool and serve: Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Sweeten It Up: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Take your apple hand pies to the next level with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. For a tangy twist, try a light dusting of powdered sugar mixed with a pinch of lemon zest. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes these pies a decadent dessert.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These apple hand pies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a dessert at your next gathering. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture. For a quick fix, a 15-second zap in the microwave works, but the pastry won’t be as crisp.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a fruity twist. Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture. If you’re feeling creative, try using different spices like nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon. For a savory version, skip the sugar and fill the pies with cheese and herbs.
Quick Fixes: Time-Saving Tips
To save time, use pre-sliced apples or a store-bought apple pie filling. If you’re in a rush, skip the egg wash and cinnamon-sugar topping—your pies will still taste delicious. For even faster prep, use a pizza cutter to slice the puff pastry into rectangles.
Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 1 pound granny smith apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons water divided
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 frozen pastry puff sheet, thawed
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tablespoon cold water
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut apples into ½ inch pieces.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, sugar, butter and cinnamon until butter is melted. Add 2 Tablespoons water, stir to combine, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until apples reach desired softness.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 Tablespoons water and cornstarch, then add to saucepan. Stir and cover for an additional 1-2 minutes, until apple mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Roll out both puff pastry sheets, and cut each sheet into six 3×6 inch rectangles.
- Evenly split the apple mixture down the middle of half the rectangles.
- In the other six sheets, make 3-5 cuts in the puff pastry.
- Take each puff pastry sheet with apples and top with a puff pastry sheet that has been cut.
- Press the seams together using the tines of a fork.
- In small bowl, mix together egg white and water.
- Brush over the top of each hand pie.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top of each pie.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, until pastry starts to brown.