Name: Apple Hand Pies With Store-Bought Pie Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 store-bought pie crusts (refrigerated or thawed if frozen); 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp water; Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional, for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly convenient thanks to the use of store-bought pie crust, making it quick and easy without sacrificing that homemade taste. The hand-held size makes them fun to eat and great for entertaining, holidays, or lunchbox treats. Plus, the sweet apple filling is perfectly spiced and satisfying, giving you classic apple pie flavor in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Store-bought pie crusts (refrigerated or frozen, thawed if frozen)
Apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Lemon juice
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Egg (for egg wash)
Water (to mix with egg wash)
Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4–5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water, then fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges with a fork to seal.
Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie for steam to escape.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 hand pies, depending on the size of your cutter.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Caramel Apple: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the filling for a richer flavor.
Apple-Pear Combo: Mix diced pears with apples for a fruity twist.
Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to deepen the spice profile.
Glaze Finish: Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze after baking.
Savory Option: Swap out the filling for savory ingredients and cheese or spinach and feta.

Storage/Reheating

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.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
You can also microwave them for 15–30 seconds, but they may lose their flaky texture.
Freeze unbaked hand pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp work well for texture and flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for longer storage.

Do I need to cook the apple filling first?

No, the apples will cook as the pies bake, staying tender but not mushy.

How do I prevent the pies from leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill the crusts.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier, more buttery result, but it may require a shorter baking time.

Can I make a glaze for the top?

Absolutely—mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla for a quick glaze after baking.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s up to personal preference.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, for a shortcut. Just be cautious not to overfill the pies, as canned filling can be more liquidy.

What if I don’t have a round cutter?

Use a glass, bowl, or any round object as a guide, or cut the dough into squares for a different shape.

Can I air fry these instead?

Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness.

Conclusion

Apple Hand Pies with store-bought pie crust are a sweet, simple way to enjoy the flavors of classic apple pie with less effort and mess. With a flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and a hand-held size, they’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or serving as a charming dessert at any occasion. Whether baked fresh or frozen for later, these little pies are sure to satisfy.