Name: Easy Apple Hand Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups peeled, diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash); Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple hand pies are everything you love about classic apple pie—sweet cinnamon-spiced filling, tender apples, and buttery crust—but much easier and faster to make. They’re great for kids and adults alike, perfect for grab-and-go treats, and can even be made ahead. Plus, you can use store-bought or homemade dough depending on your schedule.

Ingredients

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

Refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
Egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

Preheat 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 (if using), lemon juice, and flour or cornstarch. Toss until well coated.
Roll out the pie dough and cut into circles or rectangles using a cookie cutter or knife.
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of half the dough pieces.
Top with remaining dough pieces and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Cut a small slit or poke holes in the top of each hand pie for steam to escape.
Brush each hand pie with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8–10 hand pies, depending on size.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Glazed Version: Drizzle cooled hand pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Caramel Apple: Add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the filling.
Apple-Cherry: Mix in chopped cherries or dried cranberries with the apples.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper fall flavor.
Mini Version: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized pies.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds.
To freeze, wrap cooled hand pies individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, for a shortcut, you can use canned filling—just chop it up if the apple pieces are large.

Do I have to cook the apple filling first?

No, the diced apples will soften perfectly in the oven as they bake.

What’s the best apple to use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji also work great.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier texture—just watch the baking time as it may cook faster.

Can I deep-fry these instead of baking?

Yes, you can deep-fry at 350°F until golden brown, but baking is easier and less messy.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the pies, and make sure to seal the edges tightly with a fork.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to use an egg wash?

It’s optional, but it gives the pies a beautiful golden color and helps the sugar stick.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all ingredients, including flour and filling, are gluten-free.

What should I serve these with?

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Apple Hand Pies are a delightful way to enjoy the cozy flavors of apple pie without the fuss. Perfectly portioned and full of sweet, spiced apple filling, they’re a hit at gatherings or as a simple homemade treat. Whether you bake them for the holidays or just because, these handheld pies are sure to bring smiles with every bite.